Director of Corporate Communications

The Director of Corporate Communications, working alongside the Vice President of Communications, oversees the strategic coordination and facilitation of external and employee communications for the Detroit Lions. The position is responsible for the research, cultivation and creation of external storytelling on behalf of the Lions’ business practice and Ford Field and works to maintain a positive relationship with media and broadcast partners. The Director will also lead public messaging efforts surrounding the Lions’ Marketing, Corporate Partnerships, Ticket Sales and Community Relations departments and support the overall brand promotion of the club. The Director provides dotted line management for the Communications department to help bridge operational gaps with fellow departments across the organization. Assisting the Vice President and Chief Communications Officer with crisis management and media response situations is also a key function of the role.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Director of Corporate Communications position will have daily responsibilities including, without limitation, the following:

• Pitch and cultivate internal and external media stories pertaining to Lions business endeavors, brand presence and community impact. Work with VP/CCO and business staff to proactively identify, pitch and secure positive stories around Lions community efforts, partnership activations and business successes
• Assist One Pride Productions content team with execution of off-the-field events coverage plan for internal Lions digital channels
• Primary media contact for Detroit Lions and Ford Field business leadership
• Primary point of contact for external media and inquiries regarding Ford Field (including, but not limited to: concerts, non-NFL sporting events, on-site issues, vendors and security)
• Lead media accreditation process for all non-NFL related events, including but not limited to concerts and intercollegiate sporting events
• Serve as lead Comms voice in the work surrounding the Lions Global Markets Program efforts and collaborate with Marketing and International Strategy departments on all international storytelling/media opportunities
• Assist communications efforts at key Lions football events where needed (i.e., Training Camp, game day, team events)
• Dotted line management – effectively solve problems that cross inter-departmental and organizational boundaries
• Work closely with rest of the department to monitor and organize media coverage pertaining to Lions business initiatives and package for organizational distribution and review. Responsible for using media monitoring technology to mine stories and log coverage where applicable
• Help VP bridge communications gaps between football and business operations
• Provide support and direction to Lions People Team on employee storytelling ideas and news announcements for organization’s intranet portal, The Huddle
• Act as a lead in the department’s responsiveness to media issues and other internal requests with the expectation that, due to the unique nature of the NFL and media businesses, assignments will occur after normal business hours and on weekends throughout the year Responding to media inquiries and other internal requests may be made directly or assigned by the VP/CCO
• Support VP/CCO by being entrusted to independently develop a strong working rapport with superiors and executives throughout the organization
• Consistently support VP/CCO and other leaders with accurate information concerning strengths and weaknesses of staff members and provide solutions to help reach department goals
• Provide direction and feedback for department as a part of the organization’s annual evaluation to provide growth and development for each employee

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain appropriate level of knowledge of Microsoft Office, desktop publishing and appropriate digital media tools and software used in daily operations
• Participate in team meetings, providing input and suggestions related to media relations and other areas as needed; will make recommendations for processes and procedures
• Provide media training and counseling for Lions staff members who have been asked to speak in public settings (i.e. panels, media interviews, college newsletters)
• Provide motivated and reliable ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Maintain professionalism when communicating with internal and external contacts
• Meet established standards of accuracy and efficiency with ability to meet deadlines
• Provide detail-oriented work habits with strong organizational skills
• Adjust work schedule to meet departmental demands
• Maintain appropriate information confidentiality
• Will accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor consistent with the objectives and essential functions of this position. Such responsibilities shall be incorporated into the position description if they are ongoing

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferred areas of study include sports communications, sports marketing, sports management, public relations or journalism required
• Minimum 10 years of experience in public relations, communications or journalism required
• Proven writing skills in either public relations or journalism required
• Working knowledge of journalism, grammar and editing techniques required
• Competency in AP-style writing required
• Previous experience in sports or entertainment industry is strongly preferred
• Proven interpersonal skills with ability to communicate to internal and external entities
• Proficient level of competency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel
• Proficient level of competency in desktop publishing (Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop)
• Knowledge and Understanding of HTML, Content Management System operations and social media
• Maintain professionalism when speaking with executives, athletes and media
• Adjust schedule as needed to meet work goals and time constraints, including working nights, weekends, and holidays as football schedule directs
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays
• May require work out of both the Ford Field Management Office and the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park
• A valid Driver’s License and good driving record
• You may use AI as a tool in creating your application, but this role is powered by human talent—your judgment, experience, and character are integral. Please let your personal talent shine.