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Manager, Community Relations

Full time Community Leadership & Management MLS

Job Description

ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Philadelphia was awarded the 16th Major League Soccer franchise in February, 2008 and the team was officially announced as the Philadelphia Union in May, 2009. Owned and operated by Union Sports and Entertainment, the group launched the Philadelphia Union's inaugural season in 2010 and opened what is now Subaru Park in June, 2010. Subaru Park is an 18,500 seat, world-class soccer specific stadium that sits beautifully along the Delaware River at the base of the Commodore Barry Bridge and is only 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
 
The club has reached the finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2014, 2015 and 2018, and has appeared in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, securing their first showing in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2021. In 2020, the Union were awarded the club’s first Supporters’ Shield after finishing with the best regular season record in MLS. The club hosted the Eastern Conference Final in 2021 and were named the Eastern Conference Champions in 2022. The Philadelphia Union have once again clinched a berth in the 2023 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. The 2022 season finished at the MLS Cup against LAFC, in one of the most intense matches in League history!
 
Philadelphia Union’s culture and brand positioning of Young, Fearless, Challengers differentiates us from others and focuses our vision to be unafraid and defy the ordinary. Union Sports and Entertainment is relentlessly pursuing excellence both on and off the field and will lead the way, set the standards and share the glory. Our connection to Philadelphia is symbolized in the Club’s crest as the snake, colors, shield, slogan and thirteen stars all represent Philadelphia as the original capital city and its call to action during the American Revolution.
 
ABOUT THIS ROLE 
The Manager, Community Relations is an integral role that will enhance the image and impact of the Philadelphia Union within the community. This individual will play a vital role in promoting the organization's positive image, fostering community partnerships, and implementing impactful community outreach programs.  
 
This position requires a dynamic individual with strong interpersonal skills, a passion for community engagement, and the ability to lead and inspire teams. The Manager, Community Relations will serve as a liaison between the organization, local nonprofits, businesses, and fans to foster goodwill and engagement.  
 
RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Plan and execute community outreach initiatives to ensure alignment with overall organizational goals. 
  • Prioritize and maintain relationships with local nonprofits, civic leaders, and community partners. 
  • Coordinate logistics, budgets, and promotional activities for successful community activations. 
  • Establish and maintain positive relationships with representatives of the local community to support growth of community initiatives including community ticket distributions.  
  • Oversee charitable donation programs, including ticket donations and memorabilia requests. 
  • Develop and implement strategies for engaging players, front office and fans in community initiatives. 
  • Collaborate with corporate partnership, marketing, and public relations teams to promote community initiatives across digital and other media platforms. 
  • Manage USERVE volunteer program and community service initiatives to promote a culture of community service and corporate social responsibility among employees and fans. 
  • Integrate Club with Major League Soccer Community Relations Programming. 
  • Act as the liaison for MLS WORKS program requests and updates. 
  • Collaborate with MLS WORKS to amplify activate key MLS WORKS programs at the local level (such as Greener Goals, Kick Childhood Cancer, Soccer for All, etc.). 
  • Oversee planning and execution of community related theme nights including but not limited to Pride, Unity, Greener Goals, Hispanic Heritage, Kick Childhood Cancer, Kids’ Day, Military Appreciation, and Special Olympics. 
  • Support the Philadelphia Union Foundation with event planning.  
  • Supervise Sr. Coordinator, Community Relations. 
 
QUALIFICATIONS 
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field. 
  • 3–5 years of experience in community relations, public affairs, or event management (preferably in a sports or entertainment setting). 
  • 2+ years' experience managing donations on behalf of an organization. 
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to forge strong relationships with varying personalities. 
  • Dynamic leader with extensive experience, excelling in strategic planning and community 
  • engagement.  
  • Proven track record in driving successful community initiatives and enhancing brand awareness.  
  • Skilled in project coordination and budget management, fostering collaboration across departments to achieve impactful results and strengthen community ties. 
  • Passion for community service and sports. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work cross-departmentally. 
  • A team player who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. 
  • Knowledge of local community dynamics and cultural nuances. 
  • Experience managing budgets and community program metrics. 
  • Bilingual or multilingual skills, preferred.  
  • Public speaking and presentation skills. 
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 
 
OUR PERKS
  • Comprehensive benefits package including three medical options, vision and dental coverage, including flexible spending & health savings accounts.
  • Pre-tax and Roth 401k (up to 4% is matched, after elimination period).
  • Company-paid life insurance and disability.
  • Paid holidays and PTO days annually.
  • Wellness reimbursements through Independence Blue Cross.
  • Summer Friday hours.
  • 50% merchandise discount.
  • Other league and partner discounts. 
  • Complimentary or discounted tickets.
  • 24/7 state-of-the-art Fitness Center, locker rooms, and Sportsplex.
  • On-site Café with grab-and-go options, salad bar, and grill!
 
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.

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