Director Of Public Affairs

Description
Position at Rip City Management
Become a part of the team behind the team.
As employees of the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Quarter, we do more than basketball. We bring people together to create extraordinary moments and lasting memories through the power of sports and entertainment. We are pioneers and innovators. We look for people who push boundaries, who dream, who are committed to inclusivity - who want to contribute to Rip City!
As our Director of Public Affairs, you play a key role in helping shape the organization's image, fostering positive relationships with external stakeholders -including key government and community relationships - and developing new strategic business initiatives. This includes building, expanding, and deepening strategic relationships and partnerships to advance business opportunities and strengthen efforts to enhance the presence of the Portland Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter as the top sports and entertainment organization in the Northwest.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Business and Community Development:

• Develop and execute new business strategies to enhance and influence TBI business interests and perception, focusing on fostering positive relationships with external stakeholders, partners, and the community.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with external partners, government entities, and community organizations to promote collaboration and support TBI and Rose Quarter objectives.
• Work closely with cross-functional internal teams, including Brand/Marketing, Communications, Impact (Community and DEI), Legal and Executive leadership to ensure coordination and alignment of external affairs engagements with overall organizational strategies.

Government Relations:

• Along with the President and SVP of Communications and Public Affairs, develop and implement the organization's comprehensive government relations and Public Affairs strategies and policies to protect and promote business development and interests, primarily with respect to state and local governments and regulatory agencies.
• Align government relations strategies with corporate objectives to maximize business development opportunities and interests.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with elected officials and government agencies.
• Develop policy positions on central issues impacting TBI, the Rose Quarter and the industry to advance business goals and protect from potential issues.
• Review legislative action and evaluate complex technical issues to inform Rose Quarter's policy positions for legislative and regulatory processes.
• Craft strategic communications for policy development and messaging for issue and policy management
• Monitor and evaluate public policy issues that may impact TBI and the Rose Quarter's work, and assess their potential effects.
• Work closely with TBI's lobbyist and Public Affairs team.

Communications:

• Foster relationships internally and externally to build a positive presence in the community and address any issues that may affect public perception.
• Craft messaging and communications strategies to help shape the organization's Public Affairs goals and image as it relates to policy.
• Handle media inquiries related to TBI's government relations strategies, and build relationships with key reporters who report on city, county and state issues related to TBI and RCM's work.
• Coordinate public events and external engagements to help position TBI and RCM as a leader in the sports and entertainment industry.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (such as communications, Public Affairs, political science).
• 8+ years' experience in Public Affairs, government relations and/or communications, with progressively increasing levels of responsibility.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to develop and execute effective external affairs strategies.
• Experience in managing and mitigating crisis communications effectively.
• Understanding of government relations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders.
• Proven ability to create key strategic relationships and influence to promote business interests.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PERKS:
We invest in our employees inside and outside of work. Our benefits package for full-time teammates includes:

• Compensation: Salary range for this role starts at $155,000 annually
• Competitive Healthcare Coverage
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Maternal & Parental Leave
• Flexible Time Off (3 weeks + 11 holidays)
• Wellness Perks
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Parking + Discounted Mass Transit Passes
• Discounted & Complimentary Tickets
• Ongoing Learning & Development

Offers of employment are conditional upon the successful results of an individual background check. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories and review results on an individual basis.
The Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Quarter embraces diversity and inclusion. We celebrate individual expression and uniqueness on our campus. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination. We are committed to hiring individuals that reflect the community we serve without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. We are an equal opportunity employer.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.