What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Director position 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
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
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.