Summary

National Western is seeking a dynamic, well-connected, and strategic Sr. Manager of PR, Media & Community Relations to lead efforts that elevate brand visibility, strengthen community relationships, and shape public perception.

Description

About National Western

We are National Western—an organization rooted in more than 120 years of history and driven by a mission to strengthen American agriculture through education, youth development, and community connection. We are stewards of the Western way of life, grounded in the values of courage, pride, integrity, grit, and loyalty.

Each January, we bring this mission to life through the legendary National Western Stock Show—one of the world’s premier Western lifestyle, rodeo and livestock entertainment events—welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests from across the globe. Beyond the Stock Show, we operate The Legacy, a world-class, year-round destination for events, experiences, and cultural connection in the heart of Denver.

We are more than an event—we are a brand that lives at the intersection of heritage, community, and culture—shaping how Western lifestyle shows up in the modern world.

Position Summary

This role is responsible for driving proactive media strategy, storytelling, and reputation management—ensuring National Western is

consistently part of relevant cultural and community conversations. From press releases and media pitching to community engagement and government relations, this leader will serve as a key voice and connector for the organization.

The ideal candidate is both a storyteller and a relationship builder—someone with strong media instincts, a deep network, and the ability to navigate both opportunity and complexity with confidence.

What You’ll Do

Public Relations & Media Strategy

Lead the development and execution of comprehensive PR strategies to elevate National Western’s visibility and relevance
Draft and distribute press releases, media alerts, statements, and key messaging materials
Identify and pitch compelling stories, timely news hooks, and feature opportunities to media outlets
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media

Media Relations & Storytelling

Serve as a primary media contact and spokesperson support for the organization
Proactively secure earned media coverage across print, broadcast, digital, and social platforms
Shape and protect the National Western brand voice across all external communications

Community Relations & Engagement

Build and nurture relationships with community groups, partners, and stakeholders across Northern Colorado
Represent National Western within the community to strengthen awareness, trust, and engagement
Develop and execute community engagement strategies that align with organizational priorities

Government & Stakeholder Relations

Support government affairs efforts by building relationships with local and regional officials
Coordinate outreach and communication with civic leaders, agencies, and community influencers
Help position National Western as a valued community and economic partner

Reputation Management & Crisis Communications

Lead reputation management efforts, monitoring public sentiment and media coverage
Develop and execute crisis communication plans and response strategies when needed
Provide guidance to leadership on messaging in sensitive or high-profile situations

Street Team & Grassroots Marketing

Oversee and manage a part-time street team focused on grassroots brand building
Activate National Western presence at community events, festivals, and local gatherings
Ensure consistent brand representation and messaging across all grassroots efforts

Measurement, Analytics & Reporting

Track, analyze, and report on PR performance, including media coverage, reach, sentiment, and impact
Establish metrics and dashboards to demonstrate ROI and inform strategy
Continuously refine approach based on insights and results

Collaboration & Agency Management

Partner closely with internal teams across marketing, events, partnerships, and leadership
Collaborate with external PR agencies and communications partners as needed
Ensure alignment across all communications and marketing efforts

Reports to: Vice President, Marketing

Who You Are

You are a connected communicator and strategic storyteller who understands how to build relevance through media, relationships, and

community presence. You thrive in fast-paced environments and know how to turn moments into meaningful visibility.

Experience & Background

4–6+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, or communications
Strong experience working with lifestyle, Western, sports, entertainment, or culturally relevant brands preferred
Established media relationships, particularly within Northern Colorado and the Denver media market

Core Capabilities

Exceptional writing skills, with experience drafting press releases, statements, and media materials
Proven ability to pitch and secure earned media coverage
Strong understanding of media landscape, news cycles, and storytelling strategies
Experience with community relations, stakeholder engagement, and/or government relations

Strategic & Analytical Skills

Ability to connect PR efforts to broader brand and business objectives
Experience measuring and reporting on PR performance and ROI
Strong judgment in managing reputation and navigating sensitive communications

Leadership & Collaboration

Relationship-driven with strong interpersonal and networking skills
Comfortable working across teams and influencing stakeholders
Experience managing external partners and agencies

Mindset & Traits

Passion for storytelling and building culturally relevant brands
Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented
Calm under pressure with strong crisis management instincts
High-energy, “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude with a commitment to execution

Why Join National Western

This is a unique opportunity to shape the voice and public presence of one of the most iconic heritage brands in the country. You’ll play

a central role in how National Western connects with media, engages communities, and shows up in moments that matter.

If you’re driven to tell stories, build relationships, and elevate a brand with deep roots and bold ambitions—we’d love to meet you.

Physical Demands

National Western Complex is a multi-purpose indoor and outdoor commercial and agricultural complex where dusty conditions and animals may exist. While performing the duties of this job, work is performed both indoors and outside in all weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow, wind, and rain, on varied surfaces.

In this role, individuals will experience prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Incumbent must be able to lift 15 pounds and access/navigate the National Western Complex in its entirety, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Scheduling Requirements

While the schedule for this position is primarily Monday-Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, there will be certain occasions in which early morning, late evening, weekend, or holiday availability will be required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Like almost all NWSS team members, this position will need to be on-site every day during Stock Show, typically for 12-16 hours at a time.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time salaried/exempt position with compensation for the position ranging from $75,000.00 to $80,000.00 (depending on experience and education)
Full-time employees qualify for partial paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and life for employee; family coverage is available at group rates.
Voluntary benefits including Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability, and Hospital Indemnity available at discounted rates.
100% paid Long-Term Disability.
Paid sick leave and vacation time.
Upon meeting plan qualifications, a competitive 401(k) retirement plan is available with up to 7% matching.

WSSA/NWSS is a drug & alcohol-free employer with a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana.

WSSA/NWSS is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Anticipated Job Posting Close Date:

05/01/2026; open until filled.

Established in 1906 in the heart of downtown Denver, the National Western Stock Show is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to strengthen American agriculture through enrichment programs and nourishing agriculture education. The annual Stock Show is the nation's premier livestock, rodeo, and horse show, serving agricultural producers and consumers worldwide.

Our employees are the most essential part of everything we do. From Event Operations to Finance or Livestock to Marketing, our team is the force behind the name and the reason for our successes.
There's no place like Stock Show, and there's no team like it either.

Pay: $75000.00 – $80000.00 / year

Benefits: