The SVP of Public Relations & Communications for the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club - both franchises of Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) - is a strategic interface between the company, its employees, and key external stakeholders, specifically local and national media, as it relates directly to the sports and business operations of the teams. This individual will work closely with the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) of SEG to proactively infuse strategic communications thinking and planning into all activities related to the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club and ensure that both franchises have a strong and relevant share of voice in all conversations. The SVP of PR & Communications will hold the ultimate responsibility for fostering, overseeing, and ensuring the implementation of successful internal and external communications campaigns that promote and protect the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club and ensure key audiences clearly understand their positioning and prominence as an exemplary employer, leading professional sports franchises, and innovative businesses in the sports world – inspiring greater engagement with the company in every forum. This person will also serve as a visible, public-facing spokesperson for business aspects of the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club and assist senior leadership as they represent the NHL and NBA in the community.

We are looking for a forward-thinking, forward-leaning, and always forward-looking leader who can help both franchises lead industry trends, pioneer innovative and groundbreaking ideas, and better serve all facets of SEG, the Utah community, and the sports industry. Working in close partnership with Marketing, this role will steward the brand and company culture by ensuring a unified and consistent voice across all media and non-media channels to increase interest and engagement in the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club and ensure trust and positive perception of both brands - internally, locally, and nationally. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment and have strong interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills. This individual must have an innate ability to build and enhance relationships with senior leadership, players, broadcast talent, business leaders, and community partners, to proactively develop and distribute key messages that advance the mission of the organization.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide a progressive, proactive approach to the public relations and communications strategies for the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club, with a strong ability to shape narratives that enhance the image of both franchises to all critical audiences, internal and external
In collaboration with the Chief Communications Officer, develop and implement inspiring internal and external communications strategies, policies, and supporting programs for the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club that proactively elevate and differentiate both franchises among key audiences
Provide strategic leadership and support to the public relations and communications teams, on the business and sports sides, for the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club; manage and develop staff, and provide ongoing support, mentorship, and performance feedback
Serve as an external facing leader for the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club, effectively stewarding the brand message across the community, the sports industry, and the national media landscape
Support SEG corporate PR needs, as needed, in collaboration with the Chief Communications Officer and ownership
Regularly engage with other department heads and executives to recommend PR strategies that can enhance their success, in addition to supporting ongoing communications needs
Continually elevate the corporate communications function to ensure a high level of transparency about the company’s objectives and priorities
With oversight from and in collaboration with the Chief Communications Officer, coordinate crisis management efforts with the company’s general counsel, senior management, and ownership, as required; interact with the media and relevant community members in a timely and effective manner. Maintain an updated crisis management plan and related procedures
Provide counsel, coaching, and media training to spokespeople for the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club
Develop and foster strategic relationships with members of the local and national media; proactively conduct strategic outreach that supports the goals of the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club and tells compelling stories about business and corporate aspects of both franchises to generate impactful earned media coverage and capitalize on every media opportunity
Collaborate with the marketing department and all internal content teams to drive message development for large-scale marketing initiatives, campaigns, announcements, and other releases through all company outlets; ensure the brands of both franchises are always positioned in a favorable light and help preempt any potential blindspots
Attend promotional activities related to the business side of the Jazz and Utah Hockey Club, as needed, such as corporate events and community gatherings to support junior team members and serve as a spokesperson for related media queries, filmings, and interview requests
Report on departmental activities on a regular basis, including presentations to senior leadership and ownership, as needed
Interface with the NBA and NHL Communications and PR teams, whenever requested or required
Protect the reputation of the company
Exemplify the SEG mission and values: transparency, all in, community obsessed, one team, and scrappy
Accept other duties related to SEG, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
Minimum of 15 years of experience in communications or public relations; at least seven in a senior management role
Proven ability to create a strategic vision for the SEG Public Relations & Communications Department that is progressive and proactive to ensure the organization and ownership are presented in a positive light
High degree of personal and professional savvy and ability to effectively partner with, build relationships with, and influence internal and external audiences at all levels, from senior management and media to athletes, employees, and members of the community
Demonstrated leadership in creating and implementing strategic, relevant, and compelling communications and public relations plans that reach a wide range of local and national audiences, with a deep understanding of the importance of connected storytelling efforts
Proven experience creating and managing crisis communications situations and developing pre-determined plans and strategies
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and build a culture of proactivity, accountability, empowerment, and strategic thinking
Self-starter, proactive, conceptual, strategic, and creative thinker, stimulated by challenges and open-minded with a strong desire to learn
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with the utmost discretion and diplomacy
Ability to work well under pressure and effectively handle multiple, concurrent demands and appropriately prioritize responsibilities
Must have advanced knowledge in using digital media platforms to communicate PR messages Must work exceptionally well in a team environment
Ability to work a flexible, event-based schedule that may include nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours
Position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah; remote work (full or part time) is not permitted
Ability to travel

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This person must be able to communicate and express themselves both written and verbally.
This person must be able to observe, inspect, estimate, and assess.
This person must be able to sit, stand, bend, walk, and climb stairs for long periods of time.
This person must be able to lift 20 lbs.

SEG provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [email protected] to request accommodation.

Note: The need may arise to revise, supplement, or rescind portions of this job description, and SEG reserves the right to do so at any time. Employees shall be required to meet the qualifications and perform the duties of any revised job description.

SVP, Public Relations & Communications, Utah Jazz & Utah NHL