MLDA Communications & Engagement Manager

*MLDA, Virginia Beach City FC * Communications & Engagement Manager Full Time website: www.
mldasoccer.
com Job Location: Norfolk, Va / Remote *Overview: * The MLDA seeks a communications and engagement manager to plan, develop and implement the communications strategy of the MLDA and it’s brands serving over 1,000 youth.
This part time position is headquartered in Norfolk, VA *Major League Development Association (MLDA): * The Major League Development Association (MLDA) desires to be a leading sports development platform in the United States by building a community of member and affiliate soccer clubs under one association.
This provides clubs of any size and in any market full service access to industry professionals, processes and resources helping the clubs to grow and operate professionally.
We are dedicated to delivering accessible levels of participation, enjoyment and growth of sports in the United States.
We specialize in providing leadership, management expertise and resources in cities around the country including leagues, clubs, academies and events.
The MLDA’s mission is to: * Grow participation in sports both on and off the field for participants and fans.
* Establish accessible levels of competition and training platforms for participants while remaining proudly rooted in each local community.
* Develop, innovate and implement scalable process to help lead and provide management expertise for member organizations.
* Help identify, secure and/ or invest into quality sports fields and facilities.
* Provide consistent educational opportunities for staff, coaches and athletes.
* Provide access and opportunity for the full player development model from youth to professional.
* Promote unity through sports tailored to each local community.
By executing our mission statement we are helping to shape solid foundations for player development and for fans to enjoy the sport while building sustainable organizations.
*MLDA Brands: * Below are examples of brands that the MLDA oversees.
Virginia Beach City FC – A semi-professional/ amateur National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) team, established in 2013 and is competing in the NPSL Mid Atlantic conference.
Hampton Roads Soccer Academy – Official Youth Academy of Virginia Beach City FC, offering programing for kids ages 2-U19 at the beginner, intermediate and elite levels of youth soccer.
Currently serving over 1,000 youth.
Virginia Skyline Soccer Academy - Offering programing for kids ages 2-U19 at the beginner, intermediate and elite levels of youth soccer.
Currently serving over 100 youth.
*Position Summary * The MLDA is searching for a highly- talented marketing, advertising, and communications professional to support the growth of MLDA brands through sports, specifically soccer.
The Communications & Engagement Manager will have primary responsibility to plan, develop, lead, and implement the MLDA’s communications and engagement strategy while providing dynamic storytelling across a variety of our sports programs and community partnerships.
In addition, this individual will be tasked with creating plans and action steps to grow the MLDA brand and direct key marketing activities supporting core brand assets including Virginia Beach City FC, Hampton Roads Soccer Academy, Virginia Skyline Soccer Academy, other MLDA programs and more.
This position will be directly involved in the day-to-day communications, marketing, and engagement activities of the clubs, will be required to attend events, functions, and games, and will be an important part of the leadership team.
This position reports to the MLDA Technical Director and interacts with the MLDA President, program leads and other staff in the messaging and direction of the organization, assuring transparency, accountability and execution of its effective operations.
Externally, this individual coordinates with media, sponsors, partners, affiliates, volunteers and others.
*Responsibilities: * * Serving as the main point of contact for media relations efforts, develop and implement an innovative consistent communications strategy to generate visibility and unified brand and message awareness in support of MLDA goals.
* Manage day-to-day execution of the website, social media channels, email and club wide communications.
* Serve as the head storyteller, telling the many stories of brand, positive experiences, players, families, volunteers, alumni, coaches, and staff.
This will require a substantial presence at MLDA events.
* Oversee implementation of the marketing strategy - including branding campaigns, events, digital marketing, PR, etc, and actively seek out industry best practices, including new technology, to drive business forward.
* Positively lead and mentor a dynamic team of staff, interns and volunteers to ensure that all objectives and deliverables are met.
* Develop and tailor an all-encompassing editorial calendar providing transparency across all divisions of the MLDA and to move forward strategic messaging and story telling through MLDA communication channels and platforms.
* Work to enhance internal communications and transparency across all division of the MLDA concerning media.
* Leverage staff and volunteer ambassadors, generate a pipeline of compelling content (videos, photos, stories) that reflects the breadth and diversity of the club’s programs.
* Develop new processes and systems and innovate existing processes and systems to integrate communications best practices across the organization.
* Report on marketing KPIs such as leads, conversion rates, website traffic, and track email campaign metrics * Other duties as may be assigned at the sole discretion of the MLDA.
*Experience and Attributes* * Passion to work in sports, specifically soccer.
* Happy and energetic personality that enjoys working with kids.
* Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in communications, marketing, sales or brand management in sports and entertainment (or a related field).
* Bachelor’s degree preferably in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe programs.
* Exceptional storytelling, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
* Understanding of social media platforms, best practices, and metrics.
* Detail-oriented and able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
* Understanding of email marketing platforms and website content management systems.
* Ability to think strategically, translate strategic initiatives into measurable annual plans, monitor progress toward goals and mitigate risk.
* Strong organizational and communications skills.
* Success in working on site and remotely with staff.
* Flexibility and a willingness to work outside of normal business hours to include evenings and weekends as necessary.
* Must be eligible to work in the U.
S.
*Application Process* To apply, please email a cover letter tailored to the position, your resume, and list of three references to: jwright@ mldasports.
com (e-mail applications are required).
_This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements.
It is neither _ _intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working _ _conditions associated with the position.
The MLDA reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties _ _as necessary at the sole discretion of the MLDA.
_ _The MLDA is 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.
_ Job Types: Part-time, Contract Pay: $30,000.
00 - $40,000.
00 per year Schedule: * Monday to Friday * Weekends as needed Work Location: In person