The Sports Info Business

This morning, I read a story on Forbes.com that chronicled the 20 best-ever social media campaigns.

You can click through all 20 companies but to save you time, here are the following top three campaigns.

1. Blair Witch Project

2. Blendtec

3. Old Spice

In a different but related report, two sports-themed videos made the list of  the top 10 viral videos for July 2010 according to video content distributor goviral.

After dominating the top 10 lists for much of the first half of the year in 2010, sports-themed videos only snared three spots on goviral’s top 10 viral video list for June 2010. In July 2010, only two of the top 10 videos could be considered primarily sports-themed. Both videos, a promotion for the Coca-Cola energy drink Burn and a video of a wipeout by the owner of California Skateparks, focused on the sport of skateboarding.

Here’s the catch.  The sports themed videos are been driving by consumer products, not from a specific team or organization.  This is telling in that teams have a lot to learn in this area to drive buzz online.  Popular Twitter chatter has proven that specific sports events drive buzz.  For example, the Super Bowl, World Series or LeBron’s “Decision” have all generated a lot of interest. Specific social media videos for a team or sports organization however, are still missing.

Sounds like an opportunity to me.

According to Goviral, humor was the dominant theme in July. Videos of the “Old Spice guy” performing impossible feats, nerds engaging in a rap battle, a dimwitted redneck hunter, friendship among rival Pepsi and Coke delivery drivers, and a spoof of the “Old Spice Guy” with a studious star all relied on humor to get their message across.

The top 10 picks for July, with links to view on YouTube:

1. Old Spice – Questions (and Responses), agency: Wieden-Kennedy;
2. Levi’s – Walk Across America, agency: Conscious Minds;
3. Dentyne Pure: Epic Rap Battle, agency: Rhett & Link / Platinum Rye / PainePR;
4. Burn (Coca-Cola) – Ride, agency: Publicis Mojo;
5. Samsung – Redneck Hunter Goes to Jail, agency: Cheil Worldwide;
6. Domino’s Pizza – Domino’s Pulling the Cheese; agency: Crispin Porter & Bogusky;
7. PepsiMax – Diner 2PointZero, agency:TBWA/Chiat/Day;
8. California Skateparks – World’s Largest Skateboard Disaster, agency: N/A;
9. Harold B. Lee Library – New Spice/Study Like a Scholar, agency: N/A;
10. HP – Hit Print, agency: N/A

Conferences are a great way to learn new skills, brush up on old ones and of course, network.  It has been a while since I researched and published a list of upcoming events so I thought I’d take this Monday to see what is coming up on different topics.  The order if each event is based on a calendar listing.

8th Annual IMG Sports Marketing Symposium

September 21-22, 2010
Marriott Marquis, New York City
Since its debut in 2003, the Sports Marketing Symposium has become the “must-attend” event for executives at every level of sports sponsorship. With an unrivaled speaker faculty of top corporate sponsors and advertisers, the Sports Marketing Symposium delivers the latest sports marketing trends from the perspective of brand-side marketers.

30th Anniversary Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association Conference

The 30th Anniversary Conference will be held October 20 -24, 2010 in St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles/West Indies. Anticipated attendance – up to 400 professionals representing the legal, entertainment, sport and other related industries. Networking, continuing legal education (CLE) credits and a host of other activities will be offered to celebrate the founding of the organization.

12th Annual FSA Sports Media & Technology

November 16-17
Marriott Marquis, New York City
This conference gathers the executives who are shaping the future of sports media and distribution. Issues discussed include new technology, revenue models, audience measurement, behaviors and preferences of fans and the integration of media into the fan base. Featured speakers come from every area of this industry including properties, sponsors, media, agencies, technology providers and marketing.

11th Annual Motorsports Marketing Forum

November 30-December 1
The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada
The prime gathering of the sponsorship and advertising community in motorsports, this forum is the platform for sponsors, league officials, teams, track owners and ad agencies to present their ideas on sponsorship, the future of racing and the driver-fan relationship. With featured speakers from sanctioning bodies, media, team management and sponsors, this forum has become an indispensable stop on the motorsports circuit for more than a decade.

