Job Description

Job Title: Manager, Brand PR & Corporate Communications Updated: June 2025 Department: Marketing – Brand & Communications Reports to: Director, Brand & Communications Location: Chicago/United Center (Remote Work Not Approved) Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm / Monday – Friday Status: Full-time Exempt # Direct Reports: None Compensation: The annual budgeted salary range for this position is $70,000 to 80,000 The Ideal Candidate: We’re looking for a versatile PR manager to support a wide range of communications needs across brand marketing and corporate affairs. This role calls for a strategic thinker with exceptional writing and communications skills, a creative mindset and the ability to manage multiple PR workstreams while collaborating across departments. The ideal candidate has a strong grasp on the evolving earned media landscape and brings a culture-first, digital-savvy approach to traditional, social and emerging media platforms. A passion for fandom, business operations and community engagement is essential. This role supports all “off ice” initiatives across Marketing, Ticketing, Corporate Partnerships, Retail, Amateur Hockey and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation. Please note: this position does not cover “on ice” Hockey Communications. The Top Shelf: The Manager, Brand PR & Corporate Communications plays a pivotal role in shaping brand storytelling, consumer (fan) public relations, and corporate communications. This individual serves as a trusted advisor for senior leaders and cross-functional teams, offering strategic counsel and actionable recommendations on earned media, brand opportunities and risk management. The role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive, earned- and influence-driven communication plans that drive brand awareness, reputation and growth – with audience-specific tactics and materials that target fans, customers, media, third-party organizations and employees. Internally, this position will collaborate with Human Resources and other departments to improve communication flow and foster employee engagement. How You’ll Contribute: Communications Planning & Execution Develop and implement year-round integrated communications plans for the Blackhawks brand across fan engagement, organizational milestones, partnerships and executive thought leadership; maintain brand and corporate communications calendars in coordination with cross-functional teams to align announcements and campaigns Serve as lead writer for a variety of organizational communications, ensuring consistency with brand narratives, tone and audience relevance: Draft key messaging, press releases, media advisories, FAQs and fact sheets – plus, write speeches, newsletters/memos, website content and/or social media copy, as needed. Create talking points and Q&A materials for executives and staff engaging with media, fans or partners. Collaborate with team video and photo teams to source and provide creative assets that enhance media coverage. Act as a communications liaison with corporate, community and other external partners (arena, government/public affairs, etc.) to align messaging and execute joint initiatives or events Lead brand monitoring and analyze Blackhawks & competitor media coverage; draft coverage reports, establish KPIs to assess the impact of communication efforts, and apply insights to refine strategy, channel use, and audience engagement. Support the Director, Brand & Communications and senior leadership in crisis and issues management, ensuring timely dissemination of sensitive information and media monitoring, as needed. Assist in managing of PR campaign budgets and contribute to the development of scopes of work for external agenc ies and internal creative teams , as needed. External Relations Build and maintain strong relationships with local and national media across sports, business, technology, philanthropy and lifestyle; manage organization’s off-ice media list and database Proactively generate story ideas and actively pitch media to increase visibility for the Chicago Blackhawks’ fan engagement, business initiatives and community programs. Enhance brand and executive visibility through awards submissions and participation in industry conference and panels. Support the Director, Brand & Communications, in fostering partnerships with key Chicago business, cultural and civic entities, as needed. Internal Communications Collaborate with Human Resources team to craft clear, engaging content for internal communications channels such as intranet (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft Teams) , email newsletters, and memos; continuously evaluate the effectiveness of these platforms and recommend enhancements to improve employee engagement. Advise and support senior leadership in delivering impactful messages to employees and other corporate stakeholders, including preparing leadership communications for town hall meetings, company-wide updates and key announcements. Manage the LinkedIn content calendar to s upport internal and external employer branding efforts and highlight culture, milestones and employee achievements. Integrated Marketing & Communications Lead external digital communities strateg y through earned influencer and creator programs that deliver integrated storytelling and meet audiences where they are ; partner with Brand & Growth Marketing to optimize efforts across owned , shared and paid media . Serve as Brand Communications lead for local initiatives aligned with the NHL Unites platform; partner with the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation and Social Impact & Outreach team on corporate purpose programs that maximize PR opportunities and storytelling while making meaningful impact. Write and/or edit high-visibility communications for customers and partners, including season ticketholder emails, FAQs, stakeholder newsletters and other key touchpoints. Player Stats and Qualifications: 5 + years of experience in brand public relations, corporate communications, internal/external media relations, or other related field Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in AP style, executive communications, press materials, speech writing, etc. Strong executive presence and confidence working with senior leaders and business partners to implement strategic communications plans Deep passion for sports marketing & communications, with a pulse on industry trends and emerging PR tactics; experience with tools like Cision Communications Cloud, CreatorIQ or similar monitoring and analysis platforms a plus Proven ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and perform under pressure in fast-paced, breaking news environments Professional and polished demeanor when engaging with C-Suite executives, talent, corporate and community partners, and other VIP stakeholders Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and consistency across materials Positive, team-oriented attitude that reflects the Chicago Blackhawks’ core values: integrity, curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and originality #J-18808-Ljbffr Chicago Blackhawks

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