Manager, Brand Communications
Opportunity Overview:
The Chicago Bulls are seeking a Manager of Brand Communications who will support storytelling strategies to promote the reputation of the Bulls organization in Chicago, nationally and globally. The role will cover many areas of the business including corporate partnerships, business, community, fashion and lifestyle, fan experience and more.
The Brand Communications team strives to positively position the Bulls’ off-the-court initiatives across a diverse range of traditional and new media channels, and we're looking for someone who can immediately make an impact. This is an excellent opportunity for a developing storyteller who can craft compelling communications and deliver impactful brand messaging.
What You’ll Do:
In this role within the Public Relations department, you will support the team’s brand, corporate and internal communications function. Key responsibilities may include:
- Communications Planning and Implementation: You'll work to develop and implement communications plans for priorities across the business that connect to the organization’s goals and reach priority audiences. You’ll maintain an editorial calendar and develop materials to tell our story.
- Materials Development: You'll independently write informative and compelling communications plans and materials, including press releases, executive briefs, media advisories, talking points, fact sheets, award submissions, social media and website copy, and reports.
- Media Relations: Develop and maintain positive relationships with sports, business, technology, community and lifestyle reporters at regional and national outlets.
- Campaign Management and Reporting: You’ll run campaigns end-to-end and will be responsible for tracking and sharing media placements for campaigns, events and announcements.
- Internal Communications: You'll partner with HR and senior communications leadership to draft, deliver and collaborate on internal communications strategies, materials and events.
Ideal Candidate:
If you're a creative self-starter who wants to be involved in a range of high-impact, communications related projects, then this may be the right opportunity for you! We’re looking for someone who is:
- Collaborative: You are a strong collaborator who has experience working cross-functionally and with external corporate and community partners and media.
- Owner at Heart: This person should be a creative problem solver who has the passion and willingness to take initiative to ideate and own campaigns from inception through execution.
- Excellent Writing Skills: A strong writer, this individual will serve as the voice of the company who drafts internal and external materials.
- Strong Media Relations: Possess a strong understanding of local and national media landscapes; able to effectively generate ideas for media outreach and pitching tactics to increase visibility for the company's business and community priorities.
- Curious and Creative: We love people who ask questions and think in unexpected ways! You monitor industry data, track moves within the media landscape, new technologies and trends for incorporation into Bulls media outreach.
Additional Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or other related field
- 4-5 years of professional experience in corporate communications or public relations; agency experience preferred
- Comprehensive understanding of all basic PR tools, Meltwater preferred, and positive relationships with and knowledge of Chicago media
- Experience pitching local print and TV with history of successful placements
- Detail oriented and systems thinker with strong project management skills; comfortable handling complexity
- Excellent writing and proofreading skills, painstaking attention to details, and able to navigate and solve various issues to craft concise messaging and plans
- Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize work under pressure in a dynamic environment to effectively address the needs of the team
- Familiarity working with media monitoring tools and related metrics reporting
- Strong leadership and influence skills; outstanding interpersonal and teamwork and collaboration skills
- Multi-cultural media experience and bi-lingual skills preferred
- Ability to various hours, including nights, weekends and holidays
We are an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.