Director of Communications

This is a Full Time Job

Position Summary

Assist the Senior Vice President/Chief Communications Officer with building, developing, and maintaining strategic communication for the Dallas Wings.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES
• Lead the production of team publications including, but not limited to, media guides, game notes, feature stories, game recaps and statistical information. Ensures accuracy, swiftness and appropriateness of information.
• Serve as the secondary media contact of the organization and primary game-day contact. Assist with media requests, preparing media kits, and organizing press conferences/media availabilities.
• Assist with the execution of media relations plans including, but not limited to news pitches, releases, feature stories, and game recaps in local, state, regional and national media.
• Assist with distribution of team news and research on department X (Twitter) account.
• Assist team executives with public speaking engagements, talking points, presentations, and preparation of articles for publications.
• Develop relationships with sports and entertainment outlets locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Continuously monitor and analyze media coverage including print, radio, TV and online.
• Effectively work with other departments in the organization to coordinate publicity strategy and messaging.
• Identify storylines for both on and off the court and proposed target for each pitch.
• Work with Senior Vice President to align pitches (specifically off-the court) for monthly publications and non-sports outlets.
• She/he/they is expected to attend all home and road games, as well as other live events that may take place on holidays or weekends.
• In-season travel is required, along with select out-of-season events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Game Day Duties/Responsibilities:
• Oversee the coordination and distribution of credentials for internal staff, media, officials, statisticians and other personnel and vendors for all home games.
• Oversee and assist in all gameday media operations (in-game statistical updates, credentialing, set-up, and breakdown of press conferences, assisting with pre/post-game press conference and post-game notes).
• Manage media areas on game days.
• Assist visiting team PR representatives with various gameday items.
• Prolonged standing, walking, and extended work hours.
• Must be available to attend all home games for Dallas Wings, as well as attend most community events. Games & events may take place on nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Reporting Relationships:

This position reports to: Senior Vice President/Chief Communications Officer

Do Other Positions Report to This Position? __X__No _ Yes

If so, what titles report to this position and how many of each?

Job Requirement:
• Formal Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications/Public Relations or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Relevant Work Experience:
• 5-7 years of experience in a related position with proven success
• Excellent writing and grammar (AP Style), with meticulous attention to detail
• Energetic, self-starter who must be proactive, take the initiative, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, with and without direct supervision
• Experience responding to emergencies such as crises or setbacks with an eye on accuracy, consistency, and organizational values
• Strong relationships with journalists and national media outlets, particularly those that cover the WNBA and women's sports
• Clear understanding of sports, entertainment, fashion and mainstream industry news cycles including organizational headwinds and tailwinds
• Proficient with Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign), Microsoft Office Suite and Zoom Technologies
• Work Location & Hours: Work is performed in the office and/or at one of the arenas as determined necessary by the Company. Must be available to attend all home games, as well as attend company events. Games & events may take place on nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Travel Requirements: Will be required to travel to away games; trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay for one or more nights.

Ideal Candidate Attribute/Competencies:
• Team-first attitude and relentless work ethic that is dedicated, detail orientated and willing to go above and beyond for the success of the department and teams.
• Continuously evolving/growing list of contacts in sports and entertainment locally, regionally and nationally that she/he/they can tap into for coverage.
• Ability to develop, maintain and foster strong relationships with industry journalists and media outlets, as well as players, coaches and team staff.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain positive, productive and supportive working relationships throughout the organization.
• Responsive with an ability to multi-task, work independently and handle feedback.
• Adaptive to fluid situations.
• Willing to work extended/non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Identify areas of opportunity and propose potential solutions while continuing to lead projects without interruption.

Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Hearing, seeing, reading, writing, concentration, comprehension, and talking with clear speech.
• Planning, organizing, interpreting data, making decisions, problem-solving, and composure under deadlines/stress.