VP-Communications, Pac-10 Conference, Walnut Creek, CA

http://collegesportsjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/r.cfm?i=27192


Vice President, Communications - Pacific-10 Conference (Walnut Creek, CA)


Client Company and Current Situation

On July 1, 2009, Larry Scott joined the Pacific-10 Conference as its sixth Commissioner, succeeding Tom Hansen who had been in the role the previous 26 years. Commissioner Scott, who executed a highly successful turnaround of the WTA Tour as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer prior to joining the Pac-10, is seeking to usher the “Conference of Champions” into a new era defined by innovation and commercial success. The Pac-10 brand aspires to be the leading collegiate athletic conference brand in the United States, and it will do so by establishing itself as the top source of West Coast collegiate athletic entertainment.

To support the ambitious repositioning and growth strategy, Commissioner Scott is looking to make one of the senior hires for his executive team in the role of Vice President of Communications. This individual will serve on Commissioner Scott’s executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Commissioner.

Position Summary

Working as the senior public relations executive for the Conference, the VP Comms will play a central role in helping the Commissioner and the Vice President of Marketing to develop a long-range, positioning plan for the Conference that supports a newly defined vision and growth strategy. The VP Comms will work with a Conference team and outside resources to develop strategies and plans to promote the business interests and reputation of the Pac-10, while also integrating and supporting the marketing interests of the member institutions. He/she will play a pivotal role in enhancing the Conference’s visibility at a local, national and global level and will support the entire executive team in increasing the value and monetization of the Pac-10 brand. He/she must exhibit a passion for intercollegiate athletics and keep a balanced perspective on varying interests and opportunities for the Pac-10, managing the need for innovation, while simultaneously preserving the Pac-10’s rich traditions and academic heritage. The Pac-10 enjoys a national reputation of excellence and for “doing things right.” The VP Comms will serve as the chief “reputation steward” for the Conference, working with the executive team to preserve and enhance the image of the Conference, while upholding its values, integrity and heritage. One of the primary areas of focus will be to help transform the Pac-10 into the new digital media era, by helping the Conference embrace and innovate a range of social media initiatives.

Key Relationships

Reports to: Larry Scott, Commissioner with matrix responsibilities aligned to the VP of Marketing

Direct Reports include: To be determined

Other Key Relationships:

• Pac-10 Deputy Commissioner
• Pac-10 VP Marketing
• Pac-10 VP Television
• Pac-10 Director, New Business Development
• Pac-10 marketing and public relations executives
• Marketing and public relations executives from the NCAA
• Rose Bowl/Pasadena tournament of Roses Association executives
• Other bowl partners
• National and local media
• Outsider advisors and consultants

Major Responsibilities

• Develop a strategic public relations plan that is fully integrated with Pac-10 Conference marketing plans.
• Work with the VP of Marketing to support the repositioning and rebranding of the Pac-10 Conference.
• Manage the effective and efficient execution of the public relations plan.
• Manage the positioning and reputation of the Conference Commissioner and key members of the executive team.
• Provide energetic leadership to help transform the Pac-10 public relations function.
• Develop and execute a world-class social media strategy.
• Work closely with member institutions to support and integrate public relations activities.
• Proactively manage the reputation of the Pac-10 and its key executive leadership.
• Effectively manage crisis situations, as they arise.
• Maintain productive relationships with other BCS aligned conferences.
• Develop and execute mini-marketing/public relations campaigns that achieve specific goals and objectives of the Conference across all sports.
• Support the academic mission of the conference with innovative student-athlete programs.

Candidate Specification: Key Selection Criteria

• A smart, sophisticated and accomplished public relations executive with a proven ability to lead an integrated team and work with well with marketing.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and executing a communications vision.
• Superior writing skills across a variety of formats ranging from key messages and speeches to position papers and news releases.
• Hands on experience with a range of digital and social media.
• A track record for creativity that is well grounded in business outcomes.
• An ability to lead diverse teams in matrix environments.
• Success in working efficiently with outside resources to achieve desired outcomes.
• A proven track record of working with multiple, unique stakeholder groups, sometimes with varying and divergent interests.
• Experience in public/government affairs and issues management.
• A background in intercollegiate sports is not a must, but would certainly be considered a major asset for the ideal candidate.
• Direct experience with repositioning and rebranding would be a plus.

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

1. Yes/No: Do you have a minimum of 10 years experience in communications and/or public affairs?
2. Yes/No: Do you have previous experience working in professional or collegiate sports?
3. Yes/No: Are you willing to relocate to Walnut Creek, CA?