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About the Role
UEG is seeking a Temporary Vice President, Communications – Sports & Culture to help lead a growing portfolio of high-profile sports and lifestyle communications work. This role will focus heavily on sports-related brand communications, including major sponsorship platforms, global sporting events, athlete and talent storytelling, and culturally connected earned campaigns for leading consumer brands.
This leader will serve as a senior client counselor and day-to-day business lead across several integrated accounts, helping drive communications strategy, earned storytelling, media relations, campaign execution and team leadership. The role will partner closely with cross-functional teams across UEG and the broader DJE network, including strategy, creative, influencer, experiential, social and production teams.
The ideal candidate is a strong communications strategist and storyteller with deep experience in earned media, sports and culture communications, and integrated brand campaigns. They understand how brands authentically connect with fans, communities and culture — and how to translate partnerships, sponsorships, athletes, creators and live moments into meaningful stories that earn attention and drive conversation.
This is a fast-paced role for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, brings strong leadership instincts, and is energized by shaping modern communications campaigns at the intersection of sports, culture and entertainment.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Lead integrated communications programs for major consumer brands across sports, culture, entertainment and lifestyle
Serve as a senior strategic counselor and day-to-day client lead across multiple high-profile accounts
Develop earned-first communications strategies tied to sports sponsorships, partnerships, athlete storytelling, cultural moments and tentpole events
Drive proactive storytelling and media engagement across sports, business, consumer, technology, lifestyle and culture media
Help shape integrated campaigns that connect earned media, social, influencer, experiential and content teams
Partner with clients and internal teams to identify culturally relevant storytelling opportunities that help brands break through crowded spaces
Lead communications planning and execution around major sports and cultural moments, including live events and global platforms
Demonstrate strong editorial instincts and the ability to craft compelling narratives, messaging and communications materials
Mentor and guide high-performing teams while helping oversee day-to-day account operations and workflow
Manage multiple projects from strategy through execution while ensuring high-quality work, strong client service and operational excellence
Provide thoughtful client counsel and navigate fast-moving, high-pressure environments with confidence and sound judgment
Build and maintain strong relationships across sports, business, technology, consumer and culture media, as well as talent and influencer ecosystems
Help oversee account finances, staffing and overall business health in partnership with senior leadership and finance teams
Contribute to new business opportunities, team culture and the continued growth of UEG’s Communications practice
Qualifications
8–10+ years of experience in communications/public relations, preferably within agency environments
Strong background in earned media strategy and integrated communications campaigns
Significant experience across sports, entertainment, lifestyle and culture communications
Experience supporting major sports sponsorships, global sporting events or culturally connected brand campaigns strongly preferred
Proven ability to lead high-profile client relationships and manage complex integrated workstreams
Strong understanding of how brands authentically engage fans and communities through sports and culture
Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills with strong attention to detail
Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring teams in fast-paced environments
Strong organizational and operational management skills, including budgeting, staffing and account oversight
Experience collaborating across creative, influencer, experiential, social and production disciplines
Strong editorial instincts and a passion for culturally relevant storytelling
Ability to think strategically while also driving executional excellence
Comfortable operating in fast-moving environments and navigating ambiguity with confidence
Existing relationships across sports, business, technology, lifestyle and consumer media are a plus
Experience in technology and innovation-related communications is a plus
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university
Additional Information
This role is ideally based in New York, with flexibility for exceptional candidates in Chicago or Los Angeles. Per DJE policy, employees are expected to work from the office at least three days per week.
Candidates should come from a communications/public relations background with significant experience leading earned-first campaigns and integrated communications programs. This is not a pure partnerships, experiential or sports marketing role.
UEG is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and collaborative workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
$65-70 per hour
An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of DJEH’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region-specific benefits.
DJEH offers a wide range of benefits: medical and dental insurance, vision, 401K, life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, travel assistance and wellness programing.
DJEH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek applications from all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation in any part of the employment process, please let us know.
Skills Required
- 8+ years of relevant experience in communications
- Experience in lifestyle and culture communications
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
Edelman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Edelman and has not been reviewed or approved by Edelman.
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Healthcare Strength — Benefits are described as comprehensive, with health plans commonly framed as a strong part of the overall package. Mental and physical well-being programs are also emphasized as meaningful support.
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Flexible Benefits — Work flexibility is positioned as a standout, including hybrid routines and a “Work From Anywhere” option for part of the year. Flexible public holidays are also highlighted as adding practical choice to how time is used.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings such as a 401(k) match (and pension-style contributions in some markets) are consistently presented as a solid component of total rewards. This tends to improve overall package value even when base pay feels less competitive.
Edelman Insights
What We Do
Edelman is a global communications firm that partners with businesses and organizations to evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations. Our 6,000 people in more than 60 offices deliver communications strategies that give our clients the confidence to lead, act with certainty and earn the lasting trust of their stakeholders. We develop powerful ideas and tell magnetic stories that move at the speed of news, make an immediate impact, transform culture and spark movements. Since our founding in 1952 by Dan Edelman, we have remained an independent, family-run company. We use our profits to strengthen our business, provide our employees with opportunities to grow, advance our industry, and serve as a responsible citizen of the world. Every day, we strive to live and work by a long-held set of core values: the pursuit of excellence, the freedom to be curious, the courage to do the right thing, and a commitment to improving society. Edelman is an equal opportunity employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities
