HEY, THAT'S ME, MISSY!
Digital Engagement. Content Strategy & Creation. Social Media. Community Management. Writing. Website & App Building.
Hi! I'm Missy Zielinski. I'm an Associate Director of Social Content with experience in developing and executing content strategy across a variety of digital platforms (social media, website, app, etc.) and building and engaging digital communities.
I currently work for the NBA's Indiana Pacers and the WNBA's Indiana Fever and have also worked for three different NHL teams (Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, San Jose Sharks) and even went #ALLIN for the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2019.
I also ventured into the agency side of things and was able to see sports through a different lens with Big Spaceship as their Sr. Social Strategist and had a stint working in tech with Amazon's XCM (cross-channel marketing) social team as a Content Marketing Manager focusing on engagement.
Led Sharks gameday coverage across all of its social media platforms, traveled on approximately 50% of team road trips, and attended League and other special events such as the 2019 NHL All-Star Game and the 2020/2021 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Created and managed the Bay Area Host Committee's communications and marketing plan and editorial calendar, as well as social media and website for the 2019 CFP National Championship.
Served as the main liaison between the digital engagement team and the players, coaching staff, etc. to not only encourage them to engage with the Sharks brand, but to help build their own brands.
2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Communications & Marketing Manager
QUICK HITS
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DIGITAL CONTENT & ENGAGEMENT
I currently oversee the content strategy, planning and execution of the NBA's Indiana Pacers and WNBA's Indiana Fever. Prior I managed the strategic planning, organic content strategy, influencer marketing, and community management for the engagement and trends workstream for @Amazon. I also led the content and engagement strategy for the San Jose Sharks across all of its digital platforms (social media, website, Sharks + SAP Center App).
MANAGEMENT
I currently have three direct reports (Social Media Manager, Sr. Social Media Coordinator, Motion Graphic Designer) and oversee 15 part-time social media strategists and graphic designers. At the Sharks I had five direct reports (Digital Content Coordinator, UX Designer, Digital Content Assistant, Digital Engagement Assistant and a Digital Content Intern). Prior, I managed a Communications & Marketing Coordinator and a 12-person street team for the College Football Playoff National Championship and the Young Professionals Board for the Sharks Foundation.
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SPORTS EXPERIENCE
I have worked for the NBA's Indiana Pacers and the WNBA's Indiana Fever, three NHL teams in varying roles that include digital media, public relations, journalism, event planning, and community relations. I was also the Communications & Marketing Manager for the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship in the Bay Area.
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BUBBLE LIFE
I was one of only four non-hockey operations employees who temporarily "lived" with the San Jose Sharks in Arizona for five weeks to start the 2020-21 season due to county regulations regarding the Pandemic. I was also the main social media representative to cover the team during the "bubble season."
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DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
I was a member of Sharks Sports & Entertainment's inaugural Teal For Change committee, committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. I also launched the committee's Teal For Change Podcast, which included athletes and voices in the D&I space.
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HIGHLIGHTS
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Being at the 2024 WNBA Draft and drafting Caitlin Clark
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Covering the Pacers 2024 Eastern Conference Final Run
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Clinching the Western Conference and going to the Stanley Cup for the first time with the Sharks
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Bringing college football, on its biggest scale, to the Bay Area
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Coming back from a three-goal deficit to beat Vegas in OT in Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoff
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Seeing playoff hockey in Montreal's Centre Bell
MORE ABOUT ME
I think it's important to "shut it off" regularly to keep a healthy work-life balance and stay on my creative game.
Away from work, I'm a proud Upstate New York native (Wegmans for life- iykyk) who cheers proudly for the Syracuse Orange. I consider myself a food blogger in training, so naturally I love to cook, as well as travel and spend time outdoors with my German Shepherd, Arya (yes, she's named after a Game of Thrones character).