Communications Manager
Richard Childress Racing, , NC, United States
Position Description: Manager, Communications
Position Summary
The Manager, Communications will plan, develop and execute a variety of media activities to promote Richard Childress Racing, maintaining a “partner first” attitude. This position requires a results-driven leader who is creative, passionate, detailed-oriented and can work daily with peers and media to drive value. This position is focused on developing and meeting established objectives and requires both tactical and strategic thinking. Responsible for developing and cultivating relationships with traditional and non-traditional media, both within motorsports and among non-endemic outlets. The manager, communications is responsible for developing press releases, media reports, corporate partner recaps as well as compiling and analyzing print and broadcast clips, data and metrics. This position works closely with RCR’s content team and will contribute to social and digital channels, as well as support RCR’s NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series program through public relations, partnership marketing assistance and weekend race coverage. Position reports to vice president of communications. Travel required. Position is based in Welcome, North Carolina.
Responsibilities
Communications
- Communications contact for a professional NASCAR team at Richard Childress Racing
- Produce driver/crew chief/executive/team-specific content to include pre-race reports, post-race reports, press releases, driver quotes, prepared speeches and program articles
- Serve as a copy editor for teammates in the communications department
- Prepare, load and finalize content for email distribution software
- Assist with uploading RCR-generated content to website and social channels
- Schedule and coordinate VIP opportunities for auction winners and corporate guests
- Lead and coordinate special video projects
- Constantly think outside the box to explore and research new and unique media opportunities to create value for partners
- Develops outreach plans and manages relationships with media, including industry-specific and non-endemic media members
- Schedule/appearance management for driver and team
- On-site media relations at race events, partner events and media events
- If applicable, co-manages Victory Lane (national and local interviews, post-victory press conference management, etc.) in conjunction with on-site partnership marketing manager
- Responsible for research and tracking metrics/analytics
- Conduct research for media campaigns
- Utilize media valuation tools on a weekly basis, and as needed for partner/event recap documents
- Track media placements
- Work closely with partnership marketing and strategic development teams to create custom media and partner recaps
- At-track, off-site and at-office communications
Content Development
- Work in conjunction with RCR’s content team to develop new and original content for website, including weekly feature stories
- Produces driver/team-specific social and digital media content in conjunction with content team
- Provide support for RCR’s social/digital content team including website maintenance, graphic creation and video production/editing support
- Responsible for working with partners and agencies to develop engaging content on RCR-owned social channels
- At-track, real-time social media support during race weekends across all channels
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing or related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience working within a professional sports team
- Strong writing skills and solid understanding of AP Style
- An advanced comfort level in developing strategic plans, pitching media and cultivating relationships with the press
- Expertise and comfort advising senior leadership and multiple personalities
- Strong organizational skills, with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to meet multiple deadlines
- Strong team, marketing and customer service orientation
- A self-starter with proven ability to work both independently and within a cross-functional team that includes both internal and external stakeholders
- Experience working with social media platforms
- Experience developing or participating in development of branded media strategies, editorial and content calendars
- Ability to maintain a flexible and unpredictable schedule; heavy weekend travel required