Sr. Director, Media Relations

This is a Full Time Job

JOB TITLE: Sr. Director, Media Relations

DEPARTMENT: Media Relations

REPORTS TO: Senior Vice President, Communications

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

ROLE

The Senior Director of Media Relations is responsible for directing all media relations activities associated with the Chicago Cubs throughout the MLB season and offseason. The role will support and provide counsel to the field manager, players, uniformed personnel and baseball operations department in their daily interactions with media. The Senior Director will serve as the organization's ambassador to media and primary point of contact with BWAA members to ensure required access and seamless operations of game day activities. This individual will also organize and facilitate team engagements and interactions with media rightsholders. The Senior Director will work closely with business communications and marketing to support Integrated Marketing Communications activities to help grow the Cubs brand. The Senior Director will oversee a department of 4 people and will report to the Senior Vice President of Communications. The position will have significant exposure to the President of Baseball Operations and General Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• To serve as the liaison between the media and the Chicago Cubs players, all uniformed personnel, the President of Baseball Operations and the General Manager
• To act as media spokesperson for the club. Recommends appropriate forums for senior baseball management interviews and counsels management on suggested responses
• Work closely with rightsholders Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score to identify opportunities for unique content
• Supervises the researching, writing, and editing of press releases and other information to the media
• Direct the development, writing, editing, layout and design of the regular and post-season media guides
• Maintain ongoing contact with all media both on a local and national level, to ensure timely and accurate distribution of information and opportunities for publicity
• Travel with the team as a media representative on at least one-half of the road trips each season. Directs all functions associated with traveling with the team; writing daily press notes, statistical recording and coordinating interview requests
• To monitor issues and press coverage that affects the public's perception and therefore, the organization's decision making. Analyze the development of issues and update management and players on developing trends
• Oversee the operation to determine the proper credentials and procedures for media access into Wrigley Field
• Travel with the team to spring training. Execute media relations activities associated with media credentials, interview requests and daily game notes
• Perform special projects as needed by the Chairman, President of Baseball Operations and the General Manager

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Must have strong media/PR acumen, with the ability to work productively and positively with media, major league staff, and internal departments
• Should have an undergraduate degree in journalism, communications or related field with at least 10 years experience in sports information or media/public relations for a sports organization
• Must have a working knowledge of baseball statistics and computer technology
• This position requires nonstandard business work hours exceeding 40 hours per week. Required to work all home games. Also requires extensive travel, including approximately seven (7) weeks of spring training and at least one-half of the road trips per season
• Required to represent the organization at business and social functions. May be requested to work for National League Office and/or Commissioner's Office for League Championship Series, World Series and/or All-Star Game

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.