9th Annual IMG Intercollegiate Athletics Forum

December 8-9
The W Hotel, Lexington Avenue, New York City
This program brings together athletic directors, university presidents, media and sponsors to examine the issues surrounding present-day college sports. With speakers from the ranks of academia, marketing firms, media and corporate sponsors, this event is the one time of the year when these constituencies meet to discuss their mutual issues and opportunities.

Annual COSIDA Conference

Scheduled for June 27-30, 2011 in Marco Island, Fla.

When you meet someone new, do you play the geography game?  It usually goes something like this.

Nice to meet you.

You too.

Where do you work?

Typical Answer:  Company:  xxxx

Oh, do you know so and so?

It happened to me several times last night at the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation Sportsman of the Year dinner honoring Jets QB Mark Sanchez.

Playing this geography game is often the easiest way to connect with other people and expand your business netowrk.  Finding someone in common is a great first step.

However, I would not expect to immediately add this person to my LinkedIn network based on a brief meeting or conversation.

Here are my personal rules.

1. I invest in networking and I invest in the people I meet.

2.  Take the time to form a follow up visit.  Coffee, lunch or just find time to chat and find more things in common.  I make the offer and if people are really interested in getting to know me, they make the effort or offer another option.

3. Network for the right reasons.  Invest time in good people.  Just adding names by meeting random people is just plain superficial.

4. When it comes to business conversations, show the value of your experience.

5. Ask lots of questions or other people.  Get them talking about themselves to know them better.

At some point in your business career, you will need your business network.  Maybe it is for new business opportunities, a new job or something we cannot predict right now.  Invest in it the right way and it will pay dividends for years to come.

Lots of new open positings being listed today.  I do not think I have ever seen so many open hockey jobs since I started writing this blog a year and a half ago.

Hope it helps you live your dream.

Coordinator, Interactive Marketing – Nashville Predators (Nashville, TN)

The Coordinator, Interactive Marketing is responsible for supporting the team’s interactive marketing activity and will be instrumental in helping to deliver best-in-class content, maximize promotional messaging and enhance traffic growth and conversation within various digital channels. He/She will also contribute to and assist in the development and execution of the team’s overall interactive marketing strategy as it relates to the website and social media outlets.

Major Responsibilities/Activities:
• Works directly with Interactive Marketing Manager to provide editorial coverage and technical support on various website initiatives
• Helps execute team social media strategy, with heaviest focus on Facebook, Twitter and emerging top social media outlets
• Supports mobile marketing initiatives
• Assists with Game Night web responsibilities during the season for both home and road games
• Contributes to the team’s online coverage of team practices, community initiatives and special events
• Coordinates with the Broadcasting and Graphics departments on deadlines for video and graphic elements that enhance marketing and promotional efforts
• Serves as a liaison with the Sales and Corporate Partnership teams to ensure online participation, activation and close coordination of ticketing and sponsorship programs

Minimum Requirements:
• B.A. Degree
• Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of related work experience???
• Excellent communicator with strong writing skills
• Immersed in social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and others), blog reader/writer/publisher
• Must be detailed-oriented, self-motivated, organized and possess the ability perform under tight deadlines and pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Must possess a professional attitude and a desire to learn from a talented team
• Experience in multitasking with multiple work-intensive projects
• Proactive planner with a sense of urgency, creativity, style and attention to detail
• The ability to work well with people in a team environment

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Assistant Director of Athletics Media Relations.

PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY
UNLV is a comprehensive research university of approximately 28,000 students and 3,300 faculty and staff dedicated to teaching, research, and service. The university has internationally recognized programs in hotel administration and creative writing; professional degrees in law, architecture, and dental medicine; and leading programs in fine arts, sciences and education. UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in dynamic Southern Nevada. For more information, visit us on-line at: http://www.unlv.edu.

