Join USBA - Communications Coordinator

Communications Coordinator 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Communication Coordinator

Reports to: President and CEO

Primary Role

The US Biathlon communication coordinator is responsible for creating and executing a strategic communication plan that will enhance the awareness and value of the US Biathlon brand through purposeful communication with stakeholders and the public. The role is responsible for grassroots club programs up through elite national teams.

About US Biathlon

US Biathlon is an Olympic and Paralympic sports organization dedicated to providing opportunities for Americans to engage in the unique sport of biathlon. From introductory

experiences to preparing America’s top biathletes for the Olympic Winter Games, US Biathlon brings the unifying Olympic values to every athlete. Biathlon challenges participants and with opposing athletic endeavors in a singular event that combines the heart-pumping aerobic aspects of cross country skiing with the intense focus of precision marksmanship.

Required Experience and Competencies

• Relevant college bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Accustomed to working outdoors in winter.

• One to three years experience in communication-related activities.

• Strong writing skills with examples of published work. Ability to edit work with precision for spelling and grammar. Familiarity with AP Style Guidelines. Ability to adjust writing style to meet project needs.

• Competency with graphic design, photography, video editing and production with experience in Adobe Creative Suite or other relevant software.

• Experience managing website content management systems including content posting, site management, analytics.

• Experience managing email distribution applications (i.e. MailChimp, Constant Contact)

• Experience managing strategic social media for an organization or brand including commercial use of content publishing tools (i.e. Canva, Hootsuite, Facebook Publisher)

• Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in both positive and negative situations, including the confidence to engage in group presentations and meetings.

• Ability to plan and organize with a focus on prioritization and efficient time management.

• Experience working in a goal-driven environment.

• Hold a current, valid U.S. passport.

• Foreign language skills are a plus.

• Personal experience as a winter sports participant.

Position Responsibilities

• Collaborate with US Biathlon staff to develop and execute an annual plan for strategic communication to internal and external stakeholder audiences.

• Develop and manage organization key messages, as well as ongoing project messages.

• Establish and manage all organization communication channels including website, email, social media and others.

• Manage brand guidelines and associated brand assets such as logos and graphics.

• Develop and deploy strategic content through established US Biathlon channels.

• Develop and manage ongoing organizational news to stakeholders, media and public.

• Develop and manage a media relations plan to support athletes and teams at all major events including IBU World Cup Biathlon, IBU Cup, World Championships, Youth & Junior World Championships, Youth Olympic Games and Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, including service as a designated US Biathlon press officer at selected events.

• Educate US Biathlon staff and athletes on skills to best present their story to the media and the public.

• Establish relevant relationships within the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and International Biathlon Union.

Work Environment

• Needs to be a team player - self-starter, strategic, task oriented and willing to work. 

• Professional conduct at all times as a representative of US Biathlon.

• Role requires significant work at on-snow events including travel to both domestic and international. 

• Work outdoors in all seasons, notably in winter conditions.

• Flexible in supporting other role demands within a small organization.

• Role is responsible for adhering to the highest standards of sport and professional conduct including SafeSport, ethics, and anti-doping, and is subject to testing and background screening at any time.

• Foster a safe, productive and professional relationship with athletes, coaches and club leaders across the organization.

Work Culture

• Competence and drive to engage effectively as part of a staff team in a small organization that is often spread across as many as eight time zones across the world.

• Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment of a small, dynamic sports organization, changing approach to best fit the situation; ability to manage frequent change, delays or unexpected events.

• Demonstrated willingness to gain knowledge of diversity and inclusion policies, showing respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educating others on the value of diversity and promoting a harassment-free environment.

• High ethical standards: treating people with respect, keeping commitments, Inspiring the trust of others; works with integrity and always uphold organizational values. 

• Willingness to take on new tasks in support of colleagues working in an often fast-paced environment with ever-changing dynamics.

Location

The role is remote-based, but will require travel to office, training and competitions in the USA and abroad (Europe). US Biathlon is headquartered in New Gloucester, Maine, with additional staff presence at training sites in Lake Placid, N.Y. and Midway, Utah. We are seeking a candidate who is within reasonable driving range of our training sites and office.

Job Evaluation

The success of the communication manager will be measured by a variety of benchmarks.

• Proven ability to construct an impactful and relevant strategic plan and to execute the plan and all its goals.

• Feedback from clubs, athletes and US Biathlon leadership team on the ability to work well as a part of the team and to create value for stakeholders.

• Achievement of social media and website metrics established in the annual plan.

• Achievement of media goals established in the annual plan.

• Personal innovation in seeking and achieving new goals.

Job Description Notes

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The role is a full-time exempt position.

EMAIL THE HIRING MANAGER