As a recent college grad who moved back in with the parents after graduating in December, I can finally start looking for a place of my own now that I have a full-time position. The thing is that it is playoff time, which means I’m working even more and don’t have much time to research places much less actually check them out in person since I’m hoping to live in a completely different part of town than where I currently reside.

Anyways, I just wanted to explain that with the playoffs, my upcoming graduation commencement (President Obama is speaking at mine!), trying to find an apartment, and a variety of other post-grad things to get done, I’m afraid posting will be light around here for the next little bit. I’ll try to update with job openings when I find the time, but I’m afraid the more meaty posts will disappear until I can settle into a new place and the playoffs are over.

Thanks for continuing to visit SPRB and hopefully you won’t forget about us during this brief down period as I plan to go back into full swing this summer!

If the top candidate is a student, they will receive credit for their efforts. If the top candidate has already graduated, they will make minimum wage during the internship. Interested? Apply “by mailing a hard copy resume, cover letter, and 3 references to Kendyl Moss, Director of Community Relations; Atlanta Falcons, 4400 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, GA 30542.” All applications must be received via the mail by May 15, 2010. Good luck!

The Atlanta Falcons have a seasonal internship opening with first-priority to current students seeking course credit and second priority to those who have already completed their degrees that have an interest in the community relations function of a professional sports team. The Community Relations Internship provides support to the Community Relations Department, through assisted coordination of designated community, player and youth football.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include:

a. Assist with the coordination of weekly community events and visits
b. Assist with community activation/initiatives on game-day
c. Assist with management of player outreach requests
d. Coordinate and assist with execution of youth football events and camps
e. Respond to general community relations inquires
d. Support the Director of the department on additional special projects
Education and Experience Requirements

a. Currently pursuing or completion of a Bachelor’s degree
b. Prior internships or volunteer experience with non-profit organizations or community programs
c. Prior experience in events and or community initiatives
Additional Information

This internship is located at the Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, GA, as well as Atlanta Falcons home games at the Georgia Dome during the 2010 season. Students must be able to contribute at least 40 hours (5 days) per week plus Falcons game days. The length of this internship will correspond with the university calendar or August – December 2010. Please note that the seasonal internship “for-credit” is unpaid. If a candidate is not selected “for-credit”, the seasonal internship will be paid a minimum wage ($7.25). Housing will not be provided by the Atlanta Falcons.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

a. Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
b. General office/administrative experience a plus.
c. Must be able to handle pressure and take initiative.
d. Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
e. Strong organizational and computer skills required.
f. Candidate should be flexible and a team player.
g. Must be personable, professional, and always pleasant on the phone and to the public.
h. Detail oriented.
i. High Ethical standards

Travel Requirements: Greater Atlanta Area

Application Process:
Apply for this internship by mailing a hard copy resume, cover letter, and 3 references to Kendyl Moss, Director of Community Relations; Atlanta Falcons, 4400 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. All applications must come in hard copy by the deadline of May 15, 2010 to be considered. Only current students with a graduation date of December 2010 or earlier or will be considered.

The Seattle Storm is currently seeking an individual for the position of Director of Communications. This position is responsible for overseeing all media relations and communications functions, including online media.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

oManage staff and direct all areas of the media and public relations, communications and online/digital media.
oServe as a company spokesperson as needed.
oDevelop, manage and implement integrated communications strategies to effectively communicate the brand and product messages to key sports and media influencers, current and prospective fans and partners, drive brand awareness and maximize exposure for all marketing and sales initiatives.
oManage trade, business and consumer media queries.
oAlign Storm communications strategies with WNBA.
oLeverage and manage relevant media contacts.
oDevelop and strategically execute full range of press materials including press releases/announcements/press kits, on-line forums, VNR’s, media tours, press appointments, by-lined articles, Q&A’s, talking points/speeches, and statements.
oManage the preparation and release of information/announcement in accordance with established policies and procedures.
oTrack, secure (archive) and communicate results and media value related to media coverage.
oWork with broadcast, sponsorship and other key Storm partners to develop fully integrated communications plans to build exposure.
oManage Storm’s website.
oCreate strategy and manage all e-marketing, web and social media communications.
oCreate and execute exciting and innovative social media marketing programs through blogs, websites and forums, social networks including stormbasketball.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other tools.
oDevelop and implement measurement tools to track effectiveness and ROI related to various communications initiatives.
oPrepare and manage department’s operating budgets and business plans.
oHire and manage full-time staff, part-time staff and seasonal interns.
oServe on the leadership team responsible for long-range planning and delivering sustained revenue growth.
oSupport CEO and other department heads on key business initiatives as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements:

