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…