Los Angeles Sparks Hiring for Director, Communications at Los Angeles Metropolitan Area Full Time

The 3-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are looking for a Director, Communications to join their team. This Director, Communications will be responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy, maximizing exposure across local and national media for on and off court team performance. This position will have a deep understanding of each media outlet and external opportunity, in addition to how each Los Angeles Sparks spokesperson can be placed in positions to be successful. Development of relationships and an understanding of key storylines will strongly contribute to success. The Director, Communications will also be responsible for day-to-day media relations, inclusive of game operations, maintenance of statistics, and press releases.

KPI’s:

• Drive Brand Relevance Through Meaningful Relationships with Key Stakeholders including Media, Influencers, Team Executives, Players
• Effectively Establish and Manage Key Narratives On and Off The Court
• Drive Compelling Local Broadcast that Reflects LA Sparks Key Narratives and Showcases Player-Centric Stories
• Drive YOY Growth in Earned Media Coverage with a focus on quality exposure across sports, lifestyle, culture
• Manage Communications Department Staff to Seamless Execution of Gamedays, Practices, Media Days, etc.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

Strategic Communications

• Create team and individual storylines on and off the court, inclusive of players, coaches and front office personnel creating deep connections to the local and national sport/basketball/culture outlets
• Draft press releases, media advisories, talking points, FAQs and fact sheets – plus, website and email copy, as needed
• Serve as the organization’s primary writer, advising and assisting departments with communications materials that are consistent with brand storytelling and messaging around franchise initiatives and launches
• Develop messaging, speaking points and Q&A for senior leaders participating in media interviews or for sales and marketing depts fielding inbound questions
• Proactively generate ideas for media outreach and actively pitch media to increase visibility for the Sparks’ business and community efforts
• Support in the management of editorial relationships with team broadcast partners and identify and pitch key storylines for discussion during broadcasts
• Manage all national player campaigns such as player and coach awards
• Develop a crisis communications checklist and process, then execute according to plan, as necessary

Media Management

• Develop a database of media outlets and individuals to target for potential stories, ranging from trade publications to tell the story of a new corporate partnership to a feature story on an individual player in a national publication
• Using market research, create a strategic approach for outreach dependent on the storyline (community relations, lifestyle, basketball, promotions, business), timing, and key spokespeople
• Develop and maintain relationships with sports, business, technology, and lifestyle reporters at local and national outlets; manage organization’s off-court media list/database
• Use media measurement tools to demonstrate the impressions and reach of key messages
• Oversee and manage all press conferences and media availabilities including practices, pre-game, post-game, Media Day, WNBA Draft, Free Agency, and other major announcements
• In partnership with other Leadership Team members, lead planning for Annual Media Day
• Drive Broadcast Strategy alongside Marketing & Partnership, serving as main point of contact with producers and talent

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with WNBA on communications strategy and ensure compliance with all team and league policies
• Partner with internal teams to serve as a liaison with corporate, community and other external partners (arena, government/public affairs, etc.) in executing brand communications for team partnerships, events, and initiatives
• Key Collaboration with Basketball Operations & Community Relations on programs that maximize player-centric PR opportunities and storytelling while making meaningful impact in partnership with key local stakeholders

Game Day Media Oversight

• Travel with team and manage gameday oversight on road
• Key Liaison with Broadcast Partner
• Manage and Oversee Communications Coordinator and Seasonal Staff on Gameday implementations: media credential process, media gameday operations, press box operations, pre and post-game communications including stats and league communication
• Review game notes and sports information as crafted by Communications Coordinator
• Attend LA Sparks practices and manage league-mandated media availability

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 multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively
• Possess and demonstrates an extremely strong proficiency in communication skills, both written and verbal. Comfortable and experienced with public speaking and group presentations
• Excellent judgment and ability to develop, leverage and maintain relationships
• Organized with consistent attention to detail

SUPERVISION:

• (1) full-time coordinator
• (1-2) Seasonal PR Assistants
• Seasonal Interns

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications or equivalent education and experience
• Must have at least six (6) years of experience in a sports communications role
• Must have at least two (2) years of experience in a communications leadership role
• Previous experience working a professional sports league setting, women’s sports preferred, WNBA ideal

CERTIFICATIONS, 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

Base Salary: Compensation commensurate with experience; minimum starting salary $85,000

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 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.