Position Overview
The Director of Communications will play a leading role in developing and executing strategic communications and public relations initiatives that elevate the Charlotte Hornets and Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) brands, generate meaningful earned media coverage and support key business objectives across the organization.
Reporting to the Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs, the Director will serve as a senior member of the communications team and lead the day-to-day execution of corporate communications and earned media efforts. This individual will be responsible for identifying compelling stories across HSE, developing creative and innovative publicity strategies, proactively pitching media and finding new opportunities to expand the organization's visibility locally, regionally and nationally.
The Director will support business priorities across areas including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, community impact, marketing, retail, arena operations, food & beverage and other organizational initiatives. The position will work closely with senior leadership and teams across HSE to translate business priorities into compelling narratives and communications opportunities.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, highly creative and results-oriented communications professional with exceptional writing and editing skills, strong news judgment and demonstrated success generating earned media coverage. This individual should understand how to turn organizational initiatives into compelling stories, build productive relationships with journalists and develop PR ideas that break through a crowded sports and entertainment media environment.
Hornets Values
- We operate with the highest level of integrity, driven by moral standards that guide us in everything we do.
- We communicate with full candor; openly, honestly, and respectfully with clarity.
- We work in the spirit of one team, committed to one vision, shared values, and an inclusive culture that ensures every person feels valued and respected.
- We hold ourselves accountable, and responsible to raise high levels of expectations of ourselves and our team.
- We compete at the highest levels and strive to be the best at everything we do
- We act with resilience and thrive in the face of challenges bringing others along with us.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and execute strategic communications and public relations plans that support HSE's key business priorities and strengthen the visibility and reputation of the Charlotte Hornets and HSE brands.
- Lead day-to-day corporate communications and earned media efforts, identifying opportunities to generate consistent, positive and impactful coverage of the organization and its business initiatives.
- Proactively identify, develop and pitch compelling stories involving HSE's people, programs, partnerships, facilities, community efforts, fan experiences and business initiatives.
- Develop creative and innovative PR strategies, media moments and storytelling opportunities that help HSE break through the traditional sports news cycle and reach new audiences.
- Expand HSE's earned media presence beyond traditional sports coverage by developing relationships and story opportunities with business, entertainment, lifestyle, culture, community, technology, food & beverage, trade and other relevant media.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, regional and national reporters, editors, producers and other media contacts to increase awareness of HSE and generate meaningful earned media opportunities.
- Monitor organizational activities and work with internal departments to identify potential stories, milestones and publicity opportunities for consideration.
- Develop, write and edit press releases, media pitches, talking points, key messages, media advisories, briefing documents, FAQs, executive communications and other external communications materials.
- Identify and develop opportunities to increase the external visibility of HSE executives and organizational leaders through media interviews, speaking opportunities, industry events, awards and other thought leadership platforms.
- Prepare executives and organizational spokespeople for media interviews, announcements and public appearances by developing briefing materials, key messages and talking points and conducting media preparation as appropriate.
- Collaborate closely with Marketing, Digital & Social Media, Broadcast and other content teams to ensure communications initiatives are coordinated across channels and opportunities for amplification are maximized.
- Manage multiple communications initiatives simultaneously while maintaining high standards for accuracy, responsiveness, quality and attention to detail.
- Support communications strategies (messaging, publicity, etc.) for various departmental initiatives across the organization: partnerships, ticket sales, marketing, retail, food & beverage, etc. that completement sales, marketing and partnership objectives.
- Partner with Community Impact and Charlotte Hornets Foundation initiatives to develop storytelling opportunities and communications strategies/tactics (scripts, talking points, media coverage).
- Support the Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs on organizational communications priorities, executive communications, reputation management and other strategic initiatives as needed.
- Oversee media monitoring and reporting efforts, including coverage recaps and analysis of the reach, quality, sentiment and impact of earned media coverage.
- Demonstrate professionalism and uphold HSE brand standards in all interactions and deliverables.
Required Skills, Experience, and Abilities
To perform the job successfully, you should demonstrate the following competencies associated with the essential functions of this job.
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, or a similar field, ideally within sports, entertainment, or a related industry.
- Proven experience in developing and executing successful communication strategies across multiple business areas.
- Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences and platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain media relationships and secure coverage for major initiatives.
- Ability to manage high-profile events and initiatives with effective and cohesive communications.
- Experience managing communications in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, with a track record of meeting deadlines and achieving results.
- Strong team collaboration skills and the ability to lead cross-functional projects.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement communications plans that align with overall business goals.
- Strong understanding of fan engagement and brand-building strategies.
- Ability to work independently, handle multiple priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Passion for the NBA and the sports industry, with a deep understanding of sports culture and fan experiences.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and select holidays, as well as occasional travel for events, meetings and conferences.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
