Sports Communications Manager

This position supports the Federation’s mission and vision by demonstrating a commitment to exemplary member service, as well as a collaborative spirit, equality, fairness, respect, and accountability.

JOB SUMMARY :

Under direction of the Senior Content Editor, this position writes a significant portion of US Equestrian’s sport-related communication pieces and edits the writing of other team members within the Marketing department.

This position has primary responsibility for sourcing photography and coordinating the administrative process for procurement of usage rights.

This position also oversees photo layout for the annual Horse of the Year edition of Equestrian Magazine and provides customer service for other media-related activities.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Writes press releases, original content pieces, and / or social media posts for sport communication coverage and distributes content via email marketing and social media platforms.

Reports on US Equestrian events as assigned.

• Creates written pieces for various US Equestrian communication and marketing projects.
• Proofreads and edits US Equestrian communications (Equestrian Weekly, member communications, sponsor e-blasts, etc.) created by other team members prior to production or issue.
• Manages photo acquisitions, including commissioning or contracting photographers, receiving photos, arranging payment
• Helps ensure photos are added into WebDAM (storage database) and properly labeled for US Equestrian events, sport program activities, and other assignments.
• Selects photo options for various US Equestrian communication and marketing projects.
• Helps manage model release forms for photo and video shoots or third-party commercial use requests.
• Oversees the photo layout of the Horse of the Year edition of US Equestrian Magazine, including coordinating with the IT and marketing departments on the photo acceptance process and timeframe, troubleshooting photo upload issues with members, and organizing photos for the design department.
• Assists with US Equestrian Magazine content creation and production, including brainstorming and writing department and feature articles, selecting photos, proofreading and editing magazine issues, and arranging payment for photos, contributing writing, and publishing company printing.
• Tracks budgets for sport communication photo purchases as well as magazine photo, contributing writing, and publishing company printing purchases.
• Collaborates with sport departments on media coverage at select events : obtains media credential forms, sends announcements, tracks media attendance, prepares materials for media members, arranges press conferences, etc.
• Provides customer service by responding to inquiries and providing information regarding US Equestrian communications.
• Occasionally take photos for US Equestrian communications, magazines, and other projects.
• Exceptional member service is provided, and member relationships are enhanced.
• Communication with members and staff is effective and professional.
• Relationships with Directors and other staff are productive and promote a positive team environment.
• Assistance is provided to other department members when needed.

Required, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

• Must be able to manage tasks and schedules independently during the week, as well as during weekends as scheduled.
• Must be proficient in word processing and design programs, including Microsoft (PC), Macintosh, and Adobe Photoshop.
• Must have basic photography skills.
• Must have exceptional oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.
• Must be capable of analyzing, directing, and implementing various projects under pressure and intense deadlines.
• Extensive travel may be required.

Education and Experience :

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Some college preferred.
• Experience in editing and publishing preferred.

Physical Requirements :

• Frequent travel
• Extended hours of availability, including evenings and weekends.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting and / or moving up to 25 pounds.

US Equestrian is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We strongly encourage applications from black, indigenous, and people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.