SUMMARYFounded in 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL®) is the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. With more than 600 employees across offices in New York, Toronto and Montreal, the NHL is a global sports and entertainment organization committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using the sport of hockey to celebrate fans of every race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. At the NHL, we are looking for dynamic, energetic and impactful individuals who are committed to doing the same by sharing in our philosophy that Hockey is for Everyone – and inclusion belongs on the ice, in the locker rooms, boardrooms and stands.
BACKGROUND:The NHL is looking for a Director of Communications who is experienced in Diversity & Inclusion, to support the NHL Communications group in providing strategic, focused PR support for the League’s Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs (SGL) department and initiatives including:
- NHL Diversity & Inclusion Report and 7 Dimensions Framework
- Industry Growth Fund (Learn to Play, NHL Street, Future Goals)
- Hockey is for Everyone Campaigns
- Hockey Fights Cancer
- Player Inclusion Coalition
The Director, Culture and Community Communications will develop, prioritize, manage and execute communications plans, narrative strategies and day-to-day PR activities that effectively tell the League’s Diversity & Inclusion story, foster more inclusive communities and help grow the game of hockey. The role will interact and collaborate with the SGL team, League departments, NHL Clubs and a wide range of external partners and stakeholders. This position requires proactive media relations, including cultivating and managing relationships with media and influencers across a diverse spectrum including hockey / sports, Diversity & Inclusion, public affairs, business, community, lifestyle and entertainment. In addition, the role will require understanding of the socio-political landscape and the intersection with sports, culture and inclusion.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support in strategy development and manage execution of narratives and communications plans, including proactive and reactive media relations, that effectively tell the NHL SGL story
- Collaborate with the NHL SGL team to create a unified approach and process to integrate into the overall League communications strategy
- Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with key media, internal and external stakeholders and partners, NHL Clubs and influencers
- Prepare and execute public relations content and activities, including press releases and other media materials, press events, media pitches, media requests, organizational statements, internal communications and key messaging
- Consultation and approval of social media messaging, strategy and support for League SGL campaigns
- Assist with providing issues management and strategic communications support for NHL SGL executives
- Provide feedback on League communications materials and opportunities using an SGL lens
- Create media coverage reports for key announcements and events when required
- On-site PR support at NHL events as required
- Manage external PR consultants and agencies as required
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong, persuasive communicator, both written and verbal
- Experience in designing strategic communications plans
- Strong media relations and issues management experience
- Robust knowledge of best practices in Diversity & Inclusion, and relationships with Diversity & Inclusion media
- Creative and resourceful mindset
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- 7+ years working experience in a communications-related position; Diversity & Inclusion and public affairs experience preferred
- Bachelor’s Degree or College Diploma in Communications / Public Relations or related field
LANGUAGE SKILLS:English
The NHL offers U.S. regular, full-time employees:
Time to Recharge: Utilize our generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to focus on your well-being and ensure a healthy work/life balance. PTO includes paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick days, plus an extra day off for your birthday.
Ability to Focus on your Health: Along with competitive salaries, the NHL offers comprehensive health benefits to employees and their eligible dependents effective on their first day with us – there is no waiting period. The NHL subsidizes a large portion of the health benefits costs, therefore your cost for medical, dental and vision coverage is minimal.
We also offer our employees and members of their household access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support mental, physical, and financial health. In addition, employees have access to a digital wellness resource designed to improve health and happiness through courses in sleep, movement, and focus. These services are confidential and at no-cost to our employees.
Childcare Leave: Because your family is the NHL family, employees are offered comprehensive Childcare Leave to welcome your new addition. The primary caregiver to the child is entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid Childcare Leave, at full pay, following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.
Employees that are not the primary caregiver to the child are entitled to up to 6 weeks of paid Childcare Leave, at full pay, which must be taken within the first 6 months following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.
Confidence in your Retirement Goals: Participate in the NHL’s Savings Plan which includes a 401K(pre-tax and Roth options) plus non-elective (employer) contributions to keep your retirement goals on track.
A Hybrid Work Schedule: The NHL recognizes the value of flexibility in work locations/schedules to help our employees balance work/life priorities. Hybrid work schedules are available for a majority of our roles.
Our New Headquarters: Our new, state of the art, offices are located at One Manhattan West in Hudson Yards. When you’re in the office, you can conduct meetings in one of our high-tech conference rooms, have lunch with a view or play in the game room. Employees can also enjoy New York’s newest neighborhood that is home to more than 100 shops, culinary experiences, and public artwork.
A Savings for Commuting: Participate in the NHL’s pre-tax commuter benefit plan whichhelps offset the financial cost of traveling to and from our office.
NHL Partner Rates: Unlock exclusive pricing from our Partners that include savings on travel, consumer goods and services, plus the NHL Store.
Life at the NHL: In your first few days, you meet with your new teammates and the HR Team. You have the opportunity to learn more about the NHL and our workplace culture. Employees are invited to play hockey during our Tuesday Night Skate at Chelsea Piers, join our Employee Resource Groups and more. You are a part of our team and we encourage you to be your authentic self, adding to our dynamic workplace culture.
SALARY RANGE:
$130-140K
Actual base pay for a successful candidate will be determined based on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to: experience/training, market demands, and geographic location.
When applying, please be sure to include a cover letter with your salary expectations for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. NO EMAILS OR PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
Job Questions:
- This position will be based in our New York City Office. Are you willing and able to commute to our office for this position?
- If you are not currently living in the tri-state area, are you willing and able to relocate at your own expense for this position?
- Do you have the legal right to work in the United States?
- Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to continue work in the United States?
- What are your salary expectations for this role? (NOTE: We are NOT asking for your current salary or salary history)
- How did you hear about this position? Where did you first see this role posted?
- Do you have 7-10 years of PR/Media Relations experience?
- Do you have experience working in diversity & inclusion/public affairs?
- Do you have understanding of the socio-political landscape and the intersection with sports, culture and inclusion? Please explain.
- Do you have experience collaborating with a variety of groups both internally and externally? Please provide more information.