Community Relations Manager | Coachella Valley Firebirds - Oak View Group

Oak View Group:

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Position Summary:

Acrisure Arena and The Firebirds Hockey Team is seeking an experienced Community Relations Manager (4-5 plus years) to create; develop and carry out various community initiatives and community programs for the Firebirds and the One Valley Foundation. This role requires a hard-working, detail-oriented individual that is exceptional at communicating across departments and has Non-Profit Experience. This is an exceptional opportunity to take our organization to the next level and make your mark on historic  and ground breaking projects for the Coachella Valley Community.

 

This position is responsible for building, growing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders in The Greater Palm Springs Coachella Valley and managing the Arena’s non-profit initiatives. 

 

This team member as a Leader and independent decision maker; will build and maintain strong relationships to create a support system for Acisure and the Firebirds and its events through strong leadership, collaboration, and effective communications.

 

The Community Relations Manager acts as liaison; advises and works in collaboration with OVG/Acrisure leadership and other Arena stakeholders to ensure brand alignment and community involvement. 

 

 

This role will pay a wage of $70,000 to $75,000. and is bonus eligible

 

For FT roles:   Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (15 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 holidays).

 

This job posting will expire on September 30th, 2024

About the Venue:Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage Community Relations and Public Education budget
• Manages Non- Exempt Staff of 5 to 10 including the Firebirds 50/50 Sales Associates as well as Community Ambassadors
• Develops and publishes press releases, columns, and other materials that accurately portray the Foundation's philosophy
• Develops communications plans for campaigns, both internally and externally
• Develop, implement, and maintain an effective Community Relations program that aligns with the overall  Coachella Valley
• Oversee development and implementation of effective public education programs and community risk reduction efforts in alignment with the Foundation's mission. 
• Manage the preparation and production of publicity brochures, handouts, direct mail leaflets, promotional videos, public service announcements, audio-visual presentations, photographs, and other multimedia programs
• Monitor and maintain awareness of community opinions and attitudes that may affect the functioning of the organization
• Perform social media community management duties and implement strategies to ensure all social media platforms are up to date
• Recommend strategic branding, public relations concepts, and associated strategies and methods for implementation
• Collaborate across all Department for coordination, creation, and publication of the Foundation's Annual Report
• Serve as a strategic advisor to Acrisure/Firebirds executive management on media relations, branding, and public relationships 
• Serve as an official spokesperson with the media regarding all non-operational issues related to the Foundation and Firebirds
• Responsible for creating and implementing a community engagement plan that supports venue non-profit and sustainability initiatives and fulfills sponsorship and partnership commitments
• Develop, plan, and manage a portfolio of annual Arena events that support fundraising efforts and generates awareness for non-profit initiatives
• Represent Acrisure and the Firebirds at community meetings, city and county events, and speaking engagements
• Listen to community desires to achieve first-in-class fan experiences 
• Assist arena staff in assuring positive experiences for ADA community, particularly with parking, ticketing, and guest services
• Manage digital strategy efforts with marketing team to generate awareness of the One Valley Foundation, community initiatives, and sustainability initiatives via arena website, digital marketing, e-commerce, and all social media platforms
• Manage meetings and events with neighborhoods and community to support effective communication and interest in the Acrisure Arena and the Firebirds Hockey Team
• Manages private corporate rentals of arena on non-concert days including the sale, contracts, and communications. Assist in the solicitation of new corporate event business
• Manage a budget with targeted revenue and expense goals
• Provide post-event reports, analysis, and regular status reports on marketing programs
•  Assist in creating, designing, and executing all community programs and special events for the team.
• Build relationships with non-profit partners.
  
• Oversee Firebirds community initiatives including but not limited to (Street Hockey, Stick with Reading,
  Health and Wellness programs, Kids Club, and My First Firebirds Game).
  
• Manage day of event fundraising elements and staff (i.e. silent & live auctions) including item
  collection, packaging etc.
  
• Assist in the daily management of the One Valley Foundation, the Firebirds Official Nonprofit.
  
• Liaison with Hockey Operations for community events involving players, players significant others,
  mascot, and the team personnel.
• Manage all silent, online, and table auctions through the Community Table at all Firebirds home
  games.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

 

• 4-5 plus years’ experience in a role interacting with the public, neighborhoods, and other community interaction
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be applied
• Experience with creating successful community outreach programs 
• Experience working with venues, arenas, live sports and entertainment is preferred
• Must be adaptable with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines 
• Solid understanding of social media
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an expert ability to present and communicate new ideas and concepts 
• Proven ability to think strategically with a willingness to roll up sleeves and execute on projects
• Strong listening skills with ability to remain calm in the face of criticism or complaints from constituents
• Ability to create lasting relationships in the community and behave in a personable manner
• A high degree of personal integrity and consistently put the interests of the organization first
• Strong ability to support creative ideation to enhance brand equity while supporting company culture, values and objectives
• Ability to speak Spanish is preferred
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule inclusive of weekends, nights and holidays required
• Strong sense of creativity and organization.
• Proficient in various platforms such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  
• Sense of ownership and pride, in your performance and its impact on the company’s success.
  
• Team player with excellent time-management skills.
• Frequent bending, lifting 15-20 pounds, sitting, exposure to multiple external elements, extensive walking through the building.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference:

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.