The Social Media Manager is responsible for developing and implementing social media strategies that align with Vinik Sports Group's overall goals and objectives across all business units with a focus on the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Sports. This role requires a deep understanding of social media platforms, trends, and best practices, as well as the ability to manage a team of social media professionals. This individual will oversee all social media content, engagement, and advertising campaigns across multiple platforms, with the goal of increasing brand awareness, driving fan engagement, and supporting various revenue streams.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing successful social media campaigns, leading and motivating team members, is data-driven, has wide-ranging reporting and presentation skills, and can turn insights into actionable strategies. Strong leadership skills are essential, as the Social Media Manager will be responsible for managing and mentoring a team of social media professionals, ensuring that they are aligned with the company's goals and objectives. This individual will be the face of the organization's social media presence, interacting with hockey operations, players, fans, influencers, and other internal and external stakeholders daily and must conduct themselves in a highly professional manner. The Social Media Manager will travel to any events where social coverage is deemed necessary, including but not limited to away Lightning games, NHL events, larger content initiatives, and more.

• Define and drive social strategy, tone, voice, channel guidelines, goals, and audience targets.
• Deep knowledge and proven results of crafting and implementing innovative social media growth strategies.
• Conceptualize and create engaging content, including graphics, videos, and written posts, tailored to each social media platform (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube).
• Ability to shoot and produce short iPhone video content for digital, social, and editorial distribution.
• Collaborate with various internal groups including Sales, Content, Production, Partnership, graphic designers, and external brand partners to create content that supports their respective business needs and objectives.
• Develop, maintain and post multi-channel content calendars and corresponding content assets (in conjunction with Social Media Coordinators)
• Help define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and create reports/recaps with key learning and action items to consistently improve social performance using native platform and third-party analytics.
• Develop and maintain relationships with influencers, bloggers, and other relevant parties to expand the team's reach and engagement.
• Monitor and report on social media trends, competitor activity, and fan sentiment to inform strategic decision-making.
• In coordination with Content and PR team, be the face of the social media team when working with hockey operations on player content and branding. Must demonstrate professionalism around athletes, coaches, executives, and fans.
• Build, maintain and share social media publishing calendar.
• Attend and cover games, practices, events, and day-to-day strategy on social media both in Tampa and on the road.
• Serve as main social media liaison for all appropriate partnership contacts along with NHL league social media contacts.
• Support the Partnership team with planning and coordination of partner activations, such as digital and social deliverables and branded content.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Directly manage a team of 2 Social Media Coordinators and Social Video Editor 
• Hire and provide strategic leadership of full-time staff and manage their workflow
• Oversight of USF Fellows (as applicable)
• Responsible for ongoing coaching and development of staff and timely performance feedback
• Responsible for timely performance feedback through the Quarterly Snapshot

• Game/Event Night responsibilities: Yes
• Approximate number of events worked per year: 100
• Willingness to work on-site and flexible hours including nights, weekends, holidays based on events schedule. This is NOT a remote position.
• Must have a current passport

Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree (4-year) in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field
• Minimum 5 years social media strategy experience, preferably in sports
• Empathetic leader with experience driving positive cultural change in growth situations. 
• Working knowledge of sports, in-game, and live events with an ability to meet tight timelines.
• A strong relationship builder with an ability to facilitate ideation, collaboration, and decision-making. 
• Adapt to ever changing requests and must be able to take constructive feedback.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and work under shifting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing a team of full-time staff including hiring, performance coaching and development
• Proven ability to build strong and collaborative relationships both with peers and senior level executives 
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, Salesforce Marketing Cloud 

Working Conditions

• Ability to travel within the US and Canada for up to a week at a time multiple times per year
• Able to work extended hours including evenings, weekends and holidays, as necessary
• Ability to lift/carry/move up to 10 lbs 
• Ability to work in excessive indoor and outdoor temperatures
• Ability to use hands and fingers on office and mobile technology 
• Ability to listen and speak on phone, in meetings, and in one-on-one conversations 
• Ability to work in an office and arena environment where noise level is usually moderate, but can be loud 
• Ability to work in crowded areas 

REQUIRED:
Please submit a link to your portfolio or website when applying – you may include it in your resume. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.