Iowa Wild - Manager, Community Relations

Position Summary: The Manager, Community Relations is responsible for developing and executing impactful programs, events, and initiatives that strengthen the Iowa Wild’s presence in the community and support local causes. This role manages key relationships with nonprofit partners, leads fan engagement efforts such as auctions and themed nights, and collaborates across departments to ensure alignment and promotion of community outreach. By fostering strong community ties and delivering meaningful experiences, this position plays a vital role in growing the sport of hockey in Iowa and enhancing the organization’s brand and reputation.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Develop and execute Community Relations programs that promote the Iowa Wild brand and engage the public.
  • Manage and execute Community Relations programs by working with the Marketing, Sponsorship, and Ticket departments to promote programs and generate revenue through:
    • Floor Hockey Program
    • Reading Program
    • Kids Club
    • Learn to Play Program (Crash Course)
    • Community Rink Program
    • Donation Program
  • Develop unique community initiatives, grassroots marketing efforts, and programs to grow the sport of hockey in Iowa and expand the Wild brand.
  • Build out, manage, and execute a comprehensive community involvement, events, and promotional calendar, including the off-season schedule, to maintain brand awareness and generate new leads.
  • Plan and execute community events and other activities as needed.
  • Work with local charities on events, fundraisers, and in-game promotions.
  • Develop and execute promotional plans for community programs, events, initiatives, and player appearances in partnership with the Marketing department.
  • Create content and storytelling opportunities around community programs and events, including gathering photos, video, testimonials, and participant stories.
• Lead promotions, auctions, and fan engagement to drive participation and fundraising.
  • Develop and order annual team-worn specialty jerseys and collaborate with design and marketing teams to promote themed jerseys.
  • Manage and execute all auctions, including specialty jersey auctions, in collaboration with nonprofit partners and internal departments.
  • Manage and implement auctions through Handbid and coordinate related fan experiences.
  • Hire, manage, schedule, and coach the off-season and game-day promotions crew in alignment with the organization’s mission.
  • Work with the Game Operations Director and Marketing team to develop community relations promos, game program content, website content, event descriptions, email communications, social media copy, and other collateral materials.
  • Manage event-related website content and updates, including event listings, program information, registration details, and promotional copy.
  • Work alongside the Game Operations Director to find, execute, and manage “celebrity” or high-impact individuals for special game presentations.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships and ensure operational alignment across departments.
  • Develop relationships with community members, nonprofit partners, and the greater Des Moines community.
  • Serve as a primary liaison between Community Relations and Marketing to ensure timely communication of event details, promotional opportunities, deadlines, and required assets.
  • Oversee the Coordinator, Community Relations and Mascot and the mascot program, including booking appearances.
  • Oversee and schedule the promotional game night staff and skaters while working in tandem with the Game Presentation Director to plan their game night tasks.
  • Manage the internal staff volunteer program, Heart of the Wild.
  • Align with the Marketing department to ensure consistent communication on all community initiatives.
  • Establish and maintain strong communication and collaboration with internal leaders across the organization.
  • Work closely with the Director, Team Services and the Hockey Operations department to involve players and coaches in community and promotional efforts.
  • Prepare professional correspondence and handle confidential information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

Formal Education & Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, Event Management, Public Relations, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Knowledge & Experience:

• At least two years of experience in event planning.
• Event planning experience in sports or entertainment preferred.
• Community programming experience preferred.
• Computer and programming skills including Microsoft Office and Adobe Suites.
• Knowledge or experience with special event planning, event marketing strategies, and e-marketing strategies.

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to multi-task, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and work under tight deadlines showcasing strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to motivate staff.
• Outgoing, collaborative leader with desire to continually innovate.
• Ability to think strategically and implement marketing tactics.
• Innovative and creative self-starter.

Work Conditions:

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed for games and events. 

• Physical requirements include sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, lifting, grasping, etc. 

• Lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Benefits offered including Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, and a robust PTO policy.

ADA/EEO Statement:

Our company is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application process or perform the essential functions of the job, please contact the People Team to request an accommodation. We will engage in an interactive process to assess your needs and provide appropriate accommodations to enable you to perform the essential functions of the position unless it would cause an undue hardship.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and promote a work environment that respects and supports individuals without bias.