Director of Community Relations

This is a Full Time Job

Director, Community Relations

Department: Community Relations
Status: Full-Time
Reports to: Vice President, Government & Community Relations

The Director will conceive, organize, and direct a wide range of projects for the Government Affairs and Community Relations department, including oversight of all community relations programs and initiatives. The Director will develop and enhance initiatives that support the Los Angeles Dodgers' position in the community. The job requires collaboration with internal departments and key external stakeholders to integrate social responsibility considerations into core decision-making and planning. The Director will cultivate and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, non-profits, numerous internal departments, and various other external entities.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Community Relations
• Conceive the CR Annual Strategic Plan – including all MLB initiatives – and successfully execute annually using data-driven tools and quantitative analysis to measure and evaluate event impacts with the goal of growing and expanding community impacts on an annual basis.
• Develop and supervise a team of three full-time staff in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the community relations team including oversight of all community relations events.
• Train and manage CR staff implementation of a multi-faceted community relations program including but not limited to the following initiatives:

Military Initiatives: flag ceremonies; reenlistments; Military Hero of the Game; military care packages; Opening Day; Memorial Day, 4th of July; Veteran's Day Batting Practice; Navy Fleet Week; and coordination of color guards and flyovers for special games.

Educational Initiatives: various school-based programs, initiatives and activations including literacy, attendance, and student academic success initiatives.

Health Initiatives: Dodger/UCLA Blue Wish program, hospital visits, Make-A-Wish partnership and more.

Youth Initiatives: Grow and improve the Dodgers’ signature Kids for Dodger Baseball program, expand youth baseball and softball initiatives, and expand the Commissioner’s Community Initiative ticket program to more deserving communities.

MLB Initiatives: Shred Hate/No Bully; Summer Slugger; Breaking Barriers Essay Contest; Player Give Back program; Pitch Hit & Run Championship; Play Ball clinics; Jackie Robinson Day; Roberto Clemente Day; LGBTQ Spirit Day, etc.
• Manage CR-led pre-game and game day on-field activities including batting practice visits, meet & greet visits, auction experiences, and player support as needed.
• Oversee the successful implementation of all sponsored programming and ensure all KPIs are being met.
• Direct the planning and implementation of the Dodgers’ annual signature events (Thanksgiving, holiday, and back-to-school initiatives) in close collaboration with the CR Manager of Special Events.
• Collaborate with the Vice President on Dodgers Public Relations strategy to identify appropriate opportunities to promote community and charitable efforts.
• Regularly oversee and make direct decisions to carry out numerous Community Affairs functions.
• Prepare Community Relations budgets, cash flows, and related spreadsheets for the Vice President.
• Oversee Community Relations hiring and the day-to-day management of direct reports, including interns and fellows.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Business Development
• Develop strategies, programs, and activations that generate revenue for the sponsorship and ticket sales teams.
• Compose and edit a broad range of written materials, including Community Report, press releases, speeches, and talking points for Dodgers executives, staff, and coaches.

Basic Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years previous experience in community relations, private sector, or non-profit field preferred, including a minimum of 5 years of direct personnel management.
• Minimum 5–7 years of event planning management experience.
• Proven track record working successfully in community marginalized groups, developing deep relationships with all community stakeholders.
• Ability to display independent judgment and evaluate new approaches to problem-solving.
• Experience in creating and implementing training programs for the team and other partners.
• Ability to manage multiple projects including partnering with other Dodgers teams and external stakeholders, creating a spirit of collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
• Goal-oriented, self-starter with strong work ethic and ability to perform multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Work experience in crisis communication.
• Demonstrate innovative thinking/spirit.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to interact and work with leadership, players, player families, and staff at every level.
• Ability to develop relationships with internal and external customers (residents, civic and business leaders, and volunteers).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times in a professional manner.
• Must have a valid driver's license with verifiable safe driving record.
• Must be willing and able to occasionally move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Bi-lingual skills preferred.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.