Vice President, Communications - Chicago Fire (Bridgeview, IL)

BASIC FUNCTIONS:
This position directs all communications activity for the Chicago Fire with key responsibility for positioning the Fire as one of America’s leading soccer franchises. The individual assuming this position will be responsible for developing and executing high-impact creative ideas designed to generate strong positive press coverage, working closely with all departments integrating communications at all-levels. In addition, this individual will develop the long-term strategic plan for all public relations initiatives, while supervising a PR team that handles media relations, community relations, marketing, sales and sponsorships announcements, and PR support for any public affairs activities. This person will also be responsible for the overall reputation management of the Fire organization.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:
Manages and directs all communications activity for the Fire with key responsibility for positioning the Fire as one of America’s leading soccer franchises; responsible for the overall reputation management of the Fire organization.
Responsible for developing and executing high-impact creative ideas designed to generate strong positive press coverage, integrating communications at all-levels of the organization. Responsible for new story generation and pitching story ideas to Fire beat writers and non-traditional media such as health, fitness, fashion, lifestyle, business and entertainment.

Directly responsible for developing comprehensive PR strategy for the club and implement a plan to both heighten the organization’s visibility and ensure a consistent message with the local and national media and general public.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with media/press. Serve as primary spokesperson for the Fire.
Work closely with senior executives on long-term planning and major PR initiatives. Ensure that the overall strategic PR program and accompanying messaging are fully integrated with all franchise initiatives and activities. Facilitate and staff press requests for senior executives of Fire organization and prepare executives for interviews with messaging, background, etc.

Supervise an integrated communications team that handles media relations, internal communications, community relations, broadcasting, publications, and PR support for sales and sponsorships. Direct management of all full time public relations staff including full time interns and game day staff.
Serve as the managing editor for team Media Guide, Free Kick including hiring freelance writers and assigning feature stories on players and the team, in addition to providing editorial support for the guest columnists.
Supervise day-to-day soccer media relations efforts and press announcements; manage press conferences and press events. Supervise game day press operations, including assignments for PR staff and game day help, credentialing and parking.

Work closely with MLS and other key sports industry contacts to foster a positive image for the Fire within the industry and create unique PR opportunities.

Provide major PR support for introduction of MLS initiatives and programs, and serve as an ambassador for the Fire.
Directly responsible for handling crisis and major PR challenges; coordinate with outside agencies as appropriate.
Actively participate in staff meetings, sales meetings and marketing meetings with an emphasis on integrating the public relations efforts with the tickets sales and marketing teams.

Coordinate and proactively engage with the owner/owners representatives regarding PR needs and expectations.
Develop and maintain budget for the department.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE:
The existing Fire PR team currently manages the day-to-day media relations and press announcements. This person will work closely with this team and senior Fire executives to develop actionable PR plans and creative initiatives designed to take the PR effort to a higher level, in order to maximize efforts and create a stronger brand identity, and in turn, generate more awareness, for the Fire.

Ideally the candidate will hold a BA/BS degree in public relations, marketing or related field: MBA or extensive career background preferred with 8 or more years direct public relations experience in the sports and entertainment industry either at a private or public company or public relations agency, with particular consideration given to candidate with extensive sports/soccer experience, as well as a familiarity and knowledge of the Chicago media and community at-large.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
S/he will have strong experience developing and executing strategic PR plans and initiatives as well as hands on experience managing media relations.

The candidate will have experience managing an internal PR team, including developing and mentoring individuals. S/he will have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal effectively with personnel issues and interact internally with senior management and externally with senior executives with our partners.

Experience in working effectively with PR agencies is necessary as well as a self directed/self–starter individual with the ability to manage time and prioritize initiatives/ activities. Experience working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment preferred.

Strong oral and written communications skills are a must.

http://mls.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/jobskey.cfm?s=Chicago#16521

 

Good organization with a new stadium, so they're going to be there for a while. Not a bad gig, I'd imagine.

 

from Chicago Fire press release:

CHICAGO, Ill. (February 29, 2008) – Chicago Fire President and General Manager John Guppy today announced the organization has named Gregg Elkin as Vice President of Communications.

 

Former Indiana University SID, correct?

 

yup, here's the full press release

http://chicago.fire.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080229&content_id=141168&vkey=pr_chf&fext=.jsp&team=t100