Who We Are
We are Tennis! The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is the national governing body for the sport of tennis and the recognized leader in promoting and developing the sport’s growth on every level in the U.S. The Hawaii Pacific Section is one of 17 geographic Sections of the USTA. Incorporated in 1973, the Hawaii Pacific Section embraces over 7,800 individual members and 109 organizational members in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Marianas. In addition, the Hawaii Pacific Section is further comprised of four Community Tennis Organizations: Kauai, Maui, East Hawaii & West Hawaii. The Hawaii Pacific Section is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to carrying out the goals of the national association within its region, particularly with respect to promoting tennis opportunities for juniors and adults of all abilities and all cultural backgrounds.
Why Work for the USTA?
We are a passionate team of staff and volunteers focused on growing the sport of tennis and making it accessible to all. We are committed to removing barriers and creating opportunities for ALL to participate.
The Role
The USTA Hawaii Pacific, Inc. (USTA HPI) seeks a qualified Hawaii-based freelance Public Relations (PR) professional to provide strategic communications and media support for our projects and initiatives across the Hawaii Pacific section. The ideal candidate will have experience in sports, non-profit, and community advocacy PR, and a strong understanding of the local media landscape. The primary objective of this engagement is to increase the visibility, understanding, and support for USTA HPI’s programs, advocacy efforts, and community impact.
Key Responsibilities:
Press Releases & Content Development
● Draft, edit, and distribute compelling press releases announcing new programs, tournament results, grants, community impact initiatives, and organizational news.
● Develop key messaging and talking points for leadership regarding important organizational milestones and public-facing issues.
● Create pitch letters, backgrounders, and media alerts as needed.
Media Relations
● Cultivate and maintain relationships with key local and regional media contacts (print, broadcast, online) relevant to sports, community news, education, and health/wellness.
● Proactively pitch USTA HPI stories, initiatives, and spokespersons to secure positive coverage.
● Coordinate and facilitate media interviews, press conferences, and photo/video opportunities.
● Manage incoming media inquiries and requests for information.
Advocacy Communications
● Assist in developing communication strategies to support USTA HPI advocacy efforts related to tennis facility development, community access, and state/local partnerships.
● Craft op-eds, letters to the editor, and public statements on key policy issues.
● Help articulate the economic and social value of tennis and USTA HPI work to government officials and stakeholders.
Advertising & Promotion Support
● Collaborate with the USTA HPI marketing team (if applicable) to ensure PR efforts align with paid advertising campaigns.
● Assist in writing compelling copy for promotional materials, website news sections, and organizational newsletters that target external audiences.
Who You Are
● Proven experience (3+ years) as a PR professional or journalist, with a portfolio showcasing successful media relations and content creation.
● Deep familiarity with the Hawaii and Pacific region media market; must reside within the Hawaii Pacific section
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong editing and proofreading abilities.
● Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines.
● Experience working with non-profit organizations or sports-related entities is a plus.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and your compensation expectations to Ron Romano at: romano@hawaii.usta.com