Here’s a great job opportunity from NASCAR’s Homestead-Miami Speedway for a Media Relations Manager. I love this position as a way to get into the sport, because you touch so many aspects of an organization and the industry, and you make tons of connections. It’s a great starting point for someone who wants to be on the business side of the sport but maybe isn’t sure what aspect of it.
Here’s the job description from TeamworkOnline:
Homestead-Miami Speedway seeks to hire a Manager of Media Relations to lead all initiatives tied to information dissemination, promotion and ticket sales of the Speedway’s major events, highlighted by: Ford Championship Weekend, the Championship finales of the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series.
Essential Duties/Functions:
- Work closely with the Speedway staff to develop media relations initiatives related to the promotion and ticket selling of the Speedway’s major events
- Excellent writing skills in order to contribute to editorial content on the website, souvenir event programs, engage media and convey the nuances of motorsports in a non-traditional racing market
- Aggressively generate fresh, creative story angles and sources to provide to both local and national media across multiple beats (motorsports, lifestyle, business, entertainment) on a year round basis
- Seek out new opportunities in emerging markets with media; and seek out opportunities to gain news placement in the absence of media (video on ftp site etc.)
- Maintain an accurate and timely distribution list of local, regional and national media (individuals and outlets) and other stakeholders
- Create and coordinate all media and fan events at the facility and outside the facility, including publicity and promotional “stunts”
- Schedule, implement and edit of videos, podcasts, event video wrap-ups for distribution to local, regional, national media and other stakeholders throughout the year
- Actively contribute to staff meetings new ideas integrating media relations efforts aimed at increasing both media coverage and ticket sales
- Coordinate and execute press conferences
- Respond to requests for information from the media or designate another more appropriate Homestead-Miami Speedway executive as an information source
- Manage media center and press box during event weekends. This includes: supplies, food and beverage, press releases, quotes, press conferences, post-qualifying and post-event interviews and the distribution of information to media and general public. This also includes management of part-time staffs.
- Manage and supervise interns and volunteer staff, assigning tasks and projects, communicating consistent expectations; manage projects to successful completion
- Monitor and maintain media clip book related to Homestead-Miami Speedway, its partners and sponsors
- Provide current information along with updates to series PR representatives to include in media guides etc.
Specific Job Knowledge/Skills/Ability:
- Journalism: excellent writing skills; familiarity with AP Style (will be expected to author feature stories, press releases, website content and sales brochures)
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, and civic groups
- Proactive and creative media relations outreach skills
- Proficient and comfortable shooting video and the video editing process
- Highly organized, resourceful and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to work well with different personalities in a fast-paced environment
- Enterprising and self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision
- Knowledge of motorsports, with a thirst to learn more
- Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information
- Exceptional interpersonal and telephone skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook)
- Prepare or edit organizational publications for internal and external audiences.
- Available to work non-traditional hours in conjunction with events
- Possess working knowledge of social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.)
Work Requirements:
- Usual office working conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities, duties, functions and tasks.
- Position may require travel as needed.
The Speedway has been open since 1995 following an initiative to spur economic recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. The 650-acre facility is active more than 280 days per year and will host NASCAR’s championship races during Ford Championship Weekend (November 14-16, 2014) for the 13th consecutive year. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship Ford EcoBoost 400 is broadcast live on TV and radio to 200 countries in 24 languages. Homestead-Miami Speedway, featuring a 1.5-mile oval and 2.21-mile road course, generates more than $250 million annually for the region.
You can apply here.
