Director, Communications

Summary:

The Director, Communications reports directly to the Vice President, Communications, working hand in hand to manage all business and corporate public relations on behalf of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club. The Communications team works with other departments within the organization to effectively maintain the company’s message and promote various marketing/ticketing initiatives, special events, community and philanthropic initiatives and corporate activations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, working with the Vice President, Communications, to formulate an overall communications strategy; creating proactive media plans and messaging around specific initiatives and events; crisis planning and issues management; drive active pitching to media; messaging executives and preparing them for media interviews and other speaking engagements; managing relationships with national and local business and lifestyle media; and overseeing the day-to-day execution of all business focused media activities.

The Nationals are a military-friendly organization actively recruiting veterans and spouses.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategy:

• Work with the Vice President, Communications, to formulate and execute business communications strategy and planning.
• Draft targeted media plans designed to garner non-sports related earned coverage across print, broadcast, radio and online outlets.

Media Relations:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local and national media – both in and out of sports.
• Oversee the pitching of specific stories and the creation and dissemination of media materials, including press releases and media advisories.
• Conceptualize and execute events designed to garner positive brand coverage.

Internal Communications:

• Create messaging for team ownership and/or executives for interviews and speaking engagements.
• Compile and review sensitive organizational documents and presentations for the Executive team

Digital Media and Content Creation:

• Work with the Marketing department to create press-worthy content for club-owned channels and media distribution.
• Monitor online conversations and play a key part in managing the organization’s reputation on social platforms.
• Work with Social department to ensure all consistent messaging and provide guidance on sensitive topics.

Other:

• Supervise members of the Communications Team who are involved in business-related projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent military experience
• Minimum 10 years of experience in public relations, preferably at a large agency, Fortune 500 company or high-level sports organization.
• Management experience required for this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential functions

• The ability to work independently and to manage priorities is a must.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of the sports industry and key stakeholders.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Uphold Core Values: Excellence, Performance, and Accountability. These core values set the tone in everything we do, help us succeed on and off the field, make a difference in the community and provide the best guest experience in sports. It is important that the person in the position commits themselves to these core values so that we can constantly move forward in the same direction – Together.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

• Office: Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
• Gameday: Job requires employee to function in a high activity and heavily crowded outdoor professional sports venue. May work at heights. Employee will be exposed to inclement weather of varying degrees. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time, walk long distances, and climb up/down stairs. The employee is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit and must lift and/or move up to 45 pounds.

Education

• Bachelors or better