Manager, Media Relations/Beat Writer

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Job Summary

The Manager, Media Relations/Beat Writer will provide content for Tampa Bay Lightning platforms, including web sites, social media, Lightning Radio and more while assisting with day-to-day media relations activities. This includes writing media materials, such as game notes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with editorial staff to effectively plan and schedule written content across all platforms while being self-sufficient and generating worth-while content
• Ideate new content series that produce traffic to all content platforms
• Work independently to compose daily stories, features, notebooks and other written content for www.TampaBayLightning.com
• Brainstorm, identify and execute enterprising or long-form written stories beyond the daily stories, features and notebooks
• Work closely with the Digital Media Manager to identify over- and under-performing content and make data-driven decisions on future content
• Stay current on all happenings with the Lightning by attending all practices, games and media sessions to effectively tell stories that are timely and informative
• Provide insight and analysis during radio hits for Lightning Radio, with potential to host radio programming and podcasts
• Provide team insight and analysis for video content on Bolts TV
• Utilize social media to build credibility as a Lightning hockey insider and deliver breaking news in a timely fashion
• Establish an identity as an expert on all things Lightning hockey
• Bring new ideas on how to better cover the Lightning as well as service the local media
• Oversee media credentialing and parking
• Produce game notes for all games, home and away
• Oversee the creation of the press box seating chart for all credentialed media every game
• Distribute post-game notes to all media after every game
• Work with other departments inside Vinik Sports Group to provide non-hockey content where appropriate
• Perform other duties, as assigned

Game/Event Responsibilities

• Game/Event Night responsibilities: Yes
• Work all 41+ home games and majority of road games (travel with team on charter, stay at team hotel, etc.)
• Travel to other league events - All-Star Game, Player Media Tour, NHL Draft, etc. as needed
• A valid passport is required for this position

Qualifications

• 4-7 years relevant experience performing the essential duties listed above
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education
• Past experience covering a sports beat is preferred
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Working knowledge of AP writing style
• Aggressiveness and creativity in seeking out pertinent stories
• Strong hockey knowledge preferred
• Comfortable talking on both camera and radio
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work well in a team setting
• Ability to handle all situations in a confidential and professional manner
• Ability to act professionally in a locker room setting
• Ability to interact and service media members for all different types of outlets

Working Conditions

• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in office and arena environment that can be exciting, loud and distracting
• This is an onsite role; flexibility to work a minority of time remotely
• Ability to work extended hours, including late nights, holidays, and weekends as needed
• Ability to work prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to lift/carry/move up to 25lbs
• Ability to work in cold indoor temperatures
• Ability to use hands and fingers on office and mobile technology
• Ability to listen and speak on phone, in meetings, and in one-on-one conversations
• Ability to commute to various venues throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area
• Ability to travel within the US and Canada for up to one-week at a time, multiple times per year
• Ability to work in areas that can become crowded with equipment and/or people
• Ability to move comfortable throughout the arena with minimal accommodations
• Ability to stand on feet for long periods of time, walk long distances and climb stairs.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.