Vice President, Communications, Colorado Rapids

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Job Title: Vice President, Communications

Business Unit: KSE

Location: Commerce City, CO

Reports To: Chief Business Officer

Employment Type: Salaried - Exempt - Full-Time

Supervisor Position: Yes

Nature of Work:

The Vice President, Communications serves as chief strategist and leader for all internal and external communications for the Colorado Rapids Soccer Club. This role is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies to enhance the club's brand, reputation, and engagement with fans, media, partners, and stakeholders.

This is a high-profile and demanding role that requires a strategic thinker, effective communicator, and dynamic leader who can elevate the club's brand and reputation to new heights.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the club's business objectives and brand identity.
• Manage all aspects of media relations, including cultivating relationships with local, national and international media to generate positive coverage of the club.
• Serve as primary spokesperson for the club, effectively communicating key messages to the media, fans, sponsors, and other stakeholders.
• Manage and protect the club's brand reputation, ensuring consistent messaging and adherence to brand guidelines
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of press releases, statements, and other written materials to ensure consistent and accurate messaging.
• Manage crisis communication strategies and serve as point of contact for media inquiries.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure alignment, engagement and integration for communication efforts and messaging.
• Foster a culture of open communication and transparency within the organization.
• Develop and implement effective internal communications strategies to keep employees informed, engaged, and aligned with the club's vision, mission, and values.
• Monitor and track media coverage and industry trends to identify opportunities and proactively address potential issues.
• Develop and manage department budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve strategic objectives.
• Travel to Rapids away games as assigned and serve as primary media liaison for the club.
• Lead and manage a high-performing communications team.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Executing other duties as assigned.

This description is a summary only and describes the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business needs. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in communications, with a proven track record of success in leadership role, preferably within soccer industry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to craft compelling messages to various audiences.
• Strong media relations skills and demonstrated ability to generate positive media.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strategic thinker with ability to develop and executive communications plans that align with organizational goals.
• Knowledge of soccer and familiarity with sports industry landscape
• Stronger leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Experience collaborating with on-air talent and production teams for all forms of broadcast and print media.

Competencies/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Mature, capable communicator who can make arguments clearly and succinctly, both verbally and in writing, driving meetings towards actionable outcomes.
• Proven leadership ability, with experience managing external agencies, internal partners, and direct reports.

• Strong knowledge of rules, culture and terminology of MLS and American soccer

• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends, and frequent travel.

Compensation:

• Base salary $130,000.00 per annum

Benefits Include:

• 12 Paid Company Holidays
• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long-term Disability
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending plans (FSAs)
• 401K/Employer Match

All applicants for employment at KSE may be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment. Applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to produce proof of vaccination status prior to their first day of employment. Applicants with qualifying disabilities or bona fide religious objections, or who are pregnant, may be exempted from this requirement or otherwise accommodated if they are unable to be vaccinated.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.