The Atlanta Falcons Football Communications Specialist will assist in executing overall media strategy and tactical efforts for both the football communications and digital departments, in alignment with the objectives for both departments. They will work to provide daily support and media coordination in various areas. The Specialist will collaborate regularly with the Falcons Digital Media team in order to ensure all teams are aligned.
This position will drive deeper storytelling and greater media awareness of Falcons efforts. This includes (but is not limited to) developing powerful storylines, proactive media pitching, providing media support at events and serving as the liaison between local and national media on gamedays.
Versatility, passion, relationship building and a strong sense of urgency are critical to the success of this position. This fast-paced and challenging opportunity requires strong organizational, communication and storytelling skills (verbal and written), creative ability and a proactive detail-oriented mindset in order to help create synergy between multiple integrated teams.
The ideal candidate possesses proven media relations skills, strong attention to detail and is an excellent communicator.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Coordinate media credential process, working closely with Mercedes-Benz Stadium security team.
- Provide messaging points and preparation for Falcons players and coaches in advance of media availabilities.
- Focus on a team-oriented workflow in providing Atlanta Falcons fans a world-class digital experience.
- Create unique content for Falcons fans, internal media partners and external media.
- Assist in developing content strategies surrounding the team, its players and its activities to support digital and ticket sales efforts.
- Engage in social listening to prepare the team for proper response to external dialogue.
- Maintain an ongoing understanding of industry trends, innovative platforms and emerging media in a rapidly changing profession.
- Assist with written communications efforts in breaking news and department initiatives.
- Independently make decisions regarding the handling of information available to the media.
- Co-lead efforts in providing a world-class media operations experience.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Experience with Accredit Solutions strongly preferred.
- Knowledge and understanding of news media, digital communications, digital/social media, marketing and how all work together.
- Strong media relations skills, solid experience in day-to-day account management, media relationship building, and integrated marketing experience.
- Experience utilizing statistical research tools.
- Solid client relations, project management and media outreach skills and the ability to play a primary, independent implementation role.
- Ability to exercise independent judgement when establishing priorities.
- Experience working effectively with external audiences and communities.
- Social media literacy and an understanding of digital media trends.
- Excellent verbal, writing and presenting skills.
- Passion for giving back both personally and professionally.
- Provide excellent judgment and discretion in making well-reasoned independent recommendations and decisions.
- Desire and initiative to continuously improve processes and achieve results.
- Superior attention to detail.
- Excellent time management, multi-tasking and organization skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with all levels of associates and media.
- Ability to develop unique content to help articulate the Falcons story.
- Strong strategic thinking capability.
- Proactive, proven ability to anticipate needs.
- Possess an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative spirit.
- Strong ability to formulate a clear point of view and create a concise and well-written narrative to express it.
- Proficiency in MS Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word; Adobe Creative Suite.
- Ability to maintain and manage work in a fast-paced, sometimes intense environment.
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- One (1) to three (3) years of professional experience in a communications setting; i.e., PR agency, in-house communications department, sports team, etc.
- Flexibility in work schedule; available to work nights, weekends, and holidays according to team needs and schedule.
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.