The ideal candidate should have 10+ years experience in communications, public relations, media relations and/or publicity for a major consumer, lifestyle, entertainment and/or sports company, agency or firm. 3+ years social media, interactive and web development experience required (sports marketing experience preferred).
•Proven ability to create and execute strategic media/public relations strategy and programs
•Recognized and established reputation with influential media and industry contacts
•Demonstrated influencer contact list and networking skills
•Experience in managing and implementing communications methodologies
•Proven experience and working knowledge of social media and word-of-mouth marketing
•Expert knowledge of the social media industry including channels such as YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
•Proficient knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and social media effects
•Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to successfully present ideas, plans and recommendations
•Excellent presentation, communication and teamwork skills
•Proven ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize simultaneously
•Strong leadership and highly developed interpersonal skills to participate in a cross functional team
•Energetic and infectious leadership in a creative environment
•Bachelors degree or equivalent experience

This is an exempt position reporting to the President & CEO. Full Seattle Storm employee benefits package.

Position: Coordinator, Website Operations/Creative Services
Consultant Position (minimum of four weeks with opportunity to become permanent)
Reports to: Marketing Department

Description:
The New Jersey Devils are currently looking for an imaginative and versatile individual to join our creative services team. This temporary position will be filled for a minimum of four weeks as the team heads through the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This position will have the prospect to become permanent.

This entry-level employee will be responsible for updating web content for newjerseydevils.com, associated Devils sites, and social media services (Twitter, Facebook, etc…) and will also be responsible for assisting and implementing design for brochures, flyers and other print materials. Other tasks will include research and image gathering, participation in marketing brainstorming and strategy meetings, document and design preparation, and general support of the lead designer.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or Communications
3-4 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Excellent design sense
Well organized and able to manage time effectively
Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver necessary.
Knowledge of Flash and HTML a plus

Training Camp Assistants work within the Public Relations department for the duration of Training Camp in Tampa from late July through late August.

Assistants will act as a liaison between local, national and international media and members of the organization. Responsibilities include conducting daily content analysis of the organization among local and national media sources, coordinating post-practice interviews, transcription of press conferences and player availability, researching statistical information, assisting with media guide and yearbook production and serves as liaison to NFL Network. Writing experience recommended.

Assistants are paid a bi-weekly stipend and receive room & board.
All candidates must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license.

Due to the amount of resumes recieved, only applications recieved through teamworkonline will be considered for the position. No phone calls please.

Note: When you apply for this job online, you will be required to answer the following questions:

1. Yes/No: Are you at least 18 years of age or older?
2. Yes/No: Do you have a valid driver’s license?

The Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment are looking for a Community Relations Assistant. This position will support community relations efforts for Palace Sports and Entertainment properties counting The Detroit Pistons (NBA), DTE Energy Music Theatre, and Meadow Brook Music Festival on the campus of Oakland University.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

· Assist with all primary programming and events, including planning and execution · Assist with fulfilling player ticket section requirements

· Assist with on-court presentations

· Point-person for in-kind donation program, including maintaining database of all items, drafting responses, communicating with community ambassadors, and fulfilling requests

· Oversee distribution of charitable ticket donations, sponsor & family show tickets

· Develop and maintain partnerships with non-profit and local organizations

· Manage and track all donations to Pistons-Palace Foundation, including auctions, jumbotron, sponsorship and miscellaneous (in conjunction with accounting)

· Assist within all aspects of in-arena auction program, including on-line auction fundraiser

· Responsible for creation of CR Annual Report and assistance with in-arena CR branding

· Assist with communications efforts, including securing media publicity

· Contribute to community relations in support of ticket sales efforts
· Support CR Staff with training and supervising of interns, streamlining responsibilities appropriately including research assignments, website copy, incoming foundation calls, special projects, and miscellaneous

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Prior Community Relations / Public Relations experience with a professional sport team and a college degree is preferred.

2. Candidates must be able to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

3. Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs.

4. Must be able to work with confidential and sensitive information.

5. Candidates must be able to receive direction and requests from multiple sources and effectively prioritize their work.
6. Candidates must be able to effectively motivate and work with others inside or outside their department

Note: When you apply for this job online, you will be required to answer the following questions:

1. Do you have any Community Relations or non-profit experience in the sports and entertainment field? If so, please give examples of experience.
2. How many years of Community Relations or non-profit experience do you have?
3. Do you have any experience in the Public Relations field in the sports and entertainment industry? If so, please give examples of your experience.
4. How many years of Public Relations experience do you have?

