Communications Director

Summary

Assist the VP of Communications in the development of a news bureau to build the League’s capacity to proactively tell stories and shape narratives: enhancing its existing media monitoring operation, broadening the League’s relationships with reporters and outlets, and regularly deploying internal and external surrogates in the press. Work closely with the VP of Communications to develop, execute and monitor strategic communications response plans on short and long-term pressing issues affecting the League, its clubs and players.

Responsibilities

• Assist the VP of Communications in the development of a news bureau to build the League’s capacity to proactively tell stories and shape narratives: enhancing its existing media monitoring operation, broadening the League’s relationships with reporters and outlets, and regularly deploying internal and external surrogates in the press.
• Work closely with the VP of Communications to develop, execute and monitor strategic communications response plans on short and long-term pressing issues affecting the League, its clubs and players.
• Handle inbound daily media requests and work closely with other subject matter-related spokespersons on the team to ensure a cohesive and unified approach with reporters and outlets.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with members of the media and influencers.
• Establish, grow and maintain relationships proactively with television networks – with bookers, producers, talent, and executives, among others.
• Broaden the League’s reach by developing relationships with emerging news outlets members, non-sports outlets and reporters, and national media.
• Proactively identify issues and reputational threats to the League, its operations and leadership, and its clubs, and develop strategies and plans to mitigate their impact.
• Coordinate with executives across the communications department and other departments to ensure consistency of messaging and strategy, and to elevate League success stories.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and a minimum of 8+ years of experience in communications experience drawing from multiple disciplines including journalism, media relations, government relations, advertising, and/or public opinion research. The ideal candidate is an adept storyteller with substantial experience in media relations and issue management.
• Excellent working knowledge of the PR field including experience working in public, high-pressure situations.
• Successfully demonstrated ability to lead, participate in, and support cross-departmental activities.
• A history of working with executives, proven success in executing high-profile communications initiatives, and creativity in using new tactics and tools to communicate internally and externally, including social media/digital savvy in the age of digital storytelling.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, terrific work ethic, excellent organizational skills and strong interpersonal skills.

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics

• Strategic Leader: The successful candidate will think and act strategically as a valued member of the communications department and other NFL units. They will proactively develop creative communications strategies that reflect and promote the NFL’s various initiatives. They are a strong strategic thinker with an understanding of how larger societal narratives and the public policy landscape impacts an organization’s communications abilities and needs.
• Trusted Advisor: They will serve as a credible resource to media affiliates and partners, NFL clubs, League executives, and other external outlets.
• They will have experience with high-profile brands and leaders, not only managing crises, but also executing positive and proactive narratives. Demonstrable experience working in fast-paced environments that require a high degree of adaptability to change and deadline pressures.
• An individual with intense and dedicated work habits. Someone who takes initiative, speaks their mind, and sets high standards in all they do.
• A person with the highest moral and ethical standards, someone who can be relied upon to always act in the best long-term interests of the League.

Travel

• Occasional travel to key events, such as the NFL Draft, Super Bowl and League meetings.

Terms / Expected Hours of Work

• NFL employees are required to work 40 hours per week
• Will require frequent work on nights, weekends and holidays
• FLSA exempt
• The NFL places a priority on having an in-person workplace, which enables us to more effectively collaborate, connect and build a workplace culture that will drive our continued success. We remain steadfast in our belief that working together as a team, in our physical office spaces, is critical to the successful execution of our season. For those reasons, we expect employees to work from an NFL office five days a week, except in limited circumstances permitted by NFL policy.
• We also continue to prioritize the health and safety of our NFL workforce. consistent with that commitment, considering the substantial and growing body of evidence that vaccinations remain the most effective protection against the spread the COVID-19, we require that members of our NFL workforce be fully vaccinated, inclusive of the COVID-19 Booster for those who are eligible under CDC guidelines.
• The NFL is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment that reflects our incredibly diverse fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.