About the Position
The Knoxville Smokies, Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, are looking for a highly creative, energetic and innovative Director of Entertainment to lead the game-day experience at America’s Friendliest Ballpark.
We aren't looking for someone to just follow a game script. We want someone who will create the show, lead the fun and continually find new ways to entertain our fans.
The Director of Entertainment will oversee all aspects of game presentation, including in-game entertainment, video production, on-field promotions, fan engagement, entertainment staff and pre- and post-game events.
As we continue building the experience at our downtown Knoxville ballpark, this position will have the opportunity to create new traditions, develop memorable entertainment concepts and put their own creative stamp on Smokies baseball.
Responsibilities
The Director of Entertainment will be responsible for the overall planning, creative direction and execution of the Smokies game-day entertainment experience. Responsibilities include:
- Own the show. Lead the creative direction and execution of the entire game-day entertainment experience from gates open through the final out and post-game activities.
- Plan and execute in-game entertainment, including between-inning contests, fan engagement, mascot appearances, on-field promotions and special entertainment.
- Develop new and original contests, traditions, characters, videos and entertainment concepts that help differentiate the Smokies experience.
- Continually rotate and refresh entertainment elements throughout the season so the show remains fun, relevant and unpredictable.
- Oversee video board production and coordinate video, graphics, music, PA, lighting and other production elements to create a cohesive game presentation.
- Write and manage the game script for every Smokies home game and ensure all departments understand timing, responsibilities and execution.
- Hire, train, schedule and lead game-day entertainment staff, including mascots, rally crew, on-field hosts and other entertainment personnel.
- Lead game-day production meetings and ensure the entertainment team is prepared to execute at a high level.
- Work closely with Marketing, Corporate Partnerships, Ticket Sales and other departments to integrate promotions, theme nights, jersey auctions, sponsorship elements and organizational initiatives into the game presentation.
- Work with Corporate Partnerships to make sponsored elements both effective for our partners and entertaining for our fans.
- Collaborate on theme nights, specialty entertainment, promotional nights and other major events throughout the season.
- Review each homestand and continually identify opportunities to improve the fan experience.
- Stay current on entertainment trends, pop culture, sports presentation and emerging technology while finding creative ways to incorporate them into Smokies games.
- Understand and follow applicable MLB guidelines, recommendations and requirements related to in-game entertainment and presentation.
What Success Looks Like:
We want someone who helps create an atmosphere where fans wonder what's going to happen next, and where people leave the ballpark talking about something they saw or experienced that night. Make Smokies games one of the most entertaining experiences in Minor League Baseball.
Compensation Package:
Base Salary: Based off experience/creativity.
Bonus: Your year-end bonus will be based on overall improvement and accomplishments in the department.
Health Insurance: eligible after 60 days of employment for base coverage (family optional at employee’s expense).
Vision/Dental: Available at employee’s expense.
Sec. 125 Plan: Available to allow payment of employee’s optional cost with pre-tax dollars.
401 (K) Plan: Eligible on July 1st or January 1st after 1 year of service per standard terms, 5% company match is elective (not mandatory).
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a one-minute video explaining why you are the right person to lead entertainment for the Knoxville Smokies.
Send application materials to:
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.