ROLE of the POSITION
This position is responsible assisting the assistant athletics director for media relations and communications, along with the director of athletics media relations, with the development and operation of media and public relations for 17 NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics programs. Primary sport assignments are TBD. The assistant director may also serve as the secondary contact for football and men’s basketball. This position demands an individual who must be flexible to work weekends, nights and/or holidays as required. Some travel with teams for competitions is also required. Position will perform duties relating to providing a consistent and continuing public relations program for assigned areas. Duties also include the development and preparation of information releases, establishing relationships with print and electronic media sources, compilation and reporting of results and statistics and maintenance of statistical and historical data. The position will also be heavily involved in web-based content and will assist in various other projects.

QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required (preferred in the field of mass communications) and a minimum of two years experience in intercollegiate athletics media relations or related field. The candidate must possess excellent writing and communication skills as well as the ability to layout and design content for print purposes and for the athletics department’s website. Candidate must be well versed in Adobe Creative Suite, statistical software, website skills and social media. Also must be capable of working effectively with a diverse group of student-athletes, coaches, staff, media and visitors on a daily basis. Strong knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations is also important.

SALARY RANGE
Salary competitive with those at similarly situated institutions. Position is contingent upon funding.

APPLICATION DETAILS
Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, physical addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. The review of materials will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Materials should be addressed to Andy Grossman, Search Committee Chair, and are to be submitted via on-line application athttps://hrsearch.unlv.edu. For assistance with UNLV’s on-line applicant portal, contact Jen Martens at (702) 895-2894 or hrsearch@unlv.edu.

Massive listing of NHL Hockey Jobs

Manager-Corporate Partnership Sales – Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club (Anaheim, CA)

Database Manager – Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club (Anaheim, CA)

Fan Development Coordinator – Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club (Anaheim, CA)

Part-Time Game Night Staff – Boston Bruins (Boston, MA)

Ticket Sales Representative – Boston Bruins (Boston, MA)

Corporate Sales Executive – Carolina Hurricanes (Raleigh, NC)

Business Development Account Executive – Carolina Hurricanes (Raleigh, NC)

Database Marketing Manager – Columbus Blue Jackets (Columbus, OH)

Season Ticket Service Coordinator – Columbus Blue Jackets (Columbus, OH)

Group Event Specialist – Columbus Blue Jackets (Columbus, OH)

Season Ticket Account Executive – Columbus Blue Jackets (Columbus, OH)

Manager, Ticket Operations – Dallas Stars Hockey Club (Frisco, TX)

Ticket Sales and Service Account Executive – Detroit Red Wings (Detroit, MI)

Manager, Database Marketing & Analysis – Devils Arena Entertainment (Newark, NJ)

Marketing Manager – Dr Pepper Arena – Dr Pepper Arena/Dallas Stars (Frisco, TX)

Ticket Event Administrator – Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club (Edmonton, AB)

Ticket Account Executive – Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club (Edmonton, AB)

Supervisor, Ticket Services – Edmonton Oilers Hockey Team (Edmonton, AB)

Energy/Street Team – Florida Panthers (Sunrise, FL)

Event & Group Sales Coordinator – Florida Panthers (Sunrise, FL)

Premium Seating Account Executive – Florida Panthers (Sunrise, FL)

New Business Development Account Executive – Florida Panthers (Sunrise, FL)

Inside Sales Representative – Florida Panthers (Sunrise, FL)

Group Sales Account Executive – Florida Panthers (Sunrise, FL)

Director of Client Services and Retention – Florida Panthers (Sunrise, FL)

Coordinator, Interactive Marketing – Nashville Predators (Nashville, TN)

Coordinator, Database Marketing – Nashville Predators (Nashville, TN)

Senior Manager, Marketing – Nashville Predators (Nashville, TN)

Inside Sales Representative – Nashville Predators (Nashville, TN)

Manager, Social Media Business Development – National Hockey League (New York, NY)

Coordinator, Ad Traffic – National Hockey League (New York, NY)

Technical Coordinator – National Hockey League (New York, NY)