Sport Business

• The New York TImes Magazine took an in-depth look at the Tiger (Woods) Bubble and the fallout from his infidelities on the sport and sponsors.

“When I look at the Tiger effect on what we do, I don’t see much,” says Mark King, the chief executive of TaylorMade, a maker of golf equipment. “There’s never been an athlete in any sport who’s had a bigger impact on the conversation of a game, but if you really look at the numbers, for most of us in the golf industry there hasn’t been any real impact.”

• Gail Sideman, writing for The Sports Networker, asks if the new Tiger Woods’ ad for Nike is bad PR move. MediaBistro also discusses this same question.
• Darren Rovell of SportsBiz comments on how the ad has touched a nerve, but has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on YouTube and other forms of media.
• Sports PR 101 takes a look at the PR damage that could occur if the NCAA does not act now to prepare for the likely transition to a 96-team pool for the men’s basketball tournament.
• Speaking of March Madness, The Sports Networker remarks on the PR opportunities that are available to teams during the tournament.

Public Relations

• A blogger at Copywrite, Ink. taught a nine-week long course entitled “Writing for Public Relations” at the University of Nevada, providing the presentation decks for each lesson. The decks included editing, spreading messages, the importance of planning, and simplifying messages among others. My favorite was the importance of planning presentation as it looked at Toyota’s mission, vision, and values and how the recall and Toyota’s actions have not been consistent with those values.
• Teaching PR reminds readers that online reputation is not a 9 to 5 job.
• Brian Solis (formerly PR 2.0) talks to Daniel Schwabel about the differences between personal and professional branding in social media.
• PR Start describes the pet peeves and tips provided to MSU students in a medial relations panel held by their PRSSA chapter.
• Copywrite, Ink. lists 10 motivations of modern bloggers to help PR pros better understand bloggers.
• Communication Overtones discusses cause marketing that leads to real social change.

Writing and Blogging

• Blogussion has a fantastic resource that links to over 100 blog posts that help you become a better blogger in a variety ways.
• Blogging Tips asks if your website/blog is mobile friendly. If not, the blog post argues that it should be and explains why.
• Daily Blog Tips shows you how to back up your blog if you use Wordpress.
• Blogussion had its Design Versus Week series last week, hitting a variety of design topics for one’s blog. You can check out all of the posts from that series by visiting this page at Blogussion. My favorite post in the series was “Rebranding vs. Refreshing Your Blog Design.”
• Feeling uninspired or struggling to find something to blog about? Copyblogger provides 10 tricks to get you inspired to write.
• Chris Scott wrote in a guest post for Blogussion about how to best copy edit for your blog and where to go for help.

Misc.

• OnlineSoundAdvice.com has a four-post series that shows you how to edit audio: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.
• Robert at PickTheBrain reminds us that libraries are an incredibly cheap way to learn and The Simple Dollar echoes that sentiment.
• The New York Times provides 10 simple Google search tips.

The Portland Timbers were awarded a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in March 2009. As the league’s 18th team, the Timbers will begin MLS play in 2011 in a renovated, approximately 20,000 seat stadium in downtown Portland.

The Portland Timbers are currently part of the United Soccer League and will continue play in their existing form through the 2010 season. The Timbers have established a significant soccer tradition in the Rose City, which dates to the early 1970s when the Timbers competed in the NASL soccer league.

We are seeking bright, goal oriented, driven, organized, talented individuals to join our staff of seasoned industry professionals. We are offering a dynamic, challenging, fun learning environment, an opportunity to work with a Major League sports organization and a beautiful community to call home.

Duties:
As the Digital Media Director/Editor in Chief you will manage the day-to-day elements of the team’s digital media programs and services, including but not limited to the team and park websites, social media platforms, online editorial content and select web-based marketing campaigns. You will report directly to the Vice President of Business Operations & Marketing. This position will be required to be present at all Portland Timbers matches and PGE Park events, as well as work evenings, weekends and non-traditional time schedules.

