COMPANY BACKGROUND
The Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting soccer participation and growth in Houston, TX and beyond. The Club’s brands include men's and women's professional teams - the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), a development academy, Houston Dynamo Dash Charities, as well as Shell Energy Stadium and Houston Sports Park.
The Club has a rich history, including MLS Cup titles (2006, 2007) and in-season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018) and Dash (2020) and is focused on building toward the next championships, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Vice President, Dash Marketing & Communications is a strategic executive leadership role responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing, communications, brand, content, public relations, and fan engagement strategies specifically for the Houston Dash. This position will lead efforts to elevate the Houston Dash brand, increase revenue, expand fan engagement, strengthen community impact, and enhance the club's visibility.
The Vice President will oversee brand management, content creation, communications, public relations, media relations, advertising, social media, creative services, and fan engagement while working collaboratively across ticket sales, partnerships, digital, community relations, soccer operations, and league stakeholders.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
- Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with club objectives and growth initiatives.
- Serve as a member of the leadership team and contribute to overall business strategy and organizational priorities.
- Build and maintain a consistent Houston Dash brand identity across all platforms and touchpoints.
- Establish department goals, KPIs, budgets, and performance metrics focused on revenue generation, fan growth, engagement, and brand awareness.
- Lead annual strategic planning initiatives for marketing campaigns, season launches, promotions, and major club announcements.
- Oversee integrated marketing campaigns designed to drive ticket sales, attendance, merchandise sales, sponsorship, and fan engagement.
- Work closely with digital team on all paid media, digital advertising, email marketing, CRM marketing, SEO/SEM, and promotional initiatives.
- Oversee content creation across social media, website, video, photography, podcasts, and emerging digital platforms.
- Develop innovative strategies to attract new audiences, increase market share, and strengthen fan loyalty.
- Manage brand standards and ensure consistent messaging across all club communications.
- Lead market research efforts and utilize fan insights to improve engagement and customer experience.
- Direct all internal and external communications efforts for the Houston Dash.
- Serve as the club's communications leader and primary advisor on media strategy and messaging.
- Oversee media relations, press conferences, media availability, and crisis communications.
- Develop communication plans for key organizational initiatives, player announcements, business initiatives, and special events.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with media outlets, league representatives, community leaders, and key stakeholders.
- Prepare executives, coaches, and players for media appearances and public speaking engagements.
- Collaborate with Ticket Sales and Service teams to develop campaigns that maximize attendance and season ticket memberships.
- Partner with Corporate Partnerships to create impactful sponsor activations and branded content opportunities.
- Promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement; develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach. Responsible for performance appraisals and development goals of direct reports.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university, ideally in marketing or other business focused field.
- 6 + years of progressive leadership experience in marketing, communications, sports, entertainment, consumer brands, or related industries.
- Minimum 3 years leading high-performing teams and managing multiple functional disciplines.
- Professional sports experience is strongly preferred, including experience with women's sports organizations.
- Demonstrated success in brand growth, fan development, digital engagement, and revenue-driving campaigns.
- Experience managing media relations, crisis communications, and executive communications.
- Highly data driven, with experience in reporting on key success metrics, analyzing trends, and making data-driven recommendations.
- Excellent communication (written, verbal and visual) skills.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
- Demonstrated ability to deliver results through collaboration and build consensus among stakeholders throughout the organization.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong understanding of digital marketing, social media, CRM marketing, content strategy, and brand management.
- Proven ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable business strategies.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Adaptability and ability to see the audience perspective; understanding of diverse and multi-cultural audiences preferred
- Maintains Organizational Core Competencies.
ORGANIZATIONAL CORE COMPETENCIES
- Accountable – Holds themselves (and when appropriate others) accountable for achieving goals and objectives.
- Collaborative – Works collaboratively with others to achieve organizational outcomes.
- Progressive – Open minded, accepting, creative, and innovative in approach.
- Values Driven – Being ethical in decision making and operating with professional integrity.
- Agile – Achieves personal and organizational success within a changing, dynamic and complex environment. Ability to handle ambiguity.
OTHER INFORMATION
Diverse candidates of all backgrounds are welcome, and the Club seeks individuals passionate about sport, inspiring the city and devoted to the organization's growth. While duties and responsibilities vary across positions, we are seeking individuals who are accountable, collaborative, progressive, agile and ethical/values driven.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.