Director, Communications

Seattle, WA, United States

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Position: Director, Communications Department: Seattle Kraken Communications Team Reporting To: SVP, Broadcast and Communications

Our Purpose: We are building a championship organization that serves our fans, community and business partners through world class sports and entertainment. We believe that Winning Matters, our Fans come first, with risk comes reward, great teams can achieve unimaginable results, honoring the Pacific Northwest is our duty and driving the business is our responsibility.

Since the team was awarded in 2018 through to our first puck drop in 2021, the Kraken brand has become one of the most recognized and beloved in the NHL. Playing at Climate Pledge Arena, the most sustainable arena in the world, we want to provide a memorable experience every night and make fans for life. Our joint foundation, One Roof Foundation aims to advance equity and sustainability by increasing opportunities to thrive for our most vulnerable young people and communities.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Hiring: The Seattle Kraken aspire to write a new playbook in sports and entertainment that includes everyone. In alignment with this vision, if you don't meet every job requirement listed-or if you haven't played ice hockey before or are still learning about the sport-we still encourage you to apply. We understand you may bring other relevant experiences and expertise to help us become the highest performance organization we can be. One of our core values is 'Make Us Better' and we recognize diversity, equity and inclusion as a critical business strategy.

If you'd like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please let us know by emailing: [email protected].

Position Summary: The Seattle Kraken are seeking a Director of Communications. This role will be the central figure liaising with the media on all hockey related matters and be a key connection point between hockey operations and external media and internal departments. The successful candidate will bring engaging and creative ways to tell our stories while building key and trusted relationships with players, coaches and the Executive Team.

If you have significant experience in communications with a Major League sports franchise, an excellent knowledge and passion for hockey, and a drive to help the Kraken become a global brand, this is the role for you. Direct experience within an NHL team environment would be an asset. Knowledge of the Seattle market and media landscape would also be an asset.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Provide strategy and execute hockey related storytelling and ways to engage and build the interest in hockey in this market

Develop, build, and maintain strong relationships with media and broadcast contacts

Serve as the intermediary between departments and facilitate content and interview requests

Manage media schedules and appearances for players, coaches and the Hockey Operations leadership, including messaging and interview prep and support

Oversee media management, including media releases, credentials, media and staff dining, and press box organization

Work closely with the National Hockey League office and Communications leadership

Direct crisis responses as appropriate, in partnership with the SVP of Broadcast & Communications

Provide onsite organization of media operations at large scale events and announcements

Willing to travel on road trips and to other events as required

Other duties as assigned

Required Experience & Qualifications: 10+ years of professional experience in communications

5+ years of experience with a sports team. NHL experience and/or Seattle knowledge an asset.

Bachelor's degree or above required in writing, journalism, marketing, communications or a related field or equivalent combination of work experience and education

Passion and knowledge of hockey

Team player, with proven track record of building trusted relationships with journalists and players/coaches/team staff

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an expert ability to present and communicate new ideas and concepts

Extremely organized and detail oriented, resourceful, quick learner and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously

A high degree of personal integrity and consistently put the interests of the organization first

Must be a fierce communicator and cross-organizational collaborator

Total Rewards Package: Compensation: In accordance with Washington's Equal Pay and Opportunity Act, the starting salary range for this role is $100,000 - $120,000. The full salary band for this level is $100,000 - $130,000. Actual base pay will depend on employee's experience and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Bonus eligibility

Monthly cell phone stipend

Benefits & Perks: Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, including premiums for eligible dependents enrolled in the plans.

Company-paid life insurance and short- & long-term disability insurance

Company-paid employee assistance program and Headspace subscription

Flexible spending accounts and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance available

Company-paid Orca card

401k (pre-tax and Roth) with Company match up to 4%

10 vacation days, 3 personal holidays, and accrued sick

Minimum 10 paid holidays per year

Paid parental leave

Kraken ticket stipend and employee only pre-sale opportunities to non-Kraken events

Discounts at the Kraken Team Stores, Kraken Community Iceplex, 32 Bar & Grill, and other partners.

Company-wide recognition platform

Corporate office located at the Kraken Community Iceplex in Northgate; within walking distance of the Northgate Light Rail Station and Northgate Transit Center; free parking.

Working Conditions: Based on-site in our Seattle office and requires work to be performed in

Significant travel (up to 50-75%): will be required to travel with the team on road trips; will require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights

You are on the team's schedule so you must be able to work a flexible schedule inclusive of weekends, nights and holidays required

Frequent bending, lifting 15-20 pounds, sitting, exposure to multiple external elements, extensive walking through the building

Seattle Hockey Partners, LLC and Seattle Arena Company, LLC are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We do not discriminate on basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

Experience

Preferred 5

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