Director, Digital Business – National Hockey League (New York, NY)

Group Sales and Inside Sales Representative – New York Islanders (Uniondale, NY)

Creative Director – Olympia Entertainment and the Detroit Red Wings (Detroit, MI)

Director of Customer Relationship Management – Olympia Entertainment/Detroit Red Wings (Detroit, MI)

CLIENT DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE – Philadelphia Flyers (Philadelphia, PA)

Field Producer – Phoenix Coyotes (Glendale, AZ)

Ticket Sales Customer Service Representative – Phoenix Coyotes (Glendale, AZ)

Account Executive – Phoenix Coyotes (Phoenix, AZ)

Suite Sale Account Executive – Phoenix Coyotes (Phoenix, AZ)

Client Service Account Manager – Pittsburgh Penguins (Pittsburgh, PA)

Guest Services Specialist – Washington Capitals (Arlington, VA)

Regional Sales Manager – Washington Capitals (Arlington, VA)

Celebrity endorsements have been around for as long as sports have been a part of popular culture.  The idea has been to match a well-known athlete with a company to help improve its image and more importantly, move sales of a particular product.

Some athlete endorsers have become closely associated with a particular product.  Here are a few examples:

If I said Joe Dimaggio, you might associate him with Mr. Coffee.

Joe Namath?  You’d probably throw out pantyhose, Noxema or even Susy Kobler (okay, the last one was not exactly an endorsement).

If I mention Peyton Manning, there would be too many commercials and associations to count.  My guess is you may remember the funny Sony spots with actor Justin Timberlake.  Each time a business decides to hire an athlete, they put their brand and reputation on the line.  Let’s not forget how fast brands fled Tiger Woods after he was caught cheating on his wife.

In most cases, the famous athlete is helping to drive the brand.

But if I mentioned the name Isiah Mustafa, would you be able to answer which professional teams he played for much less the brand he is associated with today?

Mustafa’s commercials have been a hot on TV and just as big on the internet.

According to a Wikipedia bio, Mustafa signed as a rookie with the Seattle Seahawks in 2000 and eventually played for the Tennessee Titans practice squad before playing in Barcelona of the NFL Europe.  While he has appeared in a few television shows (Ugly Betty, Days of Our Lives and NCIS), the Old Spice commercials have gone viral on the internet.  After completing the planned commercials for TV, Old Spice connected with online users by having him answer actual questions people mentioned via Twitter including helping with a wedding proposal.

This ingenious campaign has generated millions and millions of page views for a brand that not long ago was looked by consumers as old and crusty — your dad’s product.  Now, it is hip, young and online buzz worthy.  I am interested to see what it means for the product’s bottom line.

All of this by an athlete many of us did not even know.

If you want to see additional personal responses, here’s the link to the Old Spice YouTube channel

Yesterday felt like a stop watch was timing me.  I had a few free hours before reporting to Angel stadium and wanted to take my family over to the Anaheim Convention Center for the Major League Baseball All-Star Fan Fest.  We hopped in the car bright and early and arrived without much hassle.  On an early Sunday morning, I think most people were either sleeping or at church.

This was our first ever visit to Major League Baseball’s All Star Fan Fest and no one was disappointed.  The problem is, after working so many years developing and putting on events, it is hard to just enjoy something as a fan.  The members of my family however, had no problem having a blast.   I enjoy seeing events like this through a child’s eyes.  Today’s blog will be a combination of of both adult and child’s eyes.

First, let’s talk business.  While the price of admission is not cheap, $30 a ticket, this enormous fan targeted event had more interactive elements than any I have attended in the past.  Kids got to steal bases and slide of course while reacting to videos of major league pitchers.  There were batting cages, autograph sessions, and of course multi language studios designed that allowed fans to act as sports studio hosts.

Each major staging area had a well known sponsor associated with it.  Think about it.  If you are spending large amounts of money to be associated with Major League Baseball, you want to interact directly with the fan and Fan Fest is the perfect opportunity.  So companies like  Taco Bell, Scotts Turf, TIme Warner Cable and Chevrolet and other national sponsors each had either an interactive display or showed their product for fans.

