Vice President, Communications & Public Relations

Job Description

This position in the Communications and Public Relations Department will play a key role in developing and driving an external, internal, and senior executive communications strategies for all aspects of the organization. This is a highly visible leadership position that will work cross-functionally to define and communicate a shared vision/strategy and set an overall tone for the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

As a VP of Communications & Public Relations, you will be responsible for managing the development and implementation of external/internal communications strategies with the goal of advancing exposure and awareness for Dodgers with key stakeholders including players, clubhouse personnel, front office employees, media/reporters, social influencers, digital/tech community, advertising/agency partners and consumers/fans. The qualified individual will be based in Los Angeles and will report directly to the SVP of Marketing, Communications and Broadcasting. This individual will work closely with staff to guide them in the day-to-day running of the Dodgers communications department and major publicity initiatives, including an expanding number of consumer/fan-facing opportunities, while applying a cutting-edge approach. The successful candidate will be a progressive thinker and mature self-starter with the experience to guide and shape a communications agenda and strategy that has executive endorsement, as well as an ability to partner with multiple cross-functional teams.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS
• Strong ability to develop messaging strategy, media relations, thought leadership programs and communications for the Los Angeles Dodgers
• Formulate and execute a comprehensive internal and external communications framework and strategy
• Develop and guide the implementation of a comprehensive and strategic communications plan incorporating public relations efforts to support publicity activities, a growing number of fan-centric events, thought leadership, consumer media relations, trade media relations, crisis communications, employee/internal communications, etc., to create maximum awareness of Dodgers business and specific projects
• Oversee company response for both internal and external crisis communications
• Engage with the Dodgers leadership team and SVP of Marketing, Communications and Broadcasting and to identify and drive a comprehensive communications strategy and messaging across multiple platforms
• Advise senior leadership on media strategy, messaging, and outreach. Review publicity needs with Dodgers leadership team and recommend methods to obtain coverage and achieve/enhance efforts
• Develop a holistic approach to executive communications that strategically combines the highest impact use of social, press and speaking engagements
• Build deep relationships with a variety of reporters/media outlets, influencers, and other external stakeholders
• Oversee team’s communications and media strategy for all non-baseball corporate communications and brand initiatives
• Produce team communications assets including executive communications, internal messaging, press releases, talking points and media training presentations
• Produce internal and public-facing communications across multiple business units, including corporate partnerships, executive communications, sales, community relations, government affairs, business development, marketing, social media, broadcasting, baseball operations and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation
• Draft media statements and external correspondence on behalf of senior executives, players, and coaches
• Create scripts, outlines and talking points for internal company meetings
• Lead proactive media events and outreach and serve as liaison with external agencies to develop story ideas and pitch local and national outlets
• Serve as communications liaison with external agencies for public affairs and player off-field initiatives
• Serve as team spokesperson and respond to inquiries from local, national, and international media
• Strong understanding of the different roles and values of media relations, executive communications, and internal communications, as well as the ability to combine these effectively as part of an integrated team and strategy
• Exceptional writer/editor who will direct the drafting of press releases, media advisories, speeches, and external and internal communications in support of Dodgers
• Collaborate with a variety of internal teams on external communications including, but not limited to, social media, company websites, events, etc.
• Work closely with the SVP of Marketing, Communications and Broadcasting to develop and assure the consistent dissemination of the company's key corporate messages
• Provide strategic communications counsel and executive support to management, including identifying and securing appropriate speaking engagements and opportunities for presentations and preparing company representatives for interviews, appearances, and special events
• Extend Dodgers leadership position through creation/implementation of effective forums
• Oversee press events, stay abreast of new technology and develop new ideas to reach audiences and influencers via the press and engage with the public overall across a wide spectrum of social platforms, working closely with the VP, Digital Strategy

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor's Degree journalism, communications, or related field is required
• 7+ years’ experience in an executive or director-level role with leadership and team management experience
• Experience executing media campaigns, crisis management, building relationships with media and working with executives
• Successful record of driving and implementing partnerships with diverse media outlets
• Solid understanding of social, digital and sports media
• Experience working within the sports, technology, media, social industries
• Experience managing corporate issues and project management
• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategy into action plans
• Experience in building, mentoring, and coaching a team of PR specialists
• Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS
• Bilingual (Spanish/English), verbal and written communication, preferred
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker
• Seasoned decision maker
• Excellent media relations
• Budget management
• Must be able to have good interaction with reporters and the media and possess a creative and proactive ability to encourage positive stories and features on the players, the facilities, events, etc. while reinforcing the overall marketing message of the team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Excellent script writing, spelling, grammar, and text composition skills
• Must be able to work non-standard hours, weekends, and travel

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d5pnj7-3-22-240-205-42 in your application.