The Manager of Communications will work closely with the VP of Communications to expand Fire’s day to day media coverage in the Chicago market and establish credibility with national media.

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as primary contact for day-to-day media inquiries
• Build/maintain relationships with reporters who cover Fire day to day and make weekly check ins with sports program directors
• Develop content for various Fire publications (Freekick, game day rosters, media guide and Insider as needed) with assistance from interns
• Work in coordination with the VP of communications on developing and pitching stories to national and local media
• Oversee press box operations on game day
• Assist VP of communications with New Media opportunities and content development as needed
• Serve as primary contact with Spanish language media
• Manage all media contact lists

Day to day media inquiries:

• Primary point of contact for reporter email and phone inquiries
• Proactively communicate day to day with media about coverage opportunities, including practice, pre-game stories, game storylines, community relations events, etc.
• Pitch, develop and deliver video and audio content to reporters and program directors with assistance from interns

Content development for Fire publications:

• Develop ideas with the VP of Communications for content in various publications including Freekick, Insider and game day rosters and draft content with assistance from interns

Media pitches:

• Develop ideas week to week for pitches to media in coordination with the VP of Communications.
• Make pitches to the media and develop any research or storyline points for pitches.

Game day responsibilities:

• Responsible for all credential and game-day media relations needs w/assistance from interns
• Serve as official statistician and oversee stats crew and game day volunteers
• Facilitate HT or post game broadcast interviews when needed
• Draft post-game release
• Serve as primary media representative on road trips

New Media:

• As needed, assist VP of Communications with development content for website, en fuego, twitter, Facebook and other New Media mediums.
• Post video and photos to en fuego and website
• Update all roster information including player bios, stats, etc.

Spanish media liaison:

• Serve as primary contact with Spanish language media for day to day inquiries, pitches, etc.

Media lists:

• Update all media lists (email lists, contact lists, etc) on a regular basis with assistance from interns

Other duties/responsibilities:

• As assigned by VP of Communications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Bilingual language skills (English & Spanish) required
• At least three years experience of public relations experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong understanding of the game of soccer; including plays, stats and history required
• Prior experience with posting content on websites and social media sites
• Willingness to learn in a fast paced environment
• Ability to work flexible hours, including but not limited to evenings, weekends and holidays
• Strong computer proficiency

Please submit your cover letter (including salary requirements) and resume for consideration.