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 looking for a driven and detail-oriented Marketing Manager to join our team and support the brand marketing efforts the expansion franchise. This role is uniquely positioned at the intersection of brand development, game-day experience, project execution, and cross-functional collaboration.
You will help bring the team’s brand to life through season-long campaigns, in-arena signage, theme nights, giveaways, and community activations, while collaborating with key business leaders in partnerships, ticket sales, broadcast and merchandise. If you thrive in a fast-paced, sports-driven environment where no two days are the same—this is the role for you.
WHAT YOU’LL BE UP TO:
Brand Marketing & Strategy Execution
- Support the development and execution of brand marketing campaigns that engage fans and elevate the team’s identity both in and out of the arena.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to create seasonal narratives, theme nights, and promotional strategies tied to key tentpole moments.
- Assist with the rollout of campaