Background:  

In 2013, Orlando was announced as Major League Soccer’s (MLS) 21st franchise and in June of the following year, introduced its first Designated Player in former FIFA Player of the Year, Brazilian international Kaká. Showcasing the passion for the beautiful game in The City Beautiful, Orlando City opened its MLS tenure in 2018 and held the second-highest average attendance in MLS through the Club’s first two seasons. In 2016, the Club brought the women’s game to downtown Orlando, launching Orlando Pride (the “Pride”) in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and in 2017, Orlando City SC unveiled its brand new, privately financed downtown stadium. With a capacity of 25,500 fans, Exploria Stadium creates the most exciting game-day experience for fans in the country. The Stadium was the first ever venue to permanently host MLS, NWSL, and USL teams all in the same location that year.   

During the heart of the global coronavirus pandemic, Orlando City SC’s resilient staff exemplified itself as an employer of choice and community partner. Thus garnering employee-centric accolades like the 2020 Top Work Places by the Orlando Sentinel and the Front Office Sports Best Employers in Sports Class of 2020. The Club was integral in bringing Major League Soccer (MLS) safely back to play, while showcasing Orlando on the local, national and international stage. Whether it was developing unique watch parties, the “Pride Stan” Twitter account, donating masks and food to frontline workers, or opening two new training facilities, the Club continued to make history culminated by hosting two historic MLS playoff matches.  

In 2021, the Wilf family finalized its acquisition of Orlando City Soccer Club, making them the club’s new majority owners. The Wilf family has owned the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings for the past 17 years and they lead Garden Homes, the family’s real estate firm, a nationwide leader in retail, commercial, and private residential development. They previously had a minority stake in 2020 MLS expansion side Nashville SC that’s since been fully divested. The Wilfs are committed to building a world-class organization, winning championships, investing in the growth and success of Orlando City and the Pride, and ensuring that we continue to give back to the Orlando community and make a meaningful difference.  

Following the Lion’s fifth consecutive qualification for the Concacaf Champions Cup (formerly known as the Concacaf Champions League), they are aiming to build on its success in 2025. The club reached its first final in 2020 during the MLS is Back Tournament and claimed its first MLS-era championship in 2022, winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This victory also marked the first championship by any professional team in Orlando. 

The Pride’s 2025 roster features a star-studded team of domestic and international talent and, in 2024, brought the first professional major league title to the city of Orlando, with the Club winning the NWSL Championship. The 2024 season saw the Pride complete the double, winning both the Championship and the NWSL Shield as the best team in the regular season, capping off a historic campaign that set numerous league records. Former Orlando City defender Seb Hines serves as the team’s head coach, not only the first Black head coach in the league, but also the first to win both the Championship and the NWSL Shield, and the 2024 NWSL Coach of the Year. 

Orlando, Florida has become one of the most desirable cities in the United States due to its culturally diverse heartbeat. Orlando is considered an inclusive city that provides its residents with a nice mixture of urban and suburban living options. The downtown section of Orlando is the focal point of entertainment and offers a large variety of restaurants, parks, and things to do. Apart from the city’s world-renowned theme parks of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is home to iconic skyscrapers, sports venues, theatres, art galleries and shopping centers for all to enjoy.  

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly. 

Contacting Orlando City SC will only delay consideration of your qualifications. 

Position Summary:

Orlando City Soccer Club is seeking an enthusiastic, experienced, and visionary leader to oversee the public and media relations for Major League Soccer’s Orlando City, National Women’s Soccer League’s Orlando Pride, MLS Next Pro’s Orlando City B, Inter&Co Stadium, as well as further holding enterprises. The successful candidate will drive the implementation of the Club’s communication strategy, messaging, and a broad range of business and competition-related communications. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Leads all day-to-day public and media relations for the Club, including all internal and external media and communications activities for the Club’s three teams, Academy and Inter&Co Stadium 

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic communications plan that builds and maintains a positive Club reputation and generates earned media 

• Oversees Communications department staff and budget 

• Responsible for press releases, media advisories, match previews and recaps, talking points, FAQs and factsheets – plus additional copywriting as requested 

• Serves as the point of contact for league communications (MLS, NWSL, MLS Next Pro) and ensure compliance with all team and league policies 

• Responsible for maintaining all relevant statistical data and tracking club and team milestones 

• Develop internal reports such as but not limited to media monitoring, earned media valuation, local market share of voice, etc. 

• Builds and fosters strong, mutually beneficial relationships with local, national and international media members, as well as internal Club stakeholders (e.g. Soccer Operations staff) 

• Work closely with coaches, players, and staff to gather insights and information for communication materials 

• Oversees and facilitates interview requests and league asks for each of the Club’s three teams and Academy 

• Responsible for media operations at team trainings and on match days 

• In collaboration with members of other departments, lead campaigns and submissions for sporting and business awards 

• Manages relationship with outside PR agencies and/or consultants to help develop and execute strategic crisis communications plans 

• Provide guidance and training to players and staff on media interactions and public speaking 

• Proactively pitch story ideas and secure media coverage for the teams and its players 

• Oversees Club presence at events, conferences, panels, and other external opportunities to help drive key Club messages 

Qualifications, Skills and Education Requirements:  

• Knowledge of soccer, MLS and the NWSL is preferred 

• 5-7 years of professional experience in communications or related field. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field 

• Fluency in both English and Spanish is preferred 

• Strong interpersonal and public speaking abilities 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Experience in juggling a number of work-intensive projects simultaneously, ability to meet and perform under tight deadlines and to think clearly under pressure 

• Willingness to take initiative, own responsibilities, and raise standard of excellence 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite 

• Proficiency in PR/Comms media monitoring tools like Cision, Meltwater, etc. 

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred 

• Able to work in a non-traditional setting and within a team atmosphere 

• Available to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays