Sr. Director of Communications

The 3-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are looking for an experienced Sr. Director of Communications to join their team This position will be responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy for business and basketball operations. They will manage the day-to-day operations of the Communications Department and ensure the execution of organizational communications, publicity and media operations, and publicity resulting in maximizing exposure of the franchise.

This position will have a deep understanding of each media outlet (both local and national) and external opportunity for coverage, in addition to how to develop and execute team and business narratives resulting in increased earned media presence. An essential part of the Marketing and Communications Department, this position will nurture relationships with media, key executives and internal staff with the responsibility of developing and executing strategic communications plans that will amplify organizational business goals. This position reports to the Vice President of Marketing & Communications.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Job duties

• Develop and execute strategic communications, publicity, corporate communications, media operations plan that is in alignment with organizational goals
• Effectively lead and manage Communications Department Staff to seamless execution of required department duties
• Responsible for press releases, media advisories, talking points, FAQs and factsheets – plus additional copywriting as requested
• In collaboration with members of the department - Development of publicity campaigns supporting player and coach awards, All Star balloting, end of season awards, Olympics etc.
• Ensure Communications team alignment with player agent contacts providing all required memos and communications, keeping GM and VP Marketing & Comms included in all communications
• Develop a database of media outlets and individuals to target for stories that amplify franchise business and basketball objectives from traditional sports and nontraditional media outlets
• Work closely with WNBA on communications strategy and ensure compliance with all team and league policies
• Collaborate with internal departments on amplification and promotion of partnerships and internal initiatives
• Serve as public relations liaison on Alumni Relations/Future legends committee - developing and pitching storylines around affiliated alumni

Corporate Communications

• Arrange and secure speaking engagements for executives - providing comprehensive list of conferences that would contribute to brand amplification, sales opportunities and organizational lift
• Manage executive appearances, provide talking points and applicable information as needed
• Secure national and local coverage of major franchise happenings
• Develop a crisis communications checklist and process, then execute in partnership with leadership according to plan, as necessary
• Work closely with corporate partners and agencies on announcement of new sponsorships. Securing industry publications stories that will amplify partnerships locally and nationally
• Lead creation of PR alliance amongst local Los Angeles Sports teams - developing opportunities for mutually beneficial public relations tie ins that amplify the Sparks brand
• Develop community storylines and secure coverage of initiatives and outreach, amplifying Community initiatives, gaining media coverage.

Game Day Media

• Oversee Communications staff to seamless execution of gameday media execution: media credential process, media gameday operations, press box operations, pre- and post-game communications
• Travel with team (as requested) to manage gameday duties on the road
• Oversee staff in the creation and execution of gameday materials as requested

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to think critically; research, recommend and implement solutions effectively
• Outstanding organizational skills, ability to follow through, and capable of meeting deadlines while balancing multiple projects and priorities
• Ability to communicate clearly to internal and external stakeholders
• Possess and demonstrates an extremely strong proficiency in communication skills, both written and verbal with consistent attention to detail. Comfortable and experienced with public speaking and group presentations
• Excellent judgment and ability to develop, leverage and maintain relationships based on experience
• Experience launching an entity, team or initiatives that resulted in local and national media coverage. Ability to create groundbreaking ceremonies, develop strategy and execute
• Serve as public relations liaison on Alumni Relations/Future legends committee - developing and pitching storylines around affiliated alumni
• Strong contacts with media including sports, culture, food and fashion and ability to secure stories in any of these areas

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism or equivalent education and experience preferred
• Minimum 7 years of PR/communications experience, storytelling, project management, and leadership experience in sports/entertainment or other high-profile industry
• Minimum 4+ years of people management experience
• Knowledge of current and emerging communications trends with ability to influence conversations based on knowledge and expertise
• Deep understanding of the game of basketball and the team including game day events, statistics and other updates
• Ability to garner non tradition media attention and stories
• Ability to speak effectively to media, crowds or as requested as franchise representative

CERTIFICATION, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
• Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to communicate in English, in both written and oral form

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Must be willing to travel and work effectively while on the road with the team
• Must be willing to relocate to Los Angeles, California

Compensation commensurate with experience; minimum starting salary $135,000

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all the details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and you will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.