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:
The Portland Fire is searching for a seasoned marketing professional to serve as the Director of Game Experience and Events reporting into the SVP Marketing. In this role, you will play a key role in creating and developing the team’s game experience strategy from the ground up. As we reignite the Fire in Portland, this role will be responsible for crafting energic in-arena moments, traditions, and immersive entertainment that reflects the energy of our city, the passion of our fans, and the excellence of the WNBA. This is a foundational role that will shape the culture, identity, and emotional heartbeat of Fire home games — from the moment fans enter the arena to the final buzzer (and beyond).
The ideal candidate has a strong background in live event management, sports entertainment, and game presentation. The person in this role should be a master collaborator, with the ability to work across departments including Partnerships, Creative Design, Community Impact, and Ticketing, as well as manage external relationships with vendors and partners. This role requires a proactive individual with a passion for sports, particularly women's basketball, and the ability to work non-traditional hours in a fast-paced environment.
WHAT YOU’ll BE UP TO:
- Develop and own the comprehensive game experience strategy for all Portland Fire home games, aligning with brand values, fan expectations, and league standards.
- Build a long-term vision for what Portland Fire game days look, feel, and sound like — from rituals to run-of-show cadence.
- Serve as the primary ''show caller,'' coordinating all elements of in-game entertainment, including pre-game ceremonies, promotions, video content, scoreboard updates, music selection, and performances ensuring seamless execution during live events.
- Create and evolve signature moments and traditions unique to the Portland Fire (e.g., player introductions, fan chants, victory songs, etc.).
- Lead all aspects of in-arena production, including scripting, run-of-show, music, lighting, video, and overall creative direction.
- Work cross-functionally with marketing, digital, partnerships, and basketball operations to ensure synergy and storytelling across all platforms.
- Manage production crews, game-day staff, announcers, DJs, and in-arena hosts
- Recruit, manage, and inspire all entertainment teams, including but not limited to: dance teams, hype squad, emcee, DJ, PA
- Collaborate with local artists, musicians, and cultural groups to infuse Portland’s spirit and diversity into the entertainment offering.
- Set performance standards and lead rehearsals, training, and creative development.
- Build emotional touchpoints that create lifelong memories and deepen fan loyalty.
- Monitor in-game energy and implement tactics to keep crowd engagement high throughout the event.
- Secure and manage vendors and agency partners in the execution of game day operations and activations
- Direct the game-day production team, including music, graphics, video board content, and live performances.
- Assist in the development and management of yearly budgets for the game day specific needs
- Create game day scripts and work with the PA announcer to coordinate player introductions, crowd prompts, and sponsor activations.
- Oversee the hiring of national anthem singers and halftime entertainment for all home games
- Troubleshoot and resolve any technical or logistical issues during the event.
What it Takes:
- 8+ years of experience in a relevant field, with a proven track record of leading game day operations and events
- Proven experience "show calling" for live events and a deep understanding of live event production, including sound and lighting design, video production, and live entertainment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills, able to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
- Experience and interest in live event production.
- Passion for the growth and development of women's basketball, with a vested interest in advancing the sport and engaging fans through
BENEFITS
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, Salary Range $100,000 - $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
