Head of Communications – Media Relations

USA Volleyball

. Lead USA Volleyball’s external and internal communications, media relations, executive communications, and crisis communications .

Posted 11/7/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $140,000 - $150,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic communications and media relations, with a strong ability to develop proactive communication strategies and manage internal and external messaging. Proven track record in advising senior executives and cultivating media relationships within the sports and organizational change contexts.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic CommunicationsMedia RelationsCrisis CommunicationsExecutive CommunicationsBudget Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

WritingEditingMedia MonitoringPress Release DevelopmentCommunications StrategyStakeholder EngagementCrisis ManagementInterview PreparationPublic RelationsEvent Communications

Soft Skills

Sound JudgmentDiscretionRelationship BuildingAdaptabilityConfidentiality

Certifications & Qualifications

SafeSport TrainingUSAV Background Screen

Industry Keywords

Sports CommunicationsNational Governing BodyMembership OrganizationOlympic and ParalympicStakeholder-Intensive Environment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead USA Volleyball’s external and internal communications, media relations, executive communications, and crisis communications
Develop and execute a proactive communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities, national team activities, major events, and key milestones
Maintain a multiyear communications roadmap and 12-month calendar covering competitions, athlete milestones, announcements, WVWC, and LA28
Establish and maintain organizational messages, positioning statements, talking points, and supporting materials
Advise the CEO and senior leadership on communications opportunities, stakeholder considerations, and implications of organizational decisions
Build and lead a proactive media relations program generating coverage of USA Volleyball, national teams, athletes, events, programs, and leadership
Cultivate relationships with volleyball, sports, Olympic and Paralympic, lifestyle, and business media
Identify and pitch stories, athlete profiles, features, interviews, opinion pieces, and other publicity opportunities
Draft and oversee press releases, media advisories, press kits, fact sheets, biographies, and announcement materials
Serve as central media contact, coordinating responses and access to spokespeople
Arrange interviews, media briefings, and executive background conversations
Provide crisis communications counsel, monitor media and emerging issues, and coordinate statements and responses
Develop executive visibility strategy and prepare executives for interviews, presentations, town halls, speaking engagements, and appearances
Lead organization-wide internal communications and manage CEO town hall communications
Partner with HR and functional leaders on sensitive employee communications and change-management messaging
Lead media relations planning and operations for designated USA Volleyball events, including press access and on-site support
Develop and manage the communications budget and external resources
Implement media monitoring, contact management, inquiry tracking, planning, and reporting processes
Produce reporting assessing coverage quality, priority-audience relevance, key-message inclusion, and progress against objectives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, or media relations, including senior-level responsibility for communications strategy and execution
Demonstrated success developing proactive media programs and securing substantive coverage across relevant sports, national, business, or consumer outlets
Experience advising senior executives and handling sensitive, high-profile, or rapidly evolving issues
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex or sensitive information into clear, accurate, audience-appropriate communications
Experience preparing executives and other spokespeople for interviews, public appearances, and challenging questions
Strong relationships with journalists and demonstrated ability to build credibility with new media contacts
Experience leading internal communications and supporting organizational change
Ability to manage budgets, external resources, competing priorities, and deadline-driven work
Sound judgment, discretion, and commitment to accuracy and confidentiality
Experience in sports, a national governing body, a membership organization, or another highly visible, stakeholder-intensive environment preferred
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Must successfully pass a USAV background screen prior to hire date
Must complete SafeSport training within two weeks of hire date and keep current as a condition of continued employment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid Time Off—accrue 10 hours each pay period, up to a maximum cap of 23 days
Up to 15.5 paid holidays per year
403B retirement plan with employer match up to 8%
Health benefits (medical, dental, vision) with no monthly premiums deducted for employee-only health benefit
Opt-out rebate for employees waiving USAV medical coverage with qualified group health plan coverage
Medical wellness program—earn up to $1000/year for completing health activities
Paid parental leave
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance
Social and Wellness Committees
Discounts on sponsored vendor apparel (Mizuno)