Director of Public Relations

Summary

Description

CLIMB WITH US. Denver Summit FC is Colorado’s professional women’s soccer club, proudly holding the distinction of being the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) 16th franchise. Our unwavering mission is to cultivate the preeminent professional soccer club globally, achieved through deep and meaningful engagement with Denver’s dynamic and multifaceted communities. Denver Summit FC is set to begin play in the 2026 season and has a robust and dedicated ownership group led by Rob Cohen, alongside a collective of impassioned local and national investors. This blend of local roots and broad support underscores our dedication to both Colorado and the wider soccer community. Learn more at denversummitfc.com.

Nature of Work
Reporting to the CMO, the Director of Public Relations will execute the strategic vision of all external communications and media relations for Denver Summit FC. This role will help shape and support the public voice of the club, elevate its reputation locally and nationally, and deliver compelling storytelling that brings the Denver Summit brand to life.

The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with operational excellence, thrives in dynamic environments, and has a deep expertise for sports communications, storytelling, media relations, and building community.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Collaborate closely with the CMO in the development and execution of a comprehensive PR and communications strategy aligned with the club’s mission, vision, and business goals.
• Assist in the development and implementation of messaging pillars and media engagement frameworks that build credibility and drive awareness of the club’s brand and values.
• Partner with the senior leadership team and department heads to ensure alignment across marketing, partnerships, operations, and soccer performance.

Media Relations & Storytelling

• Serve as the primary point of contact for media — coordinating press releases, media advisories, press conferences, and interview requests.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, national, and global media across sports, business, and culture verticals.
• Identify and pitch storylines highlighting Denver Summit FC’s players, leadership, milestones, and community impact.
• Collaborate with internal content, digital, and social teams to align messaging and amplify storytelling.
• Oversee the club’s press materials, media kits, and digital media center.

Soccer Operations & Matchday Communications

• Lead matchday media relations for both home and away games, including media/photography credentialing, press box operations, and postgame communications.
• Manage the development of game notes, milestone tracking, player bios, and statistical summaries.
• Coordinate player and coach availability with the Director of Team Operations & Player Experience; serve as on-site PR representative during practices, training camps, and events.
• Drive proactive publicity plans for players, coaches, and soccer leadership, ensuring media engagement reflects professionalism and authenticity.
• Oversee the annual media guide and collaborate with the NWSL on league-wide communications initiatives.

Launch & Milestone Communications
Lead communications planning for major announcements — including player signings, brand partnerships, capital projects, and the inaugural season.
Partner with the NWSL and external stakeholders on major announcements, ensuring strategic alignment and message consistency.
Manage event PR (e.g., media days, fan experiences, community activations, etc.) to ensure consistent and elevated presentation.

Crisis & Reputation Management

• Develop and implement crisis communication protocols and rapid response procedures.
• Monitor traditional and social media to identify emerging issues and advise leadership on positioning and response strategies.
• Prepare and train spokespeople and key leaders/executives on media best practices, messaging discipline, and public appearances. 

Measurement & Reporting

• Work with key leaders (President & CMO) to define KPIs and measure PR impact, including share of voice, media sentiment, and coverage reach.
• Prepare insights and performance reports for the executive team.
• Manage PR agency relationships, vendors, and budget.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Storytelling – Connects mission, emotion, and results into compelling narratives.
• Relationship Builder – Builds trust across media, internal teams, and community partners.
• Composure & Integrity – Handles sensitive situations calmly and with sound judgment.
• Entrepreneurial Agility – Thrives in a fast-paced, startup environment.
• Results-Driven – Balances creativity with accountability and measurable impact.

Qualifications
Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field (advanced degree a plus)
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications
• Ability to acquire or produce and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet company vehicle driving standards
• Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred

• Experience in professional sports or entertainment required; brand storytelling and familiarity with soccer

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Confident spokesperson and media trainer
• Proven success developing and executing integrated PR strategies that deliver measurable results
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with marketing, operations, partnerships, and executive leadership
• Deep understanding of the modern media landscape, including digital and social platforms
• Experience managing crises and sensitive communications with discretion
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel

Compensation 

• Base salary range $100,000 – $115,000 per annum, depending upon experience
• Eligible for annual discretionary bonus

Benefits Include

• 15 Paid Company Holidays
• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• And more!

Equal Employment Opportunity
Denver Summit FC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Questions:

1. Are you 18 years of age or older?

2. Do you have previous experience in the NWSL, MLS, or another first division professional soccer league and/or national team?

3. Do you currently or have you ever worked for Denver Summit FC?

4. If hired, will you be able to furnish proof of your eligibility to work in the U.S.?

5. Do you have knowledge of soccer leagues and culture in the United States?

6. What is your desired salary?

7. Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field?

8. Do you have 7–10 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications?

9. Do you have experience in professional sports or entertainment required; brand storytelling and familiarity with soccer?