Community Relations Manager

Department: Marketing Reports to: Chief Marketing Officer Classification: Full-Time/ExemptSummary/ObjectiveThe Community Relations Manager is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive community relations strategy to increase the team's presence and impact in the local community. This role will lead grassroots marketing efforts, foster relationships with community organizations, and drive engagement through strategic partnerships and programs that align with the team's brand and business goals. The manager will also work to integrate community-based initiatives into the overall marketing strategy, with a strong focus on brand awareness, fan engagement, and ticket sales.Essential Functions & ResponsibilitiesDevelop Strategic Community Partnerships: Build and maintain meaningful relationships with local non-profits, schools, Chambers of Commerce and other community organizations. These partnerships will focus on creating mutual promotion opportunities, supporting fundraising initiatives, and establishing collaborative events that align with both the team's mission and community interests.Coordinate Community Engagement Calendar and Events: Manage detailed calendar of community events; Oversee all community speaking engagements and outreach programs featuring the team's front office, mascot, coaching staff, and players. Plan and execute annual community engagement initiatives such as the Student Rush program, Kids Club, Town Halls and school reading programs. Coordinate annual front office volunteer day to enhance the team's community presence.Lead Kids Club and Student Rush Initiatives: Create a sales and marketing strategy to grow the Kids Club and Student Rush programs, with annual targets for membership growth, events, ticket incentives, and exclusive benefits for young fans. Collaborate with the marketing team to drive increased participation and foster long-term fan loyalty.Plan and Manage In-Stadium Community Activities: Work closely with the marketing and gameday operations teams to coordinate community-centric in-stadium entertainment. This includes managing and staffing the fan zone, scheduling pregame/halftime performances, organizing appearances by local organizations, and managing activities such as charitable auctions and 50/50 raffles.Drive Ticket Sales and Fundraising Initiatives: Proactively engage with fans both in the stadium and at community events to promote ticket sales, including group sales and fundraising ticket packages. Leverage partnerships and community programs, such as the Kids Club, to meet sales targets and increase the team's reach in the community.Manage and Lead the Street Team, Mascot and Event Staff: Hire, train, and manage the Street Team, game-day employees, and promotional associates. Ensure that these teams are effective in representing the organization at events and engaging the community, while meeting performance expectations for community impact and brand promotion.Support Grassroots Marketing Efforts: Collaborate with the broader marketing team to ensure community initiatives align with the team's larger grassroots marketing strategy. This includes contributing to social media content, helping execute outreach campaigns, and participating in event planning.Additional Responsibilities as Assigned: Take on various other responsibilities as required, contributing to the marketing team's overall efforts in growing the team's brand and community involvement.Education, Experience & SkillsRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively prioritize tasks.Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to speak confidently in public and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.Self-motivated, with strong organizational and time-management skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).Understanding of community relations and its impact on brand-building and ticket sales in sports.Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.Preferred Qualifications:Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in community relations, grassroots marketing, or a related field.Experience working in sports or entertainment industries.Prior experience managing teams or volunteers.Familiarity with non-profit organizations and fundraising events.Bilingual (Spanish) skills are an asset but not required.Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position will manage the Street Team, mascot, gameday employees, and promotional associates. Responsibilities include hiring, training, and performance management of these staff members, ensuring that all are aligned with the team's community engagement and sales objectives.We 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.