Communications and PR Specialist

Sarasota Paradise • Sarasota, FL

15h • $50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

Sarasota Paradise is a startup professional soccer club launching in the USL League One for the 2026 season. We're building a small organization from the ground up, with a focus on hard-charging community engagement, fan growth, and sales tactics in sports. Join us in shaping a club that blends small business hustle with professional sports excitement. Learn more at sarasotaparadise.us . We're seeking a proactive Communications and PR Specialist to lead our external storytelling and media efforts as we build brand awareness in the Sarasota-Manatee region and beyond. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is pivotal in a startup environment, where you'll work closely with departments like Marketing, Operations, and Sales. This is a full-time position ideal for someone with a small business mindset who thrives in fast-paced ops and traditional sports values, focusing on press relations, releases, email newsletters, and influencer marketing—no social media management required. Expect cut-through-the-noise execution to drive real results in a lean team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, sports management, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in PR/media relations, preferably in professional sports, startups, or small businesses; USL or soccer knowledge is a plus.
• Proven track record in pitching stories, writing press releases, and managing influencer partnerships that drive results.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and the ability to craft narratives.
• Experience with CRM tools for email campaigns.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and work varied hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays—common in pro sports ops.
• Proactive problem-solver with a growth mindset, excited about building a club from scratch.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic digital tools; no advanced design skills needed.

Nice To Haves

• USL or soccer knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Media Relations and PR : Serve as the primary point of contact for local and national media. Build and maintain relationships to pitch stories on club milestones, player signings, game previews, and facility developments.
• Press Releases and Statements : Draft, edit, and distribute professional press releases, quotes, and statements on behalf of club leadership, ensuring alignment with our brand voice. Plan and execute press conferences or media events to generate buzz and drive fan attendance.
• Email Newsletters and Campaigns : Write compelling email content, including newsletters, promotional sends, and segmented campaigns. Focus on things like ticket promotions, sponsorship spotlights, and fan updates to increase engagement.
• Influencer Marketing : Identify, outreach, and collaborate with local and international influencers (e.g., Sarasota lifestyle creators, soccer enthusiasts, or business leaders) for endorsements, partnerships, and activations that amplify our reach.
• Compliance and Historical Records : Ensure adherence to USL League One policies for media availabilities; maintain club historical data for storytelling and facility promotion.
• Game-day Support : Coordinate media credentials and on-site PR for home games, supporting seamless operations that enhance fan experiences.
• Travel occasionally for away games or events as the PR point of contact, with flexibility for a small team environment.
• Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs, emphasizing agility in a startup sports club.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: $50,000 - $60,000 annually, plus bonuses and incentives, based on experience.
• Opportunity to shape a new club's success in a small, entrepreneurial team.
• Benefits including health coverage, full dental and vision, plus paid time off.
• Professional development with room to grow as we scale.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level