Speaking of Chevrolet, I spoke to a very kind woman from the Detroit area, who was baby sitting one of the cars that fans could sit in at the expo.  We started a conversation and it quickly led to the hard times folks in her part of the country are currently having.  She told me that she lent money to family members going through a rough patch and now she is under pressure since their bank accounts had dwindled and returned to work at events like this.  Even with all of the fun at a summer-time event like this, there remains an under current of a struggling American workforce.

The two hours I had blocked off for the visit had vanished like a David Copperfield magic trick.  Gone in an instant.  The family wanted to stay longer but knew I was headed to the ball park.  Word of advice:   Plan at least four hours to visit the entire site.  Any baseball fan will want to take in everything I mentioned above as well as the memorabilia, autograph sessions, and view trophies of the game.

Last night, I found myself in the local library when I stumbled upon a book called The Directory of Executive and Professional Recruiters. This publication, according to the reference librarian was considered a “high flight risk”, meaning people want to steal it.  I had to provide my library card just as collateral to look at the thing.

Based on the current state of the American economy and the level of unemployment, I cannot say that I am surprised.  I used the opportunity to look over the very detailed resources in the book.  The first sections were divided into retainer based and contingency based firms.

Just for definition, a retainer-based firm means that the company is paying the firm an agreed upon fee, often somewhere between 20-30% of the first year’s salary as compensation for the search.  Contingency firms are those that receive a non exclusive opportunity to fill an open position.  Therefore, several firms can submit candidates for a job.  Sometimes the same candidate might overlap search firms if they are working with more than one contingency-based firm.

My real reason for looking at this valuable reference book was simple, I wanted to know if it listed firms that specialize in the sports management/sports administration business.  Since the beginning of this blog, I have listed on the right hand rail of the front page what I think are valuable resources.  It includes a list of well known executive sports recruiters in our business.   I built this list from personal experience as well as talking with lots of expereinced folks like yourself.

I have even interviewed a few of them for this blog including Buffy Filippell from Teamwork Consulting and Dan Rossetti at Ascension Sports Partners

I wanted to see if they were listed in this book and I also wanted to see if I was missing folks.

My first call, based on the book’s list was to Rick Slifka at Exec-Links, LLC. one of the firms listed under Sports by the reference book.  A very nice guy, Rick told me that he used to work for the PGA Tour and subsequently did searches for golf related organizations including management companies but now 99% of his work is in the financial services world.  My second call was to DHR International and its Chicago office.  The firm, on its web site, lists sports a practice area.

Overall the resource book is an amazing resource for identifying recruiters.  However, you still need to do your homework.  The third sports related company listed by this resource is called the Alfus Group, a New York-based firm that, according to its website specializes in the hospitality industry.  No sports related work was listed.

That said and until  proven otherwise, I claim that the resources and links listed on the front page of this blog have the most up to date sports related information you need.  Do I have it all?  Certainly not.  If you know of a recruiter, trade organization or publication that I am missing, please submit it and I will consider adding it to the list.  As for the book, use it when you need it, just make sure the practice areas are up to date.

Psst.  You.  Yeah, you.  Can you help me?  I need the keys to let me out of this claustrophobic room.  I feel like I am being held hostage in the never-ending saga of the 2010 LeBron-a-thon.

We are far beyond ‘hype’ of the most sought after NBA free agent in the summer of 2010.  Thank goodness it is all coming to an end tonight when King James and his new Twitter followers will tune in to ESPN tonight at 9 p.m. ET and 6:00 p.m. on the West Coast to find out where the talented basketball player will be taking his game.

You cannot help but feel James and his representatives have hijacked the NBA free agent process and made it their own.  In my mind, ESPN’s decision sets a dangerous precedent in broadcasting the exclusive announcement.

Here are a few thoughts I have about it:

1)   James and his team had ESPN create a one-hour prime time special  called “The Decision” to make the announcement.

