Director of Brand Communications – Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are seeking a Director of Brand Communications to lead the development and implementation of brand and consumer communications strategies, messaging, campaigns, and initiatives that support the Bulls’ off court strategic priorities. This is a new role that comes with tremendous responsibility and significant opportunity to have an impact. The ways in which information is shared and consumed is constantly evolving, and there are growing opportunities for Communications to play a role in helping define the Bulls organization.

Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, this individual will be a key member of the Bulls’ Communications leadership team. This role will help drive the evolution of brand strategy by working with internal teams to amplify team initiatives through earned media strategies, story outreach, and analysis of media coverage & online conversations. The Director will also serve as a liaison with corporate and community partners to develop and execute communications and messaging for team partnerships, events, and initiatives. The Director of Brand Communications will work with the full Communications team and across the organization to identify, package and pitch compelling stories that raise awareness of the Bulls’ business, team innovations, and community engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of an annual brand communications strategy and play a key role in development of the comprehensive organizational communications strategy
• Oversee cross-functional processes across all levels of the organization to develop and implement creative, out-of-the-box storytelling opportunities
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with sports, business, technology, philanthropy, lifestyle media and influencers across various outlets and channels, ensuring the Bulls are positioned as an innovator outside of traditional sports coverage
• Support and lead in media outreach to secure earned media stories and track results
• Proactively work with internal teams to develop fresh story angles and media targets for team initiatives
• Seek opportunities to position the Bulls as an industry innovator and thought leader in key business, innovation, and community engagement areas
• Develop and manage a comprehensive brand communications calendar that reflect business objectives and metrics
• Work cross-functionally to prepare and implement communications strategies in response to crises
• Support executive leadership and other internal team spokespeople with messaging, media training and vetting speaking opportunities/requests
• Be a point person in collaborative efforts with the United Center and other teams on arena and citywide projects
• Support Brand Comms team efforts to write informative and compelling communications materials, including press releases, media advisories, talking points, fact sheets and social media and website copy
• Serve as a writer within the organization, assisting other departments with various communications materials, including briefing documents, key messages, and Q&A documents
• Lead in development and implementation of an awards strategy and process for the organization, identifying appropriate opportunities and leading efforts to develop and track submissions
• Support the Brand Communications team in efforts to discover and implement standard methodologies, industry data, new technologies and future trends for possible incorporation into Bulls media outreach efforts
• Manage the Brand Communications team, including one full time manager, seasonal associate, and contract photographers
• Implement system of evaluation and reporting to be shared with internal partners, including compiling media and competitor coverage, social listening reports, and analytics reporting of consumer and media response

Qualifications

• 10 years consumer brand development/communications/marketing experience, in-house and/or agency experience
• Degree in marketing, PR, communications, journalism, or related field of study
• Strong track record of establishing innovative communication and engagement programs that drive brand awareness and support organizational strategic priorities
• Expertise in multiple marketing and communications channels, including print, web communications, and digital & social media
• Proven experience working effectively with cross-functional and external partners, capable of navigating a dynamic and collaborative environment and prioritizing the most urgent and important business
• A supportive, motivated, experienced team leader that inspires others towards continuous learning and success
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
• Strategic thinker and natural storyteller – significant experience in concept-to-execution of new ideas and ability to think creatively
• Excellent teammate, with positive energy and proven ability to collaborate with internal departments and external partners
• Commitment to personal integrity and strong work ethic – flexible, stays calm under pressure and can roll up their sleeves to get the job done
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills, meticulous attention to detail, highly organized
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize projects while meeting tight deadlines
• Multi-cultural media experience and bi-lingual skills preferred
• Initiative and dedication to challenge self and continually strive for improvement

Note that this role requires flexible work hours and will include work outside of normal office hours during the business week and on weekends.

Must have received the completed COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination required. Legally recognized exemptions regarding vaccination status will be considered.

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.

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