ABOUT PORTLAND FIRE:
Professional women’s basketball is returning to Rip City. On September 18, 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) awarded Portland its 15th franchise, bringing the league back to the city for the first time in over two decades. Owned and operated by the Bhathal family through RAJ Sports, the team will make its official debut in 2026 at the Moda Center. Portland is cementing itself as the epicenter of women’s sports, powered by a passionate fan base and a rich basketball culture. At Portland Fire, we’re building more than a team, we’re creating a modern, inclusive, and community-driven organization from the ground up. With innovation, integrity, and excellence at our core, our mission is to set a new standard in women’s professional basketball - delivering excellence on the court, inspiring fans, and serving the city we call home. As we prepare for our inaugural season, we’re looking for passionate, driven professionals to help shape the future of this franchise and the future of the game.
THE ROLE:
As the Creative Director for the Portland Fire, you’ll shape the visual and narrative identity of Portland’s newest WNBA team. From branding and campaigns to game-day visuals and community outreach, you’ll be the heartbeat of how the Fire looks, feels, and inspires. You’ll lead all creative efforts across platforms, build and manage an in-house creative team, and collaborate with external partners to spark fan connection, drive engagement, and ignite the city.
WHAT YOU’ll BE UP TO:
- Develop the creative strategy to position the Fire as a modern, innovative, disruptive and community-driven franchise.
- Uphold the brand guidelines across all internal and external touchpoints.
- Oversee all creative output: graphic design, photography, videography, animation, and storytelling.
- Direct brand campaigns, launch materials, merchandise visuals, social content, and in-arena experiences.
- Build and lead a multi-disciplinary creative team (designers, content creators, etc.).
- Collaborate closely with marketing, community, digital, partnerships, and game presentation teams.
- Concept and execute high-impact, original campaigns for season launches, ticket sales, merchandise drops, community initiatives, and national moments.
- Champion creative that reflects Portland’s culture, diversity, and the spirit of women’s sports.
- Guide content creation across platforms: social media, website, email, OOH, digital, and video.
- Manage and prioritize creative projects, ensuring deadlines are met and resources are allocated effectively to achieve desired outcomes.
- Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in visual design and branding, and integrate relevant innovations into our creative processes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop creative concepts and strategies that effectively communicate our brand message.
- Collaborate with external vendors, freelancers, and agencies as needed to support project requirements.
WHAT IT TAKES:
- 9+ years of relevant experience in a related field, with a strong portfolio showcasing your design expertise and creativity.
- Proven experience managing creative teams, with a track record of inspiring and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality work.
- Strong understanding of branding principles, visual identity systems, and trademark management.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external constituents.
- Detail-oriented with a keen eye for design aesthetics and a commitment to quality and accuracy.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant tools.
- Passion for sports and a deep understanding of sports culture and fan engagement.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, Salary Range $105,000 - $120,000
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth of women's basketball
Ready to Be a Game Changer in Portland? Apply Now!
If you’re ready to shape the future of Portland Fire, we want to hear from you. Join us as we make history—on and off the court.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter outlining how your skills and experience make you a strong candidate for this role.
Portland Fire is 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.
About Portland Fire Ownership, RAJ Sports:
RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the Portland Fire expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports
