Associate Director, Communications

Associate Director, CommunicationsThe Communications Associate Director plays a key role in planning, developing and executing strategic communications initiatives that advance the Los Angeles Lakers brand and organizational priorities. This position serves as a primary liaison to local, national and international media, helps shape the team's public narrative through proactive storytelling and executive communications and leads media operations for basketball and organization events. The Communications Associate Director works collaboratively across all internal departments to advance basketball and business objectives. The role leads day-to-day media relations, organizes player and executive media opportunities, oversees gameday media operations and ensures external communications are accurate, consistent and aligned with the Lakers brand.Essential Functions (Duties & Responsibilities):Lead the planning, coordination and execution of media availabilities, press conferences and special media events for team executives, players and organizational announcements.Build and cultivate strong relationships with media and broadcast partners, proactively pitching compelling stories and securing quality coverage that supports the organization's objectives.Write and edit high-quality press releases, media guides and media materials following AP style, covering a variety of business and team needs, delivering flawless information under tight deadlinesPartner with marketing, social media, content, creative, broadcast, partnerships and community relations teams to develop integrated communications strategies that advance organizational priorities and amplify key team narratives.Develop executive communications, including talking points and messaging, that reinforce the organization's priorities, values and strategic objectives.Oversee media monitoring and reporting for major team news and organizational initiatives, providing executive leadership with timely analysis and insights on media coverage and public sentiment.Brainstorm, develop and pitch team personnel feature opportunities to local, national and international media outlets, while collaborating on the planning and execution of feature segments for Spectrum SportsNet's Backstage Lakers.Manage pregame and postgame locker room and podium media access, ensuring seamless operations and adherence to NBA media regulations.Lead and manage day-to-day player interviews for local, national and international media, working with the broader communications team to assign engagements, determine staffing and follow through for premium experiences for both media and players.Travel to select road games to lead media operations, coordinating player and coach availability for media obligations and facilitating broadcast requests for local and national partners.Assist in the hiring, onboarding, training and development of communications staff and seasonal interns.Oversee of basketball communications for the Coachella Valley Lakers, fostering consistent messaging and strong collaboration between the NBA and G League organizations.Miscellaneous other tasks and projects, as needed and assigned.Education (Required/Preferred): Bachelor's degree (required)Previous experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in sports media relations, communications or a related fieldTechnology Capabilities:Adobe Creative SuiteInDesign and the ability to create and publish printed books, digital publications and interactive online documentsMicrosoft Office (including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint & Windows)Knowledge, skills, abilities:Expert understanding of integrated communications, media relations, broadcast communications and marketing strategies. Strong understanding of integrated communications, media relations and marketing strategies.Proven ability to leverage media relations and earned media opportunities to drive organizational and business objectives.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with meticulous attention to grammar, spelling and AP style.Experience partnering with marketing, operations and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment, collaboration and effective communication.Ability to develop compelling storylines and messaging for both immediate media opportunities and long-term storytelling initiatives.Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage colleagues, NBA stakeholders, media and external partners.Exceptional critical thinking, troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.Proven ability to make sound decisions and exercise good judgment in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.Excellent organizational, project management and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.Demonstrated professionalism, integrity and sound judgment while handling confidential and sensitive information.Strong knowledge of the professional sports landscape, including league operations, seasonal cycles and major industry events.Comprehensive knowledge of basketball and a strong understanding of the Los Angeles Lakers organization, history and brand.Physical Demands: Ability to lift 25 lbs. and a significant amount of walking on game dayLocation: El Segundo (offices and training facility), downtown Los Angeles (Crypto.com Arena for Laker home games), away games and other occasional off-site eventsTravel: To up to 70% of away gamesThe pay range for this role is $130,000 - $140,000 annually. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience and certifications. In addition to those factors, we consider the relative pay of our current employees in similar positions when making a final offer.We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.