Communications Manager
Detroit City FC
Full-time
On-site
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Communications & PR, Professional Soccer, Manager
Communications Manager Role Description
Location: Detroit, MI
About Detroit City FC
Detroit City FC (DCFC) is a progressive, community-driven professional soccer club that
embodies the spirit of Detroit’s resilience and pride. Known for its passionate supporter
base and commitment to inclusivity, DCFC has become a symbol of innovation and
connection, fostering meaningful relationships with fans, businesses, and the local
community. As a member of the United Soccer League, DCFC seeks excellence both on
and off the pitch.
With an eye towards future growth, DCFC is preparing for a transformative milestone:
the opening of a new stadium, AlumniFi Field, in 2027. To that end, the club is dedicated
to winning matches, promoting the sport of soccer, fostering a diverse and inclusive
environment, authentic storytelling, and making our city a safer and more equitable place
to live.
Position Purpose
The Communications Manager will play a pivotal role at Detroit City FC, driving vital
aspects of communications, media relations, digital storytelling, and community
engagement. This role is instrumental in shaping the club’s narrative both locally and
nationally, while advancing the club’s brand through strategic initiatives. The Manager
will also be a key player in cultivating the club’s voice and culture, in anticipation of the
2027 stadium launch. This individual will be primarily responsible for leading the
department’s communcations, PR, sports information, and earned media efforts to
enhance further the organization's reputation and that of its key stakeholders. The
Communications Manager reports directly to the VP of Marketing.
Key Responsibilities
Digital Media & Quality Control
Location: Detroit, MI
About Detroit City FC
Detroit City FC (DCFC) is a progressive, community-driven professional soccer club that
embodies the spirit of Detroit’s resilience and pride. Known for its passionate supporter
base and commitment to inclusivity, DCFC has become a symbol of innovation and
connection, fostering meaningful relationships with fans, businesses, and the local
community. As a member of the United Soccer League, DCFC seeks excellence both on
and off the pitch.
With an eye towards future growth, DCFC is preparing for a transformative milestone:
the opening of a new stadium, AlumniFi Field, in 2027. To that end, the club is dedicated
to winning matches, promoting the sport of soccer, fostering a diverse and inclusive
environment, authentic storytelling, and making our city a safer and more equitable place
to live.
Position Purpose
The Communications Manager will play a pivotal role at Detroit City FC, driving vital
aspects of communications, media relations, digital storytelling, and community
engagement. This role is instrumental in shaping the club’s narrative both locally and
nationally, while advancing the club’s brand through strategic initiatives. The Manager
will also be a key player in cultivating the club’s voice and culture, in anticipation of the
2027 stadium launch. This individual will be primarily responsible for leading the
department’s communcations, PR, sports information, and earned media efforts to
enhance further the organization's reputation and that of its key stakeholders. The
Communications Manager reports directly to the VP of Marketing.
Key Responsibilities
Digital Media & Quality Control
- Lead digital communication strategies across social media, website, email newsletters, and digital platforms to drive fan engagement.
- Ensure all content meets high standards for accuracy, brand consistency, and league compliance.
- Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to deliver multimedia content supporting storytelling and engagement efforts.
Strategic Communications, Marketing & Storytelling
- Develop and implement soccer-specific communication strategies that engage fans, media, partners, and local communities.
- Craft compelling narratives around matches, player stories, team culture, and off-field initiatives that align with DCFC’s identity and values.
- Manage the editorial calendar to ensure consistent and timely messaging aligned with the soccer season and club milestones.
- Employ the “PAVE” model (Protect, Amplify, Elevate, Value) to key marketing, communications, and community initiatives.
PR, Media Relations & Matchday Operations
- Serve as the primary earned media contact managing relationships with local, national, and soccer-specific media outlets. Develop and manage relationships with media members across various industries.
- Coordinate media access, credentialing, press conferences, and interviews for home and away matches. Write and edit communications materials, including press releases, talking points, speeches, and presentation decks. Oversee the soccer content published by the club, including recaps, previews, and match notes.
- Train players and staff on media interactions and provide them with prepared messaging and talking points.
- Support in-person and virtual team media availabilities, scheduling players, coaches, and ownership, and preparing talking points for anticipated topics.
- Analyze and report on media coverage and public sentiment.
Community Engagement & Partnership Communications
- Lead communications initiatives supporting community outreach programs, fan events, and soccer development activities.
- Cultivate partnerships with community organizations, sponsors, and influencers to extend DCFC’s reach and impact.
- Represent DCFC at community and fan events to reinforce the club’s commitment to its supporters.
New Stadium Communications
Collaborate internally and externally with club departments, partners, sponsors, media,
and city officials to develop and deliver comprehensive messaging promoting the 2027
stadium launch.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Sports Management, or related discipline.
- Minimum 3-5 years of communications experience, preferably in professional soccer or sports organizations with complex stakeholder environments.
- Deep understanding of soccer terminology, season dynamics, competitions, and media landscape.
- Experience managing matchday media operations.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills tailored for diverse audiences. Language ability beyond English is a plus.
- Passion for community engagement and soccer culture.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.
- This role requires a valid driver's license.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary aligned with experience.
Comprehensive benefits including health, and soon, retirement.
Professional growth opportunities within a fast-evolving soccer club on the cusp of
significant expansion.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
This job operates in an office environment. This role routinely uses standard office
equipment, including computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax
machines.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing
the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to exchange ideas and
information. This is a somewhat sedentary role; however, some filing is required. The
position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand on a stool
as necessary.
Other Duties
Please note that this job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all
activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this role. Duties,
obligations, and activities are subject to change at any time, with or without notice.
Detroit City Football Club LLC is an equal opportunity employer that abides by all Federal,
State, and local employment laws.