Esports Community & Grassroots Manager

About BLASTAt BLAST, we're all about creating extraordinary live and digital experiences — from arena-packing esports tournaments to unforgettable content that engages fans around the globe. We Make It Bold by challenging the norm and delivering fresh, creative formats that redefine what's possible in the industry. We Make It Together by building close, collaborative partnerships with world-leading game publishers and brands to produce truly world-class results. And we Make It Happen by bringing energy, precision, and a problem-solving mindset to everything we do — across games like Counter-Strike, DOTA 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, and Fortnite.If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and share our passion for pushing boundaries, we'd love to hear from you.About The RoleEntertainment company BLAST and GamingMalta, an independent non-profit foundation set up by the Government of Malta, have announced a transformative multi-year partnership. The partnership will see Malta become a premier destination for world-class esports events and innovation.BLAST will support GamingMalta's mission by investing in local esports initiatives, forging connections with universities and grassroots organisations, and helping create meaningful career opportunities for Maltese players, content creators, and aspiring professionals within the gaming industry.Reporting into the VP of Destinations, the Esports Community & Grassroots Manager will lead BLAST's community programme in Malta - activating the island's existing esports ecosystem, building lasting relationships with local organisations, and delivering a year-round programme of grassroots engagement across multiple titles. This role is pivotal in ensuring BLAST's partnership with GamingMalta delivers real, visible community impact on the ground.ResponsibilitiesGrassroots & Education ProgrammesActivate and work through Malta's existing esports community - local organisations, clubs, universities, and institutions - rather than building programmes in isolationDevelop and deliver a comprehensive grassroots programme across multiple titles including Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, Rocket League, and League of LegendsSupport BLAST in running or co-delivering at least one major school or university event per year, targeting a minimum of 100 online participantsOrganise behind-the-scenes tours and shadowing experiences for at least 80 students annually, providing real insight into esports operations and careersBuild and maintain a live, active database of schools, colleges, universities, esports clubs, and community contacts - updated continuously, not just before each eventLocal Delivery NetworkBuild and manage a network of trusted local delivery partners - commissioning existing local organisations to co-deliver community events and BLASTRoots qualifying tournaments under the BLAST brandAct as quality owner of the local delivery network: set clear expectations, maintain relationships, and ensure consistent standards across all partner-delivered activityCoordinate and manage local teams to compete on stage at BLAST's major events in Malta, with a minimum of two teams annuallyRun school tournaments and community events at the BLAST Studio and in Malta more widely, maximising availability and ensuring access for local esports clubs for practice sessions and community tournamentsCommunity Engagement & Studio ActivationDrive year-round community engagement beyond major events - watch parties, community gaming nights, meet-ups, studio open sessions, and activations that bring Malta's gaming community together regularlyOwn the Studio's community calendar between events: formalise the booking process, promote access through local channels and GamingMalta, and ensure the space is an active community asset year-roundBuild a Gaming Lounge programme that welcomes local clubs, creators, and community groups into the BLAST StudioPromote grassroots initiatives through social media, Discord, local networks, and BLAST communication channelsPartnership & Stakeholder ManagementServe as the day-to-day partner for GamingMalta on the ground - proactively managing the relationship, tracking every contractual deliverable, and flagging risks early with solutions readyRun a quarterly business review rhythm with GamingMalta: structured, forward-looking, and evidenced with real impact dataCollaborate closely with local esports organisations, schools, universities, and community leaders to create meaningful engagement opportunities and talent pathwaysProgramme Development & ReportingDesign and implement structured shadowing and mentoring programmes to expose students to professional esports environmentsTrack and report on programme participation, impact, and community feedback in real timeDeliver post-event reports to GamingMalta, including shadow programmes, community engagement, and KPI evidenceSupport broader BLAST strategic objectives for growing esports in Malta through data-driven insights and community feedbackRequirementsRequired Skills & ExperienceA genuine foothold in Malta - existing relationships with local esports organisations, gaming communities, schools, or institutionsProven ability to work through people and networks - you know how to earn trust in an established community and get results through relationshipsStrong community management or grassroots development experience, ideally in esports, sport, or entertainmentExcellent event coordination skills, including both online and live event managementConfidence across multiple gaming titles - the Malta community plays more than Counter-Strike, and you should be able to speak credibly to all of itA proactive, self-starting working style - you set your own agenda, manage your own deadlines, and follow through without needing to be managedStrong stakeholder management - government partners, local organisers, school coordinators, and internal teams - you handle all of it with confidenceExperience working with schools, universities, or community organisationsNice to HaveAn existing network in Malta across gaming, media, education, business, or hospitalityExperience commissioning or managing third-party delivery partnersCommercial awareness - an instinct for when a local business or sponsor could add value, and the confidence to start that conversationPassion for esports and a genuine understanding of the gaming landscape in MaltaBenefitsCompetitive salary packagePension and Health InsuranceTeam building and social eventsCompany trips (March 2026 we all went to Berlin and had a BLAST)