This Player Relations role with the Connecticut Sun leads all off-court aspects of the Connecticut Sun player experience, ensuring athletes are supported, empowered, and connected to organizational, community, and league resources. Acting as a trusted liaison among players, families, agents, coaches, the WNBA, and staff, this role drives initiatives in onboarding, personal development, well-being, brand building, and community engagement. The position is central to enhancing player satisfaction, retention, and the team’s reputation.
Key Responsibilities
Player Experience & Support
- Lead onboarding and relocation support for new players (Visas, housing, transportation, schooling, acclimation).
- Serve as primary off-court resource and advocate, building trusted relationships with players and families.
- Anticipate and address player needs, ensuring a positive daily experience.
- Organize team-building and culture-focused activities.
Player Development & Programs
- Design and oversee engagement programs (financial literacy, mental wellness, leadership, career transition, media/brand training).
- Align initiatives with organizational culture, WNBA priorities, and industry best practices.
Community & Partnerships
- Coordinate offseason team marketing agreements
- Collaborate with Business Operations and Partnerships teams to integrate players into sponsor and community programs.
- Ensure appearances are impactful, well-coordinated, and mutually beneficial.
- Expand opportunities for players to connect with fans and elevate the Sun brand.
Liaison & Advocacy
- Serve as key communicator between players, staff, agents, and external stakeholders.
- Advocate for player needs while balancing organizational priorities.
- Handle sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.
Measurement & Reporting
- Establish KPIs (e.g., player satisfaction, program participation, community feedback).
- Track, report, and evaluate engagement outcomes; recommend improvements.
- Benchmark Sun initiatives against WNBA and industry standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in sports management, business, communications, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
- 5–7 years’ experience in player services, athlete development, or team operations (professional/collegiate).
- Proven success creating and implementing athlete-focused programs.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- High emotional intelligence and cultural awareness; skilled in managing sensitive information.
- Organized, adaptable, and capable of balancing logistics and relationships.
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.
- Knowledge of league policies, CBAs, and player welfare processes preferred.
Success Measures
- Smooth player onboarding and retention.
- High satisfaction and participation in engagement programs.
- Positive feedback from players, partners, and community stakeholders.
- Recognition of the Connecticut Sun as a leader in off-court player support.
- Strengthened team culture and organizational reputation.
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.
