USA Pickleball Hiring For Director, Communications & Content at Phoenix, AZ, United States , United States Full Time

Job Description

Job Title: Director, Communications & Content
FLSA: Full-Time, Salaried
Reports to: Chief Marketing Officer

Background: USA Pickleball is seeking an experienced communications specialist and content creator to oversee day-to-day media and public relations, as well as the organization’s own digital and print publishing strategy. Ideal candidate should possess a deep understanding about how to effectively engage with a wide cross-section of audiences through internal and external media vehicles.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Collaborate daily with the CMO while helping comprise an overall business unit that is competent, commercially astute, dedicated and efficient.
• Serve as the day-to-day contact with media outlets, as well as the primary liaison with communications personnel at fellow organizations and strategic partners.
• Proactively pitch and secure placement of media coverage for the organization and the sport within mainstream and endemic outlets, in addition to handling incoming requests.
• Develop corporate communications and institutional messaging.
• Craft press releases and organize press conferences/media functions to support announcements.
• Oversee media operations at select events, including social media updates, live blogs and photo galleries.
• Maintain and update a comprehensive media distribution list.
• Plan a social media content calendar and develop/source unique copy and visual content, including videos, articles and graphics. Stay current with emerging trends to expand organization’s online following, grow/support membership, increase brand recognition and value perception, inspire, promote programs, drive website traffic, support corporate partners, promote donor giving and celebrate the sport.
• Evolve the voice for each social channel in an innovative and engaging way, while remaining consistent with brand vision and professionalism. Monitor digital metrics to guide strategy and best practices.
• Produce USA Pickleball’s 16-page section in Pickleball Magazine, including editorial content, writer assignments, design direction, production schedule and publisher relationship.
• Drive editorial content and design for official website – usapickleball.org. Collaborate with contractors on site features and functionalities (e.g., section/page build projects), and ensure fresh content daily.
• Produce and distribute monthly e-newsletter.
• Effectively coordinate with team members, other USA Pickleball business units and constituents to properly message and create content.
• Write, compile and edit various publications.
• Oversee photography and videography needs for events and programs.

Qualifications:

• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills; strong news judgment
• Detail-oriented with excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Minimum 4-5 years professional experience, preferably in the sports communications/media industry
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, English or relevant field
• Understanding of all relevant social media platforms and ability to remain contemporary
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from inception through implementation
• Proficiency with digital content creation tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud apps such as
• Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, as well as the Microsoft Office suite of products and project management platforms such as Asana
• Desire to work within a fast-paced environment as part of a team
• Ability to travel for events and work a flexible schedule, including off-hours, weekends and holidays
• Familiarity with the sport of pickleball, or racquet sports, is preferred but not required

About USA Pickleball:
USA Pickleball is a non-profit, membership-driven organization established in 2005 to drive the sport’s advancement in critical areas. As the National Governing Body, USA Pickleball promotes the growth of pickleball by maintaining playing rules, sanctioning tournaments, setting player ratings and providing grassroots support through a network of 1,800 ambassadors. Since 2013, USA Pickleball membership has grown to more than 63,000. For more information, visit usapickleball.org.

Compensation and Benefits:
Full-time, salaried position located at National Office Headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz., or remotely; salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package includes 401K, health and dental insurance.

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.

Online Application Deadline: September 7, 2022