What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialist, Communications/Spanish Interpreter position at Tampa Bay Rays?
Position Summary:
The Communications Specialist/Spanish Interpreter plays a crucial role in the Rays communications department, supporting player needs throughout the season. This position focuses on facilitating media relations for Spanish-speaking Rays players and assisting with baseball information and research. Responsibilities include coordinating media requests, promoting Spanish-speaking players, providing translation and interpretation services, and supporting game day functions and departmental initiatives. This role requires travel throughout the season.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Serve as a Spanish/English interpreter for the media during pregame and postgame interactions for all Rays Spanish-speaking players for all home and road games, including Spring Training and Postseason.
- Assist in all aspects of communications, including baseball communications, business communications, player and family relations, publications, marketing, club archives, and media servicing.
- Promote Rays Spanish-speaking players to international, national, and local media. Collaborate with the department to fulfill media requests, coordinating interviews and appearances.
- Ensure timely distribution of key baseball information and publications, including the team’s media guide, season summaries, press releases, and daily game notes.
- Coordinate Spanish-themed marketing initiatives, corporate and community-driven player appearances, including autograph signings, meet-and-greets, and brand marketing activities.
- Provide guidance to Spanish-speaking players regarding media and public relations opportunities.
- Support Spanish social and digital media efforts for the Tampa Bay Rays across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X.
- Lead translation and interpretation efforts for business-related social media messages, community initiatives, and media relations opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Communications department to prepare for each game, including game notes, statistical research, and press box operations.
- Translate scripts for the Broadcast department related to corporate sponsor needs.
- Provide training to players and staff in learning English and Spanish, both spoken and written.
- Work with broadcast partners on player interviews and other Spanish broadcast needs.
- Contribute to shaping the brand and overall awareness of the Rays through the development and execution of the team's communications and marketing strategy, with an emphasis on media service and player relations.
- Assist with special projects as assigned, including translating memos, letters, and reports from English to Spanish.
- Support the Senior Director of Team Travel & Logistics with translation needs related to travel logistics, benefits, and employment rules.
- Collaborate with the Communications department on offseason functions, ensuring that Rays Spanish-speaking players are informed and prepared for events.
- Participate in special projects as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:
- Fluent in Spanish with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish.
- Must have proficiency in AP Style.
- Bachelor’s degree is favored in a relevant field, such as Communications, Journalism, or Sports Administration.
- Experience in media relations with a professional sports team favored.
- Professional experience in Spanish/English translation and interpretation.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of baseball.
- Highly motivated and capable of meeting the challenges of a baseball information/communications department.
- Exceptional verbal communication, computer, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work long hours, especially during the baseball season (February - October).
- Comfortable speaking in front of large crowds and on television.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop).
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.