ABOUT THE ROLE The DC Defenders are seeking a Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement to play an integral role in the growth of our franchise through impactful social partnerships and innovative public relations strategies. With guidance from the Director, Communications and Community Engagement, we will build authentic relationships with key stakeholders in non-profit, youth sports and community organizations to build brand equity and create revenue opportunities. Additionally, we will implement and execute a comprehensive plan to increase the DC Defenders brand awareness locally, regionally and nationally through impactful storytelling, media outreach and networking and creative promotional opportunities. The Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement will also work closely with football and business operations leads, ie marketing, content, partnerships, ticketing, etc. to maximize media results, social impact and brand recognition. WHAT YOU WILL DO Support the Director of Communications and Community Engagement in the creation, formulation and execution of a comprehensive strategy across multiple platforms. Experience using Critical Mention for media list building and media monitoring. Assist with gameday media operations including pregame and postgame press conferences, team interviews, credential set-up, in-game media requests and postgame quotes. Draft and maintain player and front office bios, franchise fact sheets and personnel bios as needed. Work with the Director of Communications and Community Engagement on formulating pitches to introduce our players, coaches and personnel to the public and media. Maintain weekly press clippings and assist with organization of DC Defenders collateral material to effectively publicize the team. Cultivate strong relationships with key media, influencers, VIPs and dignitaries. Assist with production of football-related content, primarily in the form of written press releases, advisories, team publications and content for social media/digital channels. Assist with the management of gameday public relations and stats crew, including scheduling of staff and necessary administrative responsibilities for both home and away games. Work remotely for away games to handle all pregame and postgame football communications-related requests. Be the day-to-day point of contact between the team and youth, scholastic, non-profit, and civic organizations. Work with key DC Defenders executives to build the team's community partnership platform, including development of assets, selection of organizations and successful activation of partnerships. Execute the team's community partnerships to make a meaningful impact in the community and create mutually beneficial value for the team's brand. Build authentic relationships with local community and youth organizations to position the team's brand in a meaningful way. Assist with integration of ticketing elements and opportunities into youth partnerships to drive attendance. Ensure maximum exposure for the team's involvement in grassroots marketing efforts, fan/community relations events and social responsibility efforts. Support our players, coaches and front office during media, community and youth engagement appearances. Support and assist with other scheduled fan engagement events with the organization. Maintain team communications and community engagement calendar. Other duties as assigned. HOW YOU WILL BE MEASURED KPIs: Brand recognition and public perception from media partners, civic leaders, youth organizations and community partners. Communications and community engagement measures, including securing earned media, growth of local and regional network and non-profit organizations' satisfaction with mutually-beneficial and impactful partnerships and programming. Fan engagement measures, including size and growth of fan base and ticket sales through community and youth programming. Contribution to key revenue lines and delivery of the overall business plan. WHAT YOU WILL BRING Between 3-5 years of public relations with an emphasis on communication skills, social media savvy and knowledge of consumer-facing sports (including football, media or entertainment industries.) Entrepreneurial spirit. A self-starter, energetic, resilient, enthusiastic and a determination to ensure that deliverables, timelines and objectives are achieved. Knowledge and ability to think strategically about brand building and revenue generation through partnerships with other organizations. Ability to work well with multiple stakeholders across the company, agency and client organizations. Media relations experience onsite at press conferences, media junkets and sporting events. Knowledge of local DMV market with contacts in media, community and youth programming organizations. A passion for the community surrounding the team, and a desire to develop ways to make an impact with local organizations. Specific experience in the development and execution of events and marketing partnership activations preferred. Excellent organizational skills and a strong attention to detail. Superior verbal/written communications skills. Position requires attendance at evening and weekend events/games. BS required. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT The XFL maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity in employment. It is our objective to recruit, hire and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits and terminations. ** Only applicants who are legally authorized to work for The XFL will be considered. The XFL does not provide any work authorization sponsorship, or any assistance in securing, maintaining or extending work authorization. **