2)   According to an article today in Adage.com, James also dictated who will interview him during the special.  For the record, it is scheduled to be Jim Gray.  Do all top-tiered athletes all have “their guy” who they will grant interviews to. moving forward?

3)   Does this mean the next super star will want to one-up LeBron by demanding a media outlet run 24 consecutive hours of news and features the next time something like this happens in baseball or football?  Where will this lead to next, is the question we have to ask ourselves.

4)   ESPN gave up significant advertising revenue to make room for this special program and again, according to the Adage.com article, revenue during the special will be donated to Boys & Girls Club of America, a charity that ESPN and Disney also support.

5) Since this TV special is entire produced by James, it is safe to say he is now in the TV production business?

If I were counseling James during this process, I would highly recommend him to remain humble during this process.  His image has forever changed with the LeBron-a-thon.  Even if he returns to Cleveland and new coach Byron Scott, he’s not the humble hometown hero anymore.

Personally and professionally, I was always taught to shut up until you win something big.  He is a man among boys and extremely talented.  However, I feel he has crossed the line with too much focus on him.  Last I checked, basketball was a team game.  At least make it appear that way until you have won a championship.

Now that the Bulls have signed Carlos Boozer, my best guess of where James will land is one of two places:  Cleveland Cavaliers or the New York Knicks.  If he is a true hometown guy, he has max’d out his publicity from this stunt and returns to his roots.  The reason why I think the Knicks have a shot is that he takes the money and goes into the limelight in the largest media market in America while joining Amare Stoudemire in rebuilding a team that has certainly struggled.  He will make more money by going to New York than any other city in the league.  No doubt about it.  If that happens, look for guys like Jets QB Mark Sanchez to send a giant thank you note for taking the expectations and moving them to another person and team for a while.  If winning is all that matters, then he will land in Miami with Bosh and Wade, but for some reason I don’t think it will happen.

This week, James also joined Twitter and with four basic messages now has a following of more than 312,000 people.  The one Tweet getting the most attention is the one he left on the site this morning….

“Good Morning! It’s your chance to ask me a question about my decision, use #lebrondecision to submit and I’ll answer them tonight.”

I will not be updating my Twitter account around the announcement tonight.  No value to add for people that follow me.  At least as of 7:00 p.m. California time, we will finally know and we can end the LeBron-a-thon.

Quick, put on your objective sports business hat   Got it?  Okay  I have a question for you.  If you had to rank the top three sports franchises, which ones would rank at the top?  Which ones would rank at the bottom.  ESPN, the Magazine, just released its 2010 rankings and I have it here for you. According to the magazine, when it comes to paying fans back for their investment of time, money and passion, the New Orleans Saints are No. 1 out of all major league sports franchises, according to this year’s ESPN The Magazine Ultimate Standings. The Orlando Magic finished in second place and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim finished third.  At the other end of the spectrum, the Los Angeles Clippers are ranked last for the second year in a row.  Here is the kicker abut the Clippers.  They also ranked last in ownership and players.  Ouch. The Ultimate Standings, driven by research and fan feedback, looks at MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL franchises’ affordability, bang for the buck, coaching, fan relations, ownership, players, stadium experience and title track to establish a ranking of all 122. Based on a  commitment to community and championship play last year, the New Orleans Saints, know how to reward fans. The Saints “Who Dat Nation” made it known they feel a strong connection to their team and appreciate everything it offered the New Orleans community in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Penguins round out the Top five.  According to the magazine, here is the top 10.

The 2010 ULTIMATE STANDINGS: THE TOP AND BOTTOM Top 10 Overall Franchises

1. New Orleans Saints

2. Orlando Magic

3. Los Angeles Angels

4. Indianapolis Colts

5. Pittsburgh Penguins

6. Tampa Bay Rays

7. San Antonio Spurs

8. Detroit Red Wings

9. Green Bay Packers

10. Cleveland Cavaliers

and then there is the bottom 10…….

