Communications Director

Position:                               Communications Director Department:                         Communications Reporting Relationship:      Reports to Vice President of Communications Status:                                   Full-time (Exempt) position   Position Summary As part of the Carolina Panthers communications department, the communications director serves as the primary media contact for the president of football operations/GM and the head coach while working closely with the vice president to lead the day-to-day operations of the department.   Primary Responsibilities Primary media contact for the president of football operations/general manager and head coach. Primary contact for television broadcast networks and facilitation of network production meetings with coaches and players. Counsel and interview preparation for head coach, coordinators, assistant coaches and players. Primary contributor for fulfillment of external media and internal departmental requests for players, coaches and staff. Primary contact for communications efforts related to community relations. Administer NFL’s Media Access Policy and work closely with team medical staff to coordinate weekly injury report. Primary contact for communications efforts with internal digital media team. Primary contributor for departmental budget to ensure it is updated and accurate, submitting departmental expenses and ordering needed supplies and equipment. Primary contributor to media operations to ensure that the organization is prepared to accommodate media. These areas include but are not limited to press box operations, photography/videography areas, live shot locations, press conferences, technical support. Primary contributor to planning for large scale media events (press conferences, national broadcast games, etc.) working closely with stadium operations, marketing and other departments. Provide oversight and key contributor to team’s annual media guide. Serve as editor of Gametime, the digital game day fan publication. Primary contributor to annual NFL Films highlight film. Primary contributor to intern selection process. Works closely with the vice president in development and coordination of strategy, messaging and issue management. Works closely with vice president to supervise, manage and mentor full-time staff members and interns. Provide communications support for all Panthers games – home and away. Establish and maintain a good relationship with local, regional and national media outlets. Independently develop and pitch new ideas to increase media coverage. Assist with creation and distribution of game notes packets and statistics to media using the NFLOMG software. Assist with statistical research projects. Oversee transcription services of various press conferences and interviews as needed. Assist with additional responsibilities as needed related to the Carolina Panthers and Tepper Sports and Entertainment. Assist with league office requests as needed.   Qualifications and Education Requirements Four-year degree in communications, public relations, marketing, sports management or related field Minimum of seven (7) years experience preferred in sports public relations/communications or related field with director level background. Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to establish effective working relationships with a variety of media contacts Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and media monitoring platforms such as Cision, Meltwater, etc. strongly preferred. Must be willing to travel and be available to work during evenings, weekends, and holidays when required   Skills for Success Accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment with ability to multi-task and collaborate Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Must exhibit professionalism when interacting with staff, members of the media, and players/coaches Must exhibit professionalism as it relates to budget management and meeting deadlines. Must adapt, with minimal advance notice, to changes in how business is conducted and work is accomplished. Must be able to handle confidential, privileged, and/or sensitive information with care and sensitivity. Must possess excellent organizational skills. Act as a role model within and outside the Carolina Panthers Organization. Excellent oral and written communications skills   Physical Requirements Sitting at a desk and computer for long periods of time. Walking throughout the facility, sometimes for an extended period.   Work Environment This job operates in all areas of the facility both inside and outside.  At times it may include inclement weather working conditions.