Manager, Communications

Player 15 Group; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoenix Suns is seeking an experienced manager of basketball communications to lead the Suns' communications operation, overseeing game notes, research, and storytelling to generate positive coverage. You will manage media relations on game days, coordinate with broadcast and social teams, and help drive organizational messaging across the department.

The role requires coordinating with external vendors, traveling as needed, and writing/editing press materials.

Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of NBA statistics and historical context.
• Ability to build strong relationships with diverse people.
• Excellent communication skills and detail orientation.
• Bachelor’s degree in PR, journalism or related field; 5+ years experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the process of maintaining, researching and expressing team statistics for the Phoenix Suns.
• Manage production of game notes and media guides and assist with research of team stats and talking points.
• Develop on- and off-court storylines and collaborate with Broadcast and Social/Digital teams to generate positive coverage.
• Incorporate organizational priorities into storytelling opportunities and manage media requests.

Skills

NBA statistics

Relationship building

Communication skills

Time management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s in PR/Journalism

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe InDesign

Job description

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