Director of PR, Versus Network

Sounds like the Publicist and this Director of PR goes hand in hand. Maybe you could have two SportsJournalists.com folks working together ... or in newspaper speak, perhaps they'd have one person fill both jobs and get away with a smaller salary!

Company: VERSUS
Position: Director, Public Relations
Location: Stamford, Connecticut
Job Status: Full-time
Salary: Negotiable
Ad Expires: May 23, 2007
Job ID: 767342
Website: http://www.versus.com


Description:
Primary Job Function (summary): Oversee all aspects of public and media relations for the fastest growing sports network

Primary Responsibilities: Direct all PR efforts to support major initiatives, including regular network programming, original show premieres and major sporting events (i.e. Tour de France, National Hockey League, Professional Bull Riding Championships, America’s Cup.

Develop long-term communications plan for network with the flexibility to “operate on the fly” at a rapidly growing network.

Manage staff and agency to execute strategic plans.

Build relationships with key media to secure print, television and radio placements.

Secure media interviews and speaking opportunities for network executives to increase network visibility.

Coordinate corporate communications efforts with Comcast, the network’s parent company, including major network acquisitions, Ad Sales and Affiliate Sales initiatives.

Identify trade and consumer publicity opportunities and act as a liaison between all departments and agency to provide information needed to pitch stories and prepare press releases.

Oversee PR functions/announcements at relevant industry trade shows.

Act as VERSUS spokesperson when appropriate.


Job-related Education/Skills/Experience: Bachelors degree plus a minimum of 8 years work experience in cable and/or sports PR experience; Knowledge of new media and emerging entertainment trends and platforms; existing trade and consumer contacts a plus. Managerial/supervisory skills with the ability to direct work flow and oversee all departmental activities. Creative and strategic thinker and planner; good negotiator. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to identify problems and provide solutions. Strong understanding of public relations; attention to detail. Ability to handle many projects simultaneously and to react flexibly and immediately to changes that may occur. Ability to work well with a variety of people and departments to orchestrate completion of projects. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Professional behavior in representing VERSUS to all those you come in contact with, both inside and outside the company. Highly motivated; able to work well under pressure; goal-oriented, self-motivated and proactive.

Versus is an equal opportunity employer

Please visit www.versus.com to apply online.

 

Again, it's great to have 300-plus looks at this job and no responses other than this note. Kinda funny.

 

They don't need better PR, they need a better slot on people's cable boxes. On mine it's 259.

 

Maybe that's because the wise among us know what's not stated in the ad: Endless hours, on call all hours of the day and night, marriage-busting travel, etc etc.

And if you know even a little about PR, you'll always have someone mad at you, either the media for not helping enough, or your bosses, for helping too much.

 

PR's not for everyone, that's for sure. I wonder what Versus is doing when this whole Landis-Armstrong issue is getting attention and, say what you want about cycling, but it is getting on front pages of some sports sections in May.

Versus = hockey (love it), Tour de France (not a big fan either way) and the America's Cup (Zzzzz). One out of three is bad.

 

Besides, you're covering shit-kickin' bull-riding. Those are different people altogether.

 

The main job is to tell people what channel they are on.