Manager, Communications

Phoenix Suns; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

401(k) plan with match

Complimentary Suns game tickets

Team experiences

Employee discounts

Job summary

Player 15 Group, the Suns’ parent sports and entertainment company, is seeking an experienced manager of basketball communications to lead our communications operation, maintain game notes, and craft compelling team narratives.

You will oversee game-night media relations, coordinate player interviews, develop on- and off-court stories with Broadcast and Social/Digital teams, and manage media requests with a fast-paced, detail‑driven approach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in communications or media relations.
• Strong knowledge of NBA statistics and history.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work irregular hours including nights and weekends.
• Will ingness to travel with the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead basketball communications operations and game-note management.
• Develop on-court and off-court storylines with media teams.
• Manage game-day media relations and interviews.
• Write and edit press releases and statements.
• Oversee media services and scorers table support.
• Build relationships with external vendors.
• Monitor media conversations about the team and players.

Skills

NBA statistics

Relationship building

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Time management

Athlete experience

Irregular hours

Travel readiness

Microsoft Office

Adobe InDesign

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Journalism or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Job Summary

Player 15 Group is the sports and entertainment company behind the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), Valley Suns (G League), and Mortgage Matchup Center.

Job Summary

Player 15 Group is the sports and entertainment company behind the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), Valley Suns (G League), and Mortgage Matchup Center.

Headquartered in downtown Phoenix, Player 15 Group is driven by a culture built on passion, creativity, innovation, and care. Our people are at the center of everything we do, united by a shared commitment to create unforgettable memories for our fans, partners, and community.

We offer a fast-paced, collaborative environment where every team member contributes to the success of our teams, the experiences of our fans, and the impact we make throughout our community.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated manager of basketball communications to join our team. In this role, you will play a leading role in the Suns basketball communications operation, leading the process of maintaining and researching game note information for the team, executing a strategic plan to tell compelling stories about the team and managing game day media relations, while also assisting in communications initiatives across the organization.

Your Role on the Team

• Manage the process of maintaining, creating, researching and expressing statistical information for the Phoenix Suns, and assist as need with Valley Suns and Phoenix Mercury
• Manage the production of the game notes and media guides and otherwise assist in the research and development of team statistical information and talking points
• Identify, develop and execute on-court and off-court storylines and work with Broadcast and Social/Digital teams to find the most effective ways to express these stories to generate positive coverage
• Identify avenues to incorporate organizational priorities and initiatives into storytelling opportunities
• Ensure team statistical information is most effectively being expressed and most effectively being shared with external media and internal channels (Broadcast, Social, etc.)
• Cultivate relationships with external vendors (such as OMG) and develop best process, to most effectively and efficiently develop, maintain and showcase basketball information to assist media as they perform their jobs and amplify team narratives
• Assist with all intersections of the basketball team and media, including player interviews and access, team messaging and media operations
• Help manage all team media availabilities (practices, games, press conferences, etc.), ensuring best practices for standard of quality
• Write and edit press releases, and other written communications
• Assist in managing the team’s game-night teams responsible for the scorers table/stats crew and media services team
• Assist in managing all media requests for players, coaches and other personnel
• Assist in monitoring of the media conversation about team/players
• Occasional travel with the team in a communications capacity for road games and other events
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with team personnel as well as media members and have the ability to respond quickly to all media requests

Your Skills And Experience

• Advanced understanding of NBA statistics and historical context
• Ability to work with a wide variety of people and develop strong relationships
• Positive attitude and friendly, welcoming personality
• Ability to multi-task under time constraints, meet deadlines and work within a fast-paced industry/environment; must be very detail oriented
• Previous experience working with athletes preferred
• Excellent communications skills; an ability to express ideas clearly and conciselyAbility to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, holidays
• Ability to travel with team to games and events
• Must have basic understanding of Microsoft Office and Adobe inDesign
• Must have intuitive ability to learn and master various platforms utilized for statistical research and record keeping
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, journalism or related field
• Minimum of 5 years communications/media relations experience

The Team & Experience

We believe great organizations are built by great people. That’s why we foster an in-person collaborative, people-first work environment where team members feel supported, empowered, and connected. We value individuals who bring an ownership mindset, lead with initiative, and embrace an “I’ll do it” mentality in support of the team and our fans.

From career growth opportunities to everyday experiences around the office, we work hard to create an environment where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.

Benefits

At Player 15 Group, our people-first culture is reflected in benefits and perks that may vary based on employment status and eligibility, including the following:

• Competitive medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage options
• Paid vacation, sick time, volunteer time and company holidays
• 401(k) plan with Player 15 Group match
• Team member experiences throughout the year including team offsites, catered lunches, coffee stands, ice cream trucks and more
• Team swag throughout the year plus employee discounts at our Team Shop and online store
• Complimentary tickets to Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Valley Suns games, plus other local sporting events and concerts, as available
• Access to amenities, including:
• Full fitness center with locker rooms and showers
• Indoor/outdoor basketball courts
• Pickleball court
• Golf simulator and putting green
• On-site cafeteria and collaborative gathering spaces

Player 15 Group is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

Please note this job description is not crafted to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Questions? Reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail]