Senior Director, Communications

This is a Full Time Job

JOB TITLE: Senior Director of Communications

DEPARTMENT: Communications

REPORTS TO: Senior Vice President of Communications

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

ROLE:

The Senior Director of Communications is a highly visible leadership position that works cross functionally to develop cohesive narratives and unify communications across the club's key stakeholder audiences, external and internal. The role is responsible for overseeing and guiding business communications for the organization, including co-leading the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) process and team to maximize the effectiveness of the club's marketing communications channels and positively impact revenue and reputation. The role also oversees Business PR and provides counsel to Ticketing, Marketing and Corporate Partnerships on all external announcements.

Additionally, the Senior Director of Communications is responsible for the club's internal communications and is a strategic partner for Human Resources working to develop communications strategy/plans to inform and engage associates in advancement of the organization's business and cultural goals. As a senior adviser, this individual works closely with members of the senior leadership team to develop strategic key messages and draft external correspondences and/or presentations that advance organizational narratives.

The Senior Director of Communications reports to the Senior Vice President of Communications and has two direct reports within the department: Assistant Director of Public Relations and Manager of Communications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Co-lead the IMC process and team responsible for establishing strategy and content to positively impact reputation and revenue
• Manage key stakeholder communications to fans, single game ticket buyers, Season Ticket Holders, Premier clients, partners and associates
• Oversee Business PR and manage external announcements
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership
• Draft remarks, presentations and external and internal communications on behalf of executive leadership
• Research and develop compelling story ideas and narratives for club's communication channels and assets
• Develop, communicate and implement communications strategies/plans to support Ticketing efforts to attract new business, engage and retain existing season ticket holders and premier clients, build overall brand awareness and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders
• Set the strategy for and oversee internal communications, including the intranet and all-associate communications (e.g., policy and compliance communications, compensation and benefits communications, performance management and personnel announcements)
• Lead communications planning and execution for major stakeholder events both live and virtual, including Cubs Convention, Cubs Season Ticket Holder engagements and All-Associate Meetings
• Participate in weekly editorial meetings to prioritize initiatives and determine primary news of the day and week
• Support HR with developing content and messaging for all-associate communications, gatherings and quarterly meetings
• Lead the continuous improvement of the club's communication tools and actively pursue new ideas to drive awareness and interaction of specific company strategies with associates
• Work with Information Technology team to drive the effectiveness of our digital communications tools
• Provide writing and editing support for other projects as assigned
• Recruit, interview, hire and regularly conduct performance reviews for Communications team members

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• 4-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Journalism or a related field
• At least 7years of demonstrated experience in creating, writing and editing cohesive narratives and crafting strategic communications plans
• Demonstrated ability and experience in providing communications counsel
• Demonstrated ability and experience in developing and executing stakeholder communications plans
• Demonstrated ability and experience in managing teams, projects and resources
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and grow strong relationships
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with outside communications consultants
• Strong written communication skills, presentation skills, influence/interpersonal skills and analytical skills
• Solid problem-solving skills
• Strong editing and proofreading skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead or drive internal communications efforts
• Demonstrated news gathering skills and ability to research and develop creative, compelling stories
• Demonstrated knowledge of AP Style and various news writing styles
• Demonstrated ability to ensure accuracy by checking reference materials such as books, periodicals, Lexus-Nexus, or public records to obtain relevant facts
• Demonstrated experience with corporate branding standards and approaches
• Prior use of internal communications tools, platforms and software to drive communications efforts
• Demonstrated expertise with intranets and/or websites required, with knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint and HTML
• Demonstrated experience in Microsoft PowerPoint
• Ability to work non-standard hours

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience working with a professional sports team
• Strong conceptual thinker with the ability to understand the ''big picture'' of the project and how it fits with core business objectives or the organization's strategic plans
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and prioritize activities
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing demands simultaneously and produce content for multiple media platforms
• Strong listening skills with proven ability to follow instructions, respond to coaching and feedback, as well as solicit feedback to improve performance
• Demonstrated good judgment and decision-making skills

Response Expectations:

Due to the overwhelming number of applications we receive, we unfortunately may not be able to respond in person to each applicant. However, we can assure you that you will receive an email confirmation when you apply as well as additional email notifications whether you are selected to move forward for the position or not. Please note, we keep all resumes on file and will contact you should we wish to schedule an interview with you.

The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.