Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2023, Athletes Unlimited owns and operates professional women’s softball, lacrosse, volleyball, and basketball leagues featuring world-class competition and stands out as an organization driven by the athletes who play in the leagues.  Athletes Unlimited is the first professional sports league to be organized as a Public Benefit Corporation.

We provide our team of enthusiastic, collaborative innovators with a next-generation workplace with unlimited PTO, competitive health insurance, professional development opportunities, and more so that we can build the future of professional sports. Are you Unlimited?

Athletes Unlimited is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join our team as Chief Growth Officer. This senior executive will be responsible for AU’s strategic communications to increase brand awareness and develop strategic relationships in sports and beyond.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications:

• Lead all strategic communications for AU, including oversight and management of external PR agency
• In consultation with the CEO and external communications team, develop and implement a strategic communications strategy to raise AU’s profile among B2B and B2C audiences in a manner that builds long-term value for the company
• Build and leverage relationships with top-tier media outlets, thought leadership platforms, and relevant influencers
• Use personal platform to amplify earned media across social channels and key allies
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key members of entertainment, media, sports, and impact communities (national and local)
• Collaborate with the CEO and other leaders to further cultivate, and leverage the Advisory Board, Board of Directors, and AU network of supporters
• Be a principal representative for AU at sports and non-sports industry events
• Be a major contributor to the Company’s thought leadership presence on LinkedIn

Relationship Development:

• Identify and build high-value strategic relationships that align with CEO and Company priorities
• Collaborate with the CEO, Head of Partnerships, and the internal and external partnerships team to drive new revenue-generating strategic partnerships for AU
• Collaborate with the Head of Partnerships to enhance the strategic communications components of AU’s sponsor partners
• Cultivate relationships with leaders at aligned brands to drive leads for new partnerships or sponsorships
• Position AU as a leader in sports, innovation, and business communities
• Help CEO and other team leaders stay in front of industry and societal trends that impact the AU business 

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience with a depth of knowledge in strategic communications and relationship development
• Background in professional and/or collegiate sports preferred
• Superior communication skills, including visual/verbal presentation skills and public speaking, and an ability to inspire internal and external audiences
• Established relationships with influential media and thought leadership communities
• Ability to realize big ideas along with the ability to “roll up sleeves” and get stuff done in a fast-paced environment – on time, within budget, and often in conjunction with other stakeholders across the organization
• Understand the challenges inherent to women’s sports and being a challenger brand
• Creative problem solver, generative thinker, and relationship builder
• Comfortable operating in cultural, social impact, and entertainment communities
• Impeccable judgment and listening skills, with an ability to inspire and enable others to do their very best work.
• Preference for candidates based in NYC area
• Willingness to travel domestically
• Includes on-site presence at AU games/events, as well as year-round activities at third-party events
• Legal authorization to work in the United States

Benefits

This role is full-time, remote, and compensated at an annual rate of $250,000.  In addition, Athletes Unlimited is proud to offer comprehensive benefits and perks to all of our full-time employees, including:

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

OUR DEI STATEMENT

As a company, we share a vision to change the world for the better and believe in the power of sports to tear down barriers. We will Be Unlimited in our pursuit to intentionally create an environment where every individual can be their authentic self.

Research shows that women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC are less likely to apply for a job unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications. We strongly encourage you to apply even if your background is non-traditional or you might not meet every one of the qualifications described.

Athletes Unlimited is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its hiring process based on race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, pregnancy status, parental status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.