Director, Baseball Communications

Full Time Job
The Tampa Bay Rays seek an individual to lead its Baseball Communications department. This person will lead all day-to-day operations of game- and uniformed staff-related communications and report directly to the Chief Communications Officer.

Responsibilities
include:
• Decide, design and implement strategies for success
• Serve as primary contact for media for baseball-related inquiries and coordinate interview requests
• Serve as team spokesperson in response to inquiries from local and national media
• Plan and execute media events, including press conferences, video calls and media luncheons
• Execute PR campaigns and messaging to advance exposure, awareness and storylines of Rays players, coaches and front office
• Oversee distribution of baseball news releases, media advisories, etc.
• Assist with game notes and baseball information initiatives, as needed
• Communicate regularly with team leadership to inform and advise on topics of interest and communication strategies
• Plan, track and report the Baseball Communications department budget
• Regularly review and revise communications plans for the organization, including crisis communications plan
• Serve as communications liaison for public affairs and player off-field initiatives; represent the Rays at appropriate functions and community events
• Direct the production of the annual Media Guide, including front office and coaching staff bios
• Travel, as needed, with the team on road trips; manage media access to manager, coaches and players
• Provide media services at the club's spring home in Port Charlotte, Fla. each spring training
• Lead a team of skilled communications professionals toward personal and professional development

Requirements:
• College degree or equivalent experience; journalism, communications or related field favored
• Highly skilled researcher ideal, experience with baseball statistical databases preferred
• Significant public relations or related experience, including 2 years in senior level capacity
• Experience executing media campaigns, managing crisis communications, building relationships with media and executives
• Exceptional writing and public speaking skills, interpersonal and decision-making skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally
• Essential professional skills, such as self-motivation, organization, attention to detail and deadlines
• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign and the Microsoft Office suite
• Work hours are non-standard, surrounding baseball games during spring training, the regular season and postseason. Position includes travel on some road trips.

Why work for the Rays?
• The opportunity to develop and lead a team of skilled communications professionals and establish processes and procedures for successful growths
• Opportunities to choose and work with new technology; we believe in choosing the right tool for the job even if it isn't part of our current stack.
• Exceptional benefits including:
• health, vision and dental coverage at VERY competitive rates
• an enhanced 401k including company contributions regardless of your own
• the opportunity for tickets to Rays baseball games and Rowdies soccer matches for you, your friends and family
• the option to take one paid day each month to volunteer for charity
• healthy meal options at very low cost in the office
• instructor-led, 60-minute yoga class once a week during the workday
• The chance to be a part of an innovative, sharp-minded organization, committed to good corporate citizenship and community engagement
• You are a good teammate and like working with other driven and caring teammates.
• Your office is in a baseball ballpark!

All offers contingent on a satisfactory background check.

All applicants for employment are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment. Applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment will be required to produce proof of vaccination status prior to their first day of employment. Applicants with qualifying disabilities or bona fide religious objections, or who are pregnant, may be exempted from this requirement or otherwise accommodated if they are unable to be vaccinated.

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.