Senior Director, Public Affairs

Summary

Join Athletes Unlimited, a leading professional women's sports league, as their Senior Director of Public Affairs! This full-time, remote position with extensive travel will have you building and maintaining crucial relationships across six local markets to boost business development. You will be the primary representative of AUSL in these markets, cultivating strategic relationships with various stakeholders. This role requires a seasoned sports executive with deep industry knowledge and the ability to scale efforts across multiple markets. You will connect local market opportunities with AUSL's functional departments, identifying and prioritizing high-value relationships. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in relationship building and driving business results.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in sports business development, external relations, or market development roles
• Proven track record of building and leveraging relationships to drive business results
• Deep understanding of the sports industry ecosystem including sponsorships, media, ticketing, and community relations
• Experience managing responsibilities across multiple geographic markets
• Exceptional ability to assess opportunities and prioritize high-value activities
• Strong business acumen with ability to recognize revenue and strategic opportunities
• Outstanding public speaking and presentation skills
• Experience working with government officials and navigating civic processes
• Demonstrated success connecting stakeholders across different sectors and industries
• Self-directed with the ability to manage complex schedule across multiple markets
• Strategic mindset balanced with hands-on execution capabilities
• Willingness to travel 50-60% of time across six markets
• Passion for women's sports and growing new sports properties
• Legal authorization to work in the United States

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary representative of AUSL in six local markets, building credibility and presence in each city
• The Senior Director will also deploy other AUSL and AU executives, GMs, coaches, and players, as well as any local team operating partners we may decide to work with
• Cultivate strategic relationships across multiple stakeholder groups, including business leaders, sponsors, government officials, civic organizations, and community partners
• Identify and prioritize high-value relationship opportunities that drive revenue, fan engagement, and community support
• Develop a deep understanding of each market's unique dynamics, key players, and business landscape
• Create a systematic approach to maintaining a meaningful presence for AUSL across all markets
• Serve as the critical bridge between local market opportunities and AUSL functional departments (sales, marketing, partnerships, operations, impact)
• Assess potential opportunities using sports industry expertise to determine ROI and strategic value
• Facilitate introductions and coordinate meetings between local stakeholders and appropriate AUSL departments
• Guide internal departments on local market dynamics and help navigate market-specific challenges
• Ensure efficient use of organizational resources by filtering opportunities and focusing on high-impact initiatives
• Represent AUSL at chambers of commerce meetings, convention & visitors bureau events, and sports commission gatherings
• Serve as keynote speaker and panelist at local business forums and industry events
• Participate in civic meetings and community gatherings to elevate AUSL's profile
• Develop and deliver compelling presentations that resonate with diverse local audiences
• Build AUSL's reputation as a valued community partner and economic driver
• Support sponsor acquisition by leveraging local relationships and market knowledge
• Assist ticket sales efforts through connections with local businesses and organizations
• Facilitate marketing partnerships that amplify brand presence in each market
• Connect community impact initiatives with appropriate local partners and resources
• Provide market intelligence to guide business strategy and expansion decisions
• Help access/drive long-term investment by governments, sponsors, and civic leaders to drive facility improvements and other investments to elevate AUSL
• Build relationships with mayors, city council members, and key government officials
• Navigate local government processes for permits, venue agreements, and public partnerships
• Represent AUSL in discussions about economic impact and community benefits
• Coordinate with local sports commissions and tourism authorities
• Position AUSL teams as valuable civic assets worthy of public support
• Senior Director may create local advisory committees or other means by which to generate ongoing support
• Serve as internal resource for AUSL departments navigating local market dynamics
• Provide regular market updates to executive leadership
• Advise on market-specific strategies and cultural considerations
• Identify emerging opportunities and potential challenges in each market
• Develop best practices for multi-market engagement that can scale efficiently

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience launching or growing teams in multiple markets simultaneously
• Background with minor league sports, expansion teams, or multi-market properties
• Established relationships in one or more AUSL target markets
• Understanding of local government relations and economic development
• Experience with franchise development or multi-unit operations
• Track record of revenue generation through relationship development
• Fluency in Spanish for diverse market engagement

Benefits

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) plan with generous company match
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness and Development benefit
• Caregiving benefit
• Unlimited paid time off alongside company holidays