Senior Manager, Communications Full Time

About the Role:

The Senior Manager of Communications is a crucial role in the World Surf League Communications department and is responsible for focusing on and amplifying the WSL’s corporate, business, and athlete initiatives. This position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, partners, and stakeholders to develop and implement external and internal communications plans to promote key narratives and increase global awareness, with a prioritization on the US market.

This role reports directly into the VP, Global Communications. Based on business and team priorities, the successful candidate should be based in Los Angeles, California, in a hybrid working environment. This role will include three days in-office (El Segundo).

Responsibilities include (but not limited to):

• Build global PR strategy/roadmap around the WSL’s key assets, including WSL Tours and its athletes, and WSL brand initiatives.
• Identify opportunities and pitch stories to further WSL’s key narratives and profiles in the press
• Key focus is generating press coverage through heavy pitching efforts to drive maximum awareness, particularly in the US, for mainstream media across target segments including, but not limited to: mainstream US news, sport, lifestyle, entertainment, and key thought-leaders.
• Support the Management and Leadership teams for strategies related to the brand, Tours, key programs, key events, partners, and athletes. Duties include drafting and reviewing press statements, background materials and briefing documents, brainstorming potential risks, and reviewing and consolidating feedback in real time.
• Continue and develop long-lasting media relationships with quality outlets that yield great coverage, particularly in the US market.
• Craft engaging and tailored narratives that resonate with the outlet’s audiences for impactful storytelling. Share best practices with pitching and outreach with the broader team.
• Provide strategic counsel and real-time support to leadership and management teams on high-visibility matters, ensuring accurate, consistent messaging for athletes, partners, and external audiences. Draft and review public-facing statements and talking points tied to significant moments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to share best practices, innovative ideas, and solutions, contributing to a culture of excellence in communications.

Qualifications: 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Minimum six years experience in Communications/PR, with the responsibility of leading and delivering impactful PR campaigns and initiatives, and/or experience marketing high-profile brands or agency account management.
• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in English, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• Must be fluent in English, additional language skills preferred.
• In-depth understanding of the media landscape with clear expertise in press pitching and outreach. Immersed in the market and in touch with digital and cultural trends.
• Strong PR relationships with US-based, mainstream, and B2B press.
• Proven management experience – the Communications team member(s) will report directly into this role.
• Experience working with teams across departments to accomplish successful campaigns.
• Outstanding organizational ability and project management detail.
• Hands-on and operationally motivated to get things done, while also able to function at an integrated cross-departmental strategic level.
• Proven ability to prioritize and execute tasks in an ever-changing, nimble, and “live” world.
• Experience with Google Suite (or comparable across Powerpoint, Excel, mid-level skills).
• Working knowledge of Creative Software preferred (Adobe Creative Suite).
• A flexible schedule is preferred, as nights, weekends, and holidays may likely be required.
• Experience in live sports, action sports and/or surf is highly desirable, as is a passion for surfing.

Personal Attributes:

• Above all, integrity and honesty.
• An exceptional work ethic and attention to detail.
• Optimism and energy for the brand and its future.
• An open and collaborative nature.
• Incredibly organized and capable of juggling multiple projects simultaneously.
• A high degree of self-awareness of one’s own personal style, strengths and weaknesses, and sources of motivation.
• Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced, corporate environment
• Action-oriented—enjoys working hard and looks for challenges; able to act and react as necessary, even if limited information is available; willing to take unpopular stands when necessary.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: equal opportunity employer M/F/D/V.

Salary Range: $90,000.00 – $110,000.00 based on relevant experience

Tagged as: california, communications, senior manager, USA, world surf league