Indiana Fever Director Of Public Relations

This is a Full Time Job

The Director of Public Relations works with the general manager, coaches, players, and the staff of the WNBA Indiana Fever to promote a positive image of the organization, both nationally and locally, to the media, partners, fans and the general public through the effective use of media, community engagements, special events, campaigns, and other related activities. This position will also have responsibility for media relations for the Indiana Fever including game-day responsibilities of compiling statistics for the team and each player, writing and distributing game notes, putting together media guides, writing press releases, and coordinating the process for media credentialing. The Director of Public Relations will manage the part time game-day statistics staff as well as Fever Media/PR intern(s) when applicable. The major accountabilities of the position are positive ongoing press coverage throughout the state; a robust brand-strategy with community partners, existing fans and new fans; coordinating engagements, speaking opportunities, events, and campaigns that increase brand equity and fan engagement; as well as constantly writing and generating content for news, social media, and the Fever's online presence. In addition, this person needs to be detail oriented, organized, have excellent communication skills (both writing and building strong working relationships) and be able to work a flexible schedule.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead communication strategy for the Fever, with an emphasis on media relations.
• Act as primary liaison between Fever and media. Set up home and away interviews. Lead all aspects of home game media setup, access and information supplied to media. Supervise statistics crew, write and distribute game notes.
• Provide information to media outlets by generating news releases and articles, arranging press conferences, and acting as a media liaison to disseminate information to inform and educate the public.
• Arrange, conduct and participate in public relations programs that maintain ongoing contact between organization representatives and the public.
• Create opportunities for placement of press releases, media appearances and speaking opportunities to keep the presence of the Fever constantly before the public in a positive manner all year round.
• Ability to write press releases on a variety of topics to portray appropriate messaging and tone and ensure the organization is shown in the most positive light.
• Develop, coordinate and participate in promotional ideas, events, campaigns and activities to publicize and promote the Fever and its programs.
• Assist with player relations and community engagement departments as needed for player appearances during the season and off season.
• Arrange and coordinate public appearances and speaking engagements for Fever leadership to generate awareness and interest among thought-leaders, employer communities, educators, and prospective students.
• Conduct interviews, research, and write web copy as well as copy for articles, print, radio and TV, social media updates, newsletters and promotional materials.
• Work closely with various internal and external partners to increase positive messaging, coordinate timing and strategize and minimize PR challenges.
• Maintain an ongoing communication with the Fever and the WNBA league office to elicit news and promotional items of interest.
• Coordinate, including hands on work for various publications (media guide, game program, game notes, press releases and newsletters).
• Represent department and organization at various internal and external meetings, events and activities.
• Monitor media coverage and manage media queries for information.
• Travel in this position is required for away games as well as long hours in season or at other times of the year as needed. Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule which includes some evenings, weekends and the occasional holiday.
• Continual development of creative ideas for media stories, blog posts, student events, and other promotional efforts
• Coordinate with various departments to ensure messaging and media communications are handled appropriately and to achieve maximum benefit for the organization.
• Ability to work effectively and exercise good judgement in a fast paced, deadline oriented, and at times high stress environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
• More than 5 years of experience in public relations or related field. An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience is acceptable.
• Prefer experience in basketball communications
• Knowledge of public relations programs

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Employee should have a knowledge of Window and Microsoft Word.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret instructions and reports. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from Manager, Clients, Customers, and the general public. Excellent written and verbal communication skills essential for this position.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Knowledge to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as analyzing costs and figuring statistics.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret directions.

PROBLEM SOLVING REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to make independent decisions.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to:
• Sit
• Stand
• Walk
• Reach
• Lift
• Stoop/crouch
• Use telephone
• Use computer
• Speak, hear and write

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the office work environment is usually moderate.
• The noise level in the Fieldhouse/game environment is usually loud.
• The stress level may become high during certain times of the year.

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.