Bottom 10 Overall Franchises

113. Toronto Raptors

114. St. Louis Rams

115. Oakland Raiders

116. Minnesota Timberwolves

117. Philadelphia 76ers

118. New Jersey Nets

119. New York Knicks

120. Washington Wizards

121. Toronto Maple Leafs

122. Los Angeles Clippers

ULTIMATE CATEGORY WINNERS AND LOSERS

Affordability – Price of tickets, parking and concessions

#1: Los Angeles Angels

#122: Toronto Maple Leafs

Bang for the buck – Wins over the past two seasons per dollar contributed directed by fan

s #1: Orlando Magic

#122: Toronto Maple Leafs

Coaching – Strength of on-field leadership

#1: Los Angeles Angles

#122: Philadelphia 76ers

Fan Relations – Players, coaches and management openness and consideration toward fans

#1: Pittsburgh Penguins

#122: Washington Wizards

Ownership – Honesty; loyalty to core players and local community

#1: Detroit Red Wings

#122: Los Angeles Clippers

Players – Effort on the field; likability off it

#1: Philadelphia Phillies

#122: Los Angeles Clippers

Stadium Experience – Quality of arena and game-day promotions; fan-friendliness of environment

#1: Minnesota Twins

#122: New York Islanders

Title Track – Championships already won or expected within lifetime of current fans

#1: Philadelphia Phillies

#122: Minnesota Timberwolves

Summertime in the sports business means two things:  The dog days of baseball are around the corner and if you are in the job market, you should be looking to teams that are out of season.  That is where most of the job opportunities are these days.  In order to keep the blog fresh, I have found the following jobs that are accepting applications for open positions.

Director of Marketing – San Francisco 49ers (Santa Clara, CA)

The Director of Marketing is responsible for all areas of advertising, brand development, merchandise, web and social media strategy, promotions, game operations, evaluating new marketing initiatives, and special events. Special events entail stadium entertainment, pre-game, post-game and half time ceremonies, sales & marketing events, including events at the 49ers training facility and stadium. Administrative duties include strategic planning, budgeting, media and agency negotiations, staffing and supervision. Key initiatives for position will focus on marketing strategy for 49ers new stadium in Santa Clara. Position could include the evaluation of bringing entertainment and production capabilities in-house.                               Additional Details

Vice President of Corporate Partnerships – Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew is seeking an energetic, enthusiastic and innovative sales executive to lead the organization’s Corporate Partnerships department. The Columbus Crew Vice President, Corporate Partnerships is an integral part of the management team that contributes significantly to the overall success of the club. This position will be primarily responsible for prospecting and selling corporate sponsorship packages at all levels with the specific goal of maximizing net revenue. Creating compelling new sponsorship assets, developing valuable partner marketing programs, packaging the club’s numerous broadcast, digital media, social media, grassroots, stadium and other assets, negotiating corporate trade agreements to reduce expense, raise awareness and drive ticket sales are all critical functions of this position. Finally, the VP Corporate Partnerships is responsible for insuring the timely,accurate and effective delivery of corporate partner deliverables providing the highest level of service to our corporate clients. Direct reports will include the Senior Director of Corporate Sales, Director of Hispanic Business Development and the Director of Partnership Relations. Click here to Apply:

Vice President, Arena Operations & Entertainment – Memphis Grizzlies & FedExForum (Memphis, TN)

Position Purpose

As a Senior Executive of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Vice President, Arena Operations & Entertainment oversees all aspects of FedExForum management to include: Guest Relations, Event Booking, Event Operations, Conversions, Office Administration, Engineering, Security, Parking and Tenant Contracting & Management. As a key member of the Executive Staff, this position will also be responsible for creating a corporate culture that motives staff to perform to their fullest and achieve corporate goals in a collaborative manner. You can click here for Additional Background

Director of Customer Relationship Management – Olympia Entertainment/Detroit Red Wings (Detroit, MI)

