Manager, Marketing & Communications

Role: Manager, Marketing & Communications

Position Summary: The Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy are seeking a high-energy and versatile professional with a passion for storytelling to help promote the brand of both clubs and their athletes. This is a hands-on role for a sports professional seeking an opportunity to continue to build experience with a variety of responsibilities encompassing content creation, social media management, communications and public relations. The Manager of Marketing & Communications will serve as the primary social media and communications contact for the Richmond Ivy while serving as the secondary contact for the Richmond Kickers. This position will play a pivotal role in telling the story of two of the USL's most established and respected brands, while receiving the opportunity to grow and gain experience leading campaigns across multiple digital platforms. This position will report to the Executive Director of Marketing & Communications and will work collaboratively with the entire front-office team on a daily basis to promote and execute various strategic initiatives.

Primary Duties:

• Help manage the production and execution of creative content for Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy social media platforms, website, and digital campaigns.

• Capture and edit photo and video content at games, training, special events and community appearances.

• Development, writing, editing, and distribution of a variety of club media materials, including but limited to match notes, fact sheets, pitches and player bios.

• Execution of gameday communications and social media operations.

• Support live event coverage and matchday content creation.

• Edit and design graphics utilized for the promotion of matches, athlete achievements and brand storytelling.

• Collaborate with Partnerships, Ticketing, Retail, Food & Beverage, and Community Relations departments to support strategic initiatives and further the reach of the organization brand.

• Help manage and execute social media content calendars.

• Assist in developing creative concepts that enhance fan engagement and revenue generation.

• Facilitate player media opportunities at training and games and maintain an organized schedule of those activities.

• Draft professional press releases encompassing a variety of subject matter including but not limited to player signings, jersey releases, corporate partner announcements, etc.

• Serve as a stats and information resource to provide insights on player and team performance.

• Update and maintain richmondkickers.com and richmondivy.com.

• Maintain brand consistency across all platforms.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Embody the club's core purpose to strengthen community connections by curating a joyful, authentic soccer experience in Richmond, Virginia.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.

• One to three years of relevant experience in sports media, collegiate athletics, or professional sports, including experience developing and executing social media content, producing digital and multimedia assets, and supporting communications and public relations efforts.

• Experience working in athletics, live event operations, or related environments.

• Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere and Lightroom) software programs.

• Deep understanding of current social media trends, platform algorithms, and content best practices.

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Experience in writing, editing and designing effective publications.

• General understanding of soccer statistics, rules and regulations.

• An excellent communicator with outstanding work ethic and attention to detail.

• A collaborative and team-first mentality is a must.

• Familiarity with website management (Wordpress preferred).

• All candidates should possess the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including but not limited to evenings, weekends and holidays.

• Attendance at all Kickers and Ivy home matches required along with availability to work away matches.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in photography and/or videography strongly preferred; candidates with expertise in at least one is a plus.

• Strong storytelling ability and creative vision.

• Strong Soccer knowledge; Spanish proficiency a plus.

• Knowledge of AP style.

• Passion for soccer and a strong desire to excel working in the sports industry.

The Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy Soccer Clubs are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.