Manager, Communications

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 concisely
Ability 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