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 with an emphasis or driving business, partnership and community programs.
Our Brand Communications team strives to positively position the Bulls’ off-the-court initiatives across a diverse range of traditional and new media channels, and this person will have the chance to 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 Communications department, you will support the team’s brand and corporate communications function with emphasis on our business, brand and community efforts. 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 lead the development of submissions for lists, awards and executive speaking opportunities.
Materials Development: Work independently to write informative and compelling communications plans and materials, including press releases, executive briefs, media advisories, talking points, fact sheets, social media and website copy, and reports.
Media Relations: Develop and maintain positive relationships with sports, business, technology, philanthropy and lifestyle reporters at regional and national outlets. Actively pitch media; delivering on or exceeding pitch goals.
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.
Act as Subject Matter Expert: This role will act as a communications and media authority. You’ll provide strategic counsel and create plans to get results and reach our goals.
Support Internal Communications: Partner with HR and senior communications leadership to draft, deliver and consult on internal communications strategies and materials.
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.
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 at 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: Find and implement methodologies, 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 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.
