Position Summary: The Communications Manager is responsible for managing all Lakers strategic communications and media relations beyond day-to-day game operations, working to elevate the Lakers team and business on and off the court. This role leads the development and implementation of communications plans across sports, news and lifestyle media to support seasonal initiatives, basketball narratives, marketing programs, corporate partnerships and community programs. Additionally, this role supports game day activity, working hand-in-hand with the full communications team to deliver seamless and effective game day media activities.
Develop and implement strategic communications plans to support organization tentpoles and basketball milestone moments across the season and off season, including Start of Season, uniform launches, Christmas Day, key match ups, NBA All-Star, Playoffs and more
Develop and implement strategic communications plans to support MLK Day, Kobe day, Girl Dad Night, Get out the Vote and other cultural moments and theme nights
Develop and implement strategic communications plans to support corporate partnership announcements, partner activities, community programs and community events including key programs like In the Paint, Junior Lakers, Camp Lakers, Season of Giving, Hoops for Troops and more
Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to identify and develop content plans to maximize reach across platforms, extending regular marketing content to editorial platforms
Narrative Building and Media Material Development
Identify and develop key storylines across the season
Integrate Lakers brand messaging into seasonal narratives and basketball storylines
Write and edit clear and concise engaging press releases, media advisories, captions and backgrounders
Brief creative and manage development of visual materials to assist in media storytelling
Media Relations
Lead day-to-day media relations to support Lakers programming beyond game day wins and losses
Assist in player interview requests, guiding narratives into regular pre-game and post-game coverage
Build and maintain relationships with local and national sports, news and lifestyle media to support the Lakers storylines on and off the court
Pitch sports features, news announcements and community events for local and national coverage
Additional Responsibilities
Attend events to support initiatives, providing on-site support for player and staff media engagement
Manage and brief media onsite at events to drive editorial coverage, coordinating interviews, creating visuals and overseeing photo ops
Help plan and integrate organization initiatives for Lakers’ preseason Marketing Day and Media Day
Support the full Lakers communications team on home game-night responsibilities
Support executive appearances and speaking engagements
Miscellaneous other tasks and special projects may be assigned as needed
Responsibilities subject to change based on organizational needs and direction from management.
Previous experience: A minimum of four years of experience working in media relations, communications or a related field; work experience with basketball and the NBA season is highly beneficial
Technology Capabilities
Adobe Creative Suite
InDesign and the ability to create and publish interactive online documents
Microsoft Office (including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Strong knowledge of basketball and the NBA landscape and what shapes news across the NBA season
Critical understanding of media relations, follower of pop culture and knowledgeable in what drives news coverage and how to engage journalists
Proven experience with integrated communications programs, aligning with marketing for maximum impact
Proven experience pitching and securing editorial stories with news, business and lifestyle media
Strong relationships with local, regional and national media
Ability to create thoughtful stories for both short-term news and long-term narratives
Experience creating visuals, photos, infographics and more for editorial
Excellent writing skills with a detail eye for grammar, spelling, and AP style
Ability to solve problems creatively and independently
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to successfully collaborate across departments and with partners
Solid client relationship skills, including experience navigating multi-stakeholder programs
Demonstrated ability to present the utmost professionalism and highest ethical code
Knowledge of the Los Angeles Lakers team, current roster and history
Knowledge of the LA market
Location: El Segundo (UCLA Health Training Center) and downtown Los Angeles (Crypto.Com Arena for Lakers home games)
The pay range for this role is $70,000 to $80,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience and certifications
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
By continuing with an application, you agree to the Lakers Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Spectator Sports
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