Communications Director at Dallas Wings

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.
  
  

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.