Public Relations Manager – Los Angeles Lakers

February 8, 2017

Location: El Segundo, California, USA

Closing Date: Open until filled

Overview:

Position Summary: The Manager, Public Relations is charged with writing a large portion of Lakers press releases and ensuring game statistics are pushed out to the media to support messaging to and engaging with our audience. This position is responsible for managing the digital PR strategy and continually building the Lakers media network both nationally and locally. Additionally, the Manager, PR is responsible for tracking other league PR trends and spearheading projects to help the Lakers organization stand out.

Essential Functions (Duties & Responsibilities):

  • Produce pre-season, regular season and post-season media guides per League regulations
  • Lead day-to-day publications and statistical information releases (e.g. game notes, post-game notes, external statistics packages)
  • Serve as primary press release and media advisory writer, creating in-game copy for broadcasters, and quotes for GM or Head Coach, as assigned
  • Coordinate player and executive award campaigns (NBA All Rookie team, All Star and Rising Stars, etc.)
  1. Manage all nominations for players and coaches
  2. Develop one-pagers and media information to promote players, coaches, executives for awards
  • Monitor internal (players/staff) and external (media) social media for inappropriate content, or incorrect/false information to ensure the well-being of the organization and anticipate potential issues; reach out to media/writer publishing incorrect facts to revise information
  • Serve a digital media strategist and go-to person for internal online media questions, including vetting, credentialing, researching, etc.
  • Oversee feature clips and statistical information archiving; work with Coordinator and interns to verify that all information from away games is saved and archived properly
  • Travel for approximately 50% of road games, serving as point person for media interaction and information
  • Coordinate player ticket purchases, media set-up and handle roster and injury updates
  • Assist with set-up and coordination of interviews with players, coaches and front office staff
  • Assist in planning and executing of Lakers media events, including press conferences, Draft Night, Media Day, etc.
  • Assist in hiring and training of seasonal interns
  • Miscellaneous other tasks and special projects may be assigned as needed

Education (Required/Preferred): Bachelor’s degree (required)

Previous experience: A minimum of five (5) years working in sports media relations

Technology Capabilities:

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • InDesign and the ability to create and publish printed books, brochures, digital magazines, and interactive online documents
  • Microsoft Office (including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint & Windows)

Knowledge, skills, abilities:

  • Deep knowledge of Lakers team and history
  • A passion for basketball and professional sports, with an understanding of other sport cycles and operations
  • Ability to operate at the speed of the 24-hr news cycle
  • Broad knowledge and experience dealing with integrated communications approach
  • Proven experience successfully managing rapid response communications efforts
  • Possess strong relationships with local, regional and national media, and exceptional client relationship management skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with all levels within the team, NBA, media and other high-level outside contacts
  • Strong presentation skills
  • Excellent writing skills with an eye for grammar, spelling, and thoughtful story creation
  • Outstanding organizational and leadership skills
  • Exceptional on-scene problem solving with the ability to make tough, quality decisions in a fast-paced and stressful environment, always putting the Lakers organization’s goals first
  • Demonstrated ability to present the utmost professionalism and highest ethical code
  • Previous experience working with celebrities or professional sports players

Physical Demands: Ability to lift 25 lbs. and a significant amount of walking on game day

Location: El Segundo (offices M-F), downtown Los Angeles (Staples Center for Laker home games), travel for away games, and other occasional off-site events

Travel: Up to 50% of away games

Hours: Regular office hours (9am- 5:30pm M-F), plus overtime is mandatory when needed; must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays

 

How to apply: visit http://nbateamjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/apply.cfm?jobid=109019