The Director of Customer Relationship Management is responsible for developing powerful, sales generating marketing strategies utilizing all available media to accomplish the goals of the overall marketing strategy. Effectively communicate the strategic direction to both internal and external support teams to ensure effective execution. Negotiate all contracts and marketing agreements with outside vendors. Continually monitor and analyze program effectiveness and modify strategic direction as necessary to obtain high impact results.                     Apply Here

Manager/Sr. Manager Business Development – NBA

The successful candidate is responsible for generating revenue for the NBA through the sale of marketing partnerships that leverage the core NBA, WNBA and NBA Development League assets including League Intellectual Property, calendar events (e.g., Tip-off, NBA All-Star, Playoffs, Finals, etc.) and marketing platforms (e.g., NBA Cares, NBA Fit, NBA Green, etc.). Apply Here

This last position was sent to me today after I posted the others.  Here is the full job description.

Fan Development Representative – Los Angeles Galaxy

Department: Ticket Sales (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Reports to:  Manager of Service and Business Systems, Senior Director of Ticket Sales

POSITION PURPOSE:

The team is seeking a passionate, hard-working and dedicated individual to spearhead a new position that will focus on fan development.  Specifically, this position will involve managing current relationships with fan clubs; growing the fan club membership; organizing away game viewing parties and away game trips; establishing and managing a kids club; and working with college students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Grow fan club membership – specifically through the selling of new full season seats
• Maintain and enhance relationship between front office and Galaxy fan clubs
• Manage fan club relationships at the organization level – security, banners at the stadium, singing, atmosphere at the game etc.
• Serve as primary point of contact for visiting fan clubs
• Develop a Galaxy “kids club” – establishing from the ground up including; creation of a business plan; fulfillment of all membership benefits; growing membership; ensuring the long-term success and viability of the program; integration of other departments as appropriate; maximizing sales leads generated through the program
• Seek out ways to enhance game day atmosphere
• Organize and manage away game viewing parties
• Organize away game trips/tickets for fans
• Create programs to directly connect with the student/college population within Southern California
• Manage relationships with existing fan club full season seat holders in conjunction with current LA Galaxy service specialist directives
• Work closely with ticket sales, service, marketing, PR, and operations etc.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor(s)

Specific Job Knowledge, Skill and Ability:

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Soccer knowledgeable – MLS and global leagues, understands and identifies with the soccer supporter
• A proactive self-starter
• Proven leadership experience
• Ability to produce accurate and timely reports
• Ability to think on feet and make decisions quickly that uphold the integrity of the company
• Highly motivated, naturally aggressive, with a positive attitude
• Exemplary self-discipline, professionalism, pride and work ethic
• Outstanding listening, written, and verbal communication skills
• Committed to personal integrity and team oriented
• Detail oriented with ability to multi-task effectively and with a sense of urgency, sometimes under a high level of stress
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Creativity and ability to see ideas through to successful execution
• Enthusiasm for and/or experience in professional sports sales and/or service
• Thoroughness and attention to detail
• Compliance with organizational directives
• Flexible hours required: working evenings/nights, weekends and holidays

Qualifications, Education, Formal Training and Experience:

• At least 1-3 years of sales experience (professional sports preferred)
• Experience and training in Ticketmaster, Archtics, Goldmine or other Customer Relationship Management system
• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Internet use, and other basic computer usage
• Knowledge of sales and customer service (sports industry specific a plus)
• Grooming – employee must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance. Good hygiene & professional appearance required.  Business casual attire in office and during events.  Employees may be required to wear Galaxy attire (to be provided) when representing the Galaxy in public.
• Work Environment – at times the noise level may be loud (especially during games)
• Bilingual (English & Spanish) a significant plus.

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary plus commissions and bonuses
• Full Benefits

OTHER

• This is a new position at the LA Galaxy. Major League Soccer has stressed the importance of growing the league’s fan clubs.  The Galaxy are committed to this philosophy and hence are dedicating an entire position and investing significant resources to this initiative. This position is a critical one for the Galaxy.  The ideal candidate brings enthusiasm, solid experience, and a natural desire to make a footprint at the Galaxy and within MLS

To Apply: