Sports and Entertainment Associate
Posting Date: September 18th, 2026
Location: TAPS Headquarters, Arlington, VA
Reports To: Director, Sports & Entertainment
Description
This position will work directly with surviving military families and the organization's sports & entertainment partners within the teams4taps, Stars4TAPS, and Survivor Experiences programs to develop, manage, and support programs designed to connect TAPS families with professional sports programs and the entertainment industry to bring hope and healing while honoring their fallen heroes.
Responsibilities
Event Development & Execution
- Develop and manage, with the team, virtual and in-person events with the Sports & Entertainment department (and other TAPS departments as assigned). Serve as support or point of contact on logistical elements for events nationwide.
- Design and implement the application/registration process and oversee outreach to TAPS survivors for events.
- Maintain event timelines, trackers, and existing department processes and procedures.
- Work with the Sports & Entertainment team on process for outreach and execution.
Partner, Sponsor & Survivor Relations
- Represent TAPS with surviving family members, current and former players, entertainers, executives, and sponsors in a professional and appropriate manner.
- Work with each partner, donor, or sponsor on events to ensure fulfillment of contract or grant obligations, and serve as a support person for requests coming in from sponsors.
Content & Communications
- Draft and distribute various content pieces, including scripts, run-of-show drafts, and biographies.
- Draft and send email event materials, including invitations, reminders, notices, and post-event surveys.
Data, Systems, & Team Support
- Utilize computer technology for events, communication, data gathering, and reporting activities, such as virtual platforms (Zoom), social media, graphic design, and event and contact management systems (including the TAPS proprietary database).
- Track all in-kind donations for the Sports & Entertainment department.
- Mentor and train junior-level staff and volunteers supporting the S&E team or S&E events.
- Other duties as assigned by the Director and/or the SVP of Sports & Entertainment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required (Marketing, Communications, Event Management, or related field preferred).
- 4–6 years of event, operations, and/or community relations experience; interacting with community relations, social impact, and outreach a plus.
- Familiarity/expertise with database management, online event registration, and virtual event platforms.
- Understanding of the importance of building and managing long-term relationships.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
- Must be able to travel extensively (25–30%) as well as work nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
- Personable, tactful, and compassionate, with the ability to interact with a diverse population.
- Must be punctual, reliable, and a team player.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with military and military families preferred.
- Marketing and/or sales experience preferred.
- Experience working with media preferred.
- Ability to carry a minimum of 15 lbs.
- Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time (in all weather conditions).
Competencies
- Event planning, logistics, and project execution
- Relationship management with partners, sponsors, and surviving families
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Organization and attention to detail across simultaneous priorities
- Compassion, discretion, and adaptability in a survivor-facing environment
Start Date: Immediate
Salary: $50,000–$60,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits: In addition to the certainty that you are making a difference, TAPS provides a range of benefits and three weeks of paid vacation per year.
To Apply
Please send a resume to employ@taps.org along with "Sports and Entertainment Associate" and your name in the subject line. Include a cover letter that concisely explains how your experience could be applied to TAPS.
TAPS is an equal opportunity employer.