Communications Manager

 

Job Title:                                                   Communications Manager

Target Start Date:                                     May 1, 2023

Area:                                                             National Headquarters (Salt Lake City, UT)

Department/Unit:                                      Marketing Communications

Reports to:                                                  Executive Director (or Designee)

 

About US Speedskating:

From Pond to Podium, we are US Speedskating (USS). We grow and nurture a sport where all ages can experience the thrill of speed and the camaraderie of the skating community. USS is responsible for the development of speed skating from grassroots to success at the Olympic Games. USS is recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the International Skating Union (ISU) as the governing body for the sport of speed skating in the United States. USS has won 91 Olympic medals. USS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

 

Position summary:

The Communications Manager will be responsible for the media and public relations efforts for USS athletes and programs including role as point person for all media inquiries and pro-active reach out to media outlets to tell USS and its athletes’ stories. They will manage the USS website, along with other social and digital media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. This position will be critical to the organization’s success leading up to, through and following the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy.

 

In addition, the Communications Manager will aid and support in the development and growth of new and existing donor programs, with the goal of generating incremental revenue for USS programs.

 

This position is full-time requiring a minimum of 40+ hours/week. Travel during the year may be necessary as are occasional evenings and weekends (for events). This position works in the USS National Office and Training Center, currently located at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns, Utah.

 

The Communications Manager will work closely with all USS Departments. The position also includes work with volunteers within the organization. The position supports staff and athletes for the Long and Short Track National Speed Skating Programs and Teams and serving the membership of USS in meeting organizational goals.

 

The Communications Manager will serve as a Speed Skating press officer at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy.

Primary roles and responsibilities:

●     Aggregate and share USS’ and athletes’ stories with members, constituents and fans.

●     Oversee and produce content for USS social media platforms (website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram) and develop additional platforms as appropriate, setting the social media strategy and managing the content creation process for the platforms.

●     Develop an effective system of metrics for USS website, social media and other platforms, with the ability to measure performance

●     Maintain and update USS video and photo content and storage

●     Manage communications collaboration with other organizations, including the ISU, broadcast partners, the USOPC, sponsors and other partners.

●     Promote USS athletes and events with local, national and international media, as well as with the skating community.

●     Assist in athlete communication education, including media training and strategies.

●     Maintain/update athlete bios for development of annual media guide

●     Manage weekly email newsletter to membership

●     Work appropriate evening and weekend hours covering events, on-site and remote

●     Support USS Fundraising and Marketing activities including sponsor and donor fulfillment at events

●     Other projects as assigned by Executive Director

 

Skills and qualities:

●     Professional, results-oriented self-starter

●     Strong writing skills

●     Experience with strategic social media content and distribution

●     Good photo and video capturing and editing capabilities

●     Effective communicator and interpersonal skills

●     Experience in managing basic graphical design, photo and video editing related to social media management

●     Comfortable working independently and in group settings

●     Ability to meet critical deadlines, performed well under pressure.

●     Strong editing skills and attention to detail

●     Creativity

●     Ability to think fast and adapt

 

Qualifications:

●     BS/BA in marketing, communications, journalism, digital media or equivalent work experience

●     1-5 years of post-graduate relevant work experience

●     Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or similar)

●     Proficient in Google online work tools (Google Docs, Sheets, etc.)

●     Experience with CMS, HTML, video and editing tools, Google Analytics, and new media platforms

●     Personal winter sports connection or experience

●     Passion for Olympic Sport

●     Clean background screening (upon employment)

●     SafeSport Certification required (upon employment)

 

Miscellaneous:

●     This is an at-will employee position

●     Simple IRA plan provided by USS

●     Approximately 10 paid vacation days plus company holidays

●     Medical, dental and vision Health insurance and related benefits provided

●     US Passport required and ability for domestic and international travel

●     This position is located at the US Speedskating National Headquarters, located in Kearns, Utah, at the Utah Olympic Oval

 

Hiring Pay Range:

$40,000 – $60,000 per year depending on experience

 

Application Process:

Candidates seeking a mission-driven, energetic environment, eager to make a positive impact for the USS brand and its athletes are encouraged to apply. Application deadline March 15, 2023.

US Speedskating