Position Summary:
The Phoenix Suns are seeking candidates for a Basketball Communications Manager.  This full-time salaried position reports to the Vice President, Basketball Communications and is one of two manager positions in the department.  This individual will be the primary writer of basketball communications collateral material and will serve as the media’s primary contact for statistics and basketball information.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Write and compile basketball communications collateral material including: press releases, media guides, and game notes
• Serve as the media's  primary contact for statistics and notes
• Assist in fielding and the execution of player and staff interview requests
• Serve as Suns liaison for the NBA's league wide statistical system
• Host the media room pre-game and post-game
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Qualifications:
• College degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field
• Previous experience in NBA or related sports field
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work well under pressure
• Must be able to handle highly confidential information and work effectively with all levels of staff, management, owners, players and the media
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays
• Willingness to travel and work demanding hours with significant overtime during season

Interested and qualified candidates please fill out your profile as completely as possible as incomplete records will not be considered including a cover letter and salary requirements. To see how the hiring manager will view your application, click on "edit your information" and follow the instructions. Also, please note that you have one chance to fill in your cover letter information once you press "apply for this job."

Deadline to apply is July 2nd, 2013 at 9:00pm (MST).
 

Summary: The Vice President, Communications develops, coordinates and directs all public relations and media activities for the Sacramento Kings business and basketball operations, and ensures that the organization is proactively responsive to critical local issues and needs while maintaining a visible and positive community presence by performing the Key Responsibilities of the position either personally or through direct reports.

Key Responsibility Areas:

• Develop and oversee implementation of integrated and proactive strategic communications plans for all Kings events and initiatives.
• Lead collaborative strategic and promotional PR campaigns in support of all Kings business areas including Sponsorships, Ticket Sales, Business Communications and Basketball Communications.
• Provide PR support for Kings Sponsorship partner platforms and activations.
• Represent the Sacramento Kings to the media and community by acting as spokesperson for basketball and business issues.
• Plan and implement the Sacramento Kings communications strategies, policies, and procedures for all basketball and non-basketball related issues.
• Plan, implement and monitor the Sacramento Kings communications strategy for employee social media use.
• Strengthen player reputation through management of PR efforts to promote players’ off the court pursuits including business interests, hobbies and charitable efforts with the goal of; a) Securing long lead and short lead features in influential business, news, health, lifestyle and entertainment magazines and; b) creating opportunities for players outside of sports.
• Field and direct responses to all media-related inquiries.
• Research and write copy for Kings promotional materials.
• Develop contacts and relationships with public relations contacts and media representatives to create opportunities for keeping the company and its products or services in front of the public and the trade.
• Assist and coach company staff with public speaking engagements, presentations, and preparation of articles for publication.
• Lead Communications team including strategic business planning and Team Member growth and development through coaching and partnering for performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university in Public Relations, Communications, Business or related field.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years experience in corporate communications and crisis management.
• Professional Public Relations certification preferred.
• Broad knowledge and experience dealing with integrated communications initiatives
• Proven experience successfully managing crisis communications situations
• Possess strong relationships with local, regional and national media
• Ability to manage and set goals for two Directors and their support staff
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with all levels within the team, NBA, media and other high level outside contacts
• Strong presentation skills (written and verbal)
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Experience developing planning tools, budgets, projections, etc.
• Service oriented; committed to teamwork and catering to customers.
• Results oriented; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication, prioritization and organization skills.
• Detail oriented, organized, flexible, accurate
• Excellent problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities
• Computer skills – MSWord, Excel, TicketMaster and Arctichs experience.
• Available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.