Specialist, Sporting Communications

Major League Soccer - Chicago, IL

Full-time

Chicago, IL

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries

About the position

The Sporting Communications Specialist at Chicago Fire Football Club will provide essential communications support for the sporting side of the business, focusing on enhancing the visibility and awareness of Chicago Fire FC, Chicago Fire FC II, and the Chicago Fire Academy. This role involves crafting engaging storylines and managing various communications tasks, making it ideal for someone passionate about soccer and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Draft written communications materials, including press releases, media advisories, and talking points.
• Create and manage the Club's Game Notes and Record Book, serving as the department stakeholder for all team statistics.
• Assist with media operations for First Team home matches.
• Assist with coverage of First Team away matches, as needed.
• Provide translation for Spanish-language content, including press releases, social media graphics, and interviews.
• Assist the Manager of Sporting Communications with planning and facilitating all media requests for Chicago Fire FC II and the Chicago Fire Academy.
• Manage media operations for all Chicago Fire FC II home and away matches.
• Provide communications coverage for all Chicago Fire FC II matches, writing match recaps, facilitating post-match interviews, and managing matchday communications staff.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media members covering MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT.
• Draft weekly match recaps for the Chicago Fire Academy.
• Assist with creating weekly storylines for the First Team and Chicago Fire FC II that leads to earned media coverage.
• Assist with the social media accounts for Chicago Fire FC II and the Chicago Fire Academy.
• Provide web support for Chicago Fire FC II and the Chicago Fire FC Academy, updating the website regularly with press releases and relevant team news.
• Completion of other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 2-3 years of experience in communications or public relations within sports or entertainment industries.
• A passion for professional sports and a strong desire to advance in the field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Adaptability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required for events.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's or associate's degree in communications, public relations, media relations, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in professional sports or major sporting organizations/events is highly desirable.
• Fluency in conversational Spanish.