Manager, Community Relations & Digital Marketing

Our Game Plan

The Bridgeport Islanders are looking for an outgoing and relationship-driven manager that can help elevate our community presence and involvement, as well as drive meaningful engagement across all digital marketing platforms and channels. As the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, we pride ourselves on providing top-tier entertainment and engaging content to our fanbase that stretches from Fairfield County all the way across the Long Island Sound. We have big plans for our future and this position is going to help us go the distance.

We are hiring a Community Relations & Digital Marketing Manager. If you are passionate about working with community leaders, spreading awareness of the Islanders brand, creating exciting new events, and engaging with the public, then we want to get to know you.

How to Make the Team

The Community Relations & Digital Marketing Manager is a key teammate and leader when it comes to community involvement and marketing for the Bridgeport Islanders. They are responsible for creating and guiding all direct fan engagement initiatives, working with local leaders to help improve the community presence of the team, building and executing all digital marketing promotions & strategy, and supporting revenue growth through ticketing & sponsorship opportunities. We need an individual that can jump right in and help enhance the relationships our organization has with existing fans, local municipalities, and charitable organizations, as well as collaborate and coordinate with the American Hockey League to help our team make a greater brand impact.

A strategic, big-picture thinker who is also highly detail-oriented, you will have solid experience in working in a fast-paced environment and orchestrating a series of events and team-led programs.

This role requires a ‘can do’ attitude and will reside within the Bridgeport Islanders Marketing Department and will report directly to the Vice President of Marketing. This person will also engage with the ticket sales and corporate partnership teams.

Show Us You Can

• Develop a strategic plan regarding all team involvement and manage the organizational community calendar featuring all team appearances, events, fundraisers, drives, and activations
• Plan and execute strategic digital marketing promotions & campaigns for all Bridgeport Islanders-owned assets and accounts (social, email, web, advertising)
• Manage team volunteer program providing opportunities for employees, partners, and fans to effectively meet organization objectives
• Work with ticketing & corporate sales teams to develop new revenue streams through community involvement while also maximize existing streams/relationships
• Assist in the management of team’s youth hockey outreach programming including summer street/floor hockey, youth clinics, team signings/appearances, and rink branding as part of community outreach initiatives
• Provide input for building educational resources and activation plans around “cause/awareness” promotional nights and months (Hockey Fights Cancer, Military Appreciation, First Responders, Women In Sports, Hispanic Heritage, Black History, etc.)
• Assist in the planning and execution of all grassroots marketing programs
• Serve as the primary liaison between the team and supporters through scheduling of meetings, serving on committees/boards, and handling direct communication

What Skills You’ll Use

• Flexibility: Be able to quickly create new events and adapt existing programming
• Autonomy: Manage your own time, work independently, and prioritize tasks
• Collaboration: Work with Hockey Operations, Partnerships, and Ticketing teams to create a complete team involvement strategy
• Accountability: Take complete ownership of your work and department
• Multi-Tasking: Handle multiple team events and programs simultaneously
• Creativity: Set the new standard for the team through new ideas, concepts, and content
• Vocal: Take the lead in community involvement idea and concept discussions

Your Equipment

• Bachelor’s degree (Marketing, Communication, or related field)
• 1-3 years of experience with a focus on community engagement, marketing, or event planning
• Experience managing brand/organizational digital assets (social/email/web)
• Highly skilled in both written and verbal communication and relationship building
• Highly skilled in presenting/speaking in public settings
• Experience with ticket sales and revenue-driven programming
• Passionate and invested in your work
• Be curious to learn
• Strong attention to detail
• Experience in strategic planning and event budgeting
• Possession of creative mindset regarding community engagement and event creation
• Ability to understand goals and objectives of partners and community leaders
• Comfortable tackling problems head-on and adapting to shifting priorities
• A motivated self-starter with a no-task-too-small attitude

Where You’ll Go

• You will primarily report to our Bridgeport, CT office, along with:
• Attending home games and other events (events can fall on evenings, weekends, and/or holidays)

What’s In It for You

• Opportunities for Performance & Team-Based Bonuses
• Bridgeport Islanders Tickets
• Opportunities for Tickets to Select Arena Events
• Being Part of a Growing Team/Business
• A Fun and Exciting Atmosphere
• Comprehensive Medical and Dental benefits
• 401K
• Paid Time Off

The Fine Print

The Bridgeport Islanders are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.