Primary job functions are as follows:
• Manage and oversee the day-to-day functionality of the team websites
• Develop and execute the team’s annual digital and social media marketing plans/strategy, including a web posting and content management schedule
• Work with the PR/Communications staff to draft, upload and define daily editorial programming (both sports and non-sports related content) for team websites, including editing, quality assurance and proofreading responsibilities
• Help train select staff members on website CMS tool(s)
• Oversee part-time production staff to help manage and upload digital content
• Hire and manage a part-time staff of freelance writers
• Work with the Broadcast department to upload and re-fresh video content
• Manage relationship with web provider
• Work with MLS to ensure team is in adherence with all league mandated digital media protocols
• Help build out blog and fan interaction (audio/video elements) features on team websites
• Help mediate and police fan generated content on team websites
• Assist in the posting of site content, including written, audio and video components
• Serve as the clearing house for all internal digital media questions and directives
• Develop relationships with local and national Timbers/soccer bloggers and social media influencers
• Be comfortable writing time sensitive formal press statements and informal blog postings
• Ensure all digital media platforms retain correct branding and follow our logo/team identity usage guidelines
• Work to develop programs to enhance website traffic and user activity; oversee site traffic/usage metrics and monitor reporting analytics

Skills Required:
• Strong interpersonal skills a must
• Superior organizational habits and ability to manage multiple projects
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work within a team environment
• Considerable knowledge of soccer , the Portland Timbers and MLS
• Significant digital media acumen and knowledge about online trends and new web programs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills – 5+ years experience editing and writing in a formal capacity
• Understanding of CMS tools and website programming code/materials
• Proficiency in latest social/new media platforms, including Facebook, Myspace, YouTube and Twitter
• Proficiency in MS office application, Mac/PC software, Photoshop or Illustrator, Flash and website/HTML administration
• Video editing skills a plus – familiarity with video editing software preferred
• Understanding of web analytics and traffic patterns
• Fluency in Spanish preferred but not required

Experience and Education:
• Bachelors or four year college degree
• Concentration in journalism and digital media content
• Four to six years experience managing websites – both writing, updating and creating content

Start Date: May 3, 2010

Compensation: Competitive package with salary, bonus opportunities and benefits

Purpose:

Provide support to the Vice President, Communications and assist media in covering the Arizona Diamondbacks

Primary (Essential) Duties:

1. Serve as an Assistant to Vice President, Communications and organize daily Outlook calendar and contacts
2. Complete daily tasks assigned by Vice President, Communications
3. Manage Spring Training and regular season daily media credential process from creation to distribution
4. Manage work schedule for departmental interns
5. Ability to keep an updated media contact list for Communications department
6. Organize all ticket and autograph requests submitted to Communications department
7. Assist Vice President, Communications with logistics regarding special events for the organization
8. Ability to be assigned special projects by Vice President, Communications
9. Assist Vice President, Communications in submitting invoices to Accounting

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Ability to handle multiple tasks or projects
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Excellent interpersonal skills – able to communicate effectively with all levels within and outside organization
• Exceptional customer service skills and a professional demeanor

Experience/Education Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Communications or Journalism
• Minimum of 2 years comparable experience with a sports organization or Communications department
• Experience interacting with all levels of management
• Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and holidays

Vice President Publicity will develop and execute broad-based proactive publicity programs that elevate the visibility of the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty, while supporting priority areas of the business, including ticket sales efforts, brand positioning, partnership programs, community initiatives and athlete exposure. Develops quantifiable public relations plans for each team that outline aggressive media targets which focus on non-sports media community, local and national television, feature reporters, gossip, news and lifestyle. Develop publicity strategies that utilize non-player assets as tools for extending the visibility of the brands, including the Knicks City Dancers and community involvement. Secure off-sports page publicity for Garden of Dreams initiatives that provide positive exposure for the charity, team and its personnel. Major component of job is management of celebrity relationships in relation to the teams, including establishment and expansion of a wide range of celebrity contacts that benefit the company. Manage junior staff to enhance their publicity skills and manage their involvement in local publicity efforts.

Ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field. Will have at least 7 to 10 years of proactive publicity experience, along with significant relationships in the local and national media community – in both sports and non-sports areas. Will possess a high level of energy, passion, leadership and commitment to do whatever it takes to achieve goals of the department. Efficient project manager who effectively manages many tasks across various areas, and nurtures relationships with numerous MSG departments. Must have proven creativity and vision in order to bring concepts to reality. Exceptional communications skills, strong relationship building abilities and the capacity to juggle numerous initiatives simultaneously is required.

Note: When you apply for this job online, you will be required to answer the following questions:

1. Yes/No: I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field and at least 7 to 10 years of proactive publicity experience.
2. Yes/No: I have proven significant relationships in the local and national media community - in both sports and non-sports areas.
3. Yes/No: I have proven experience developing and executing broad-based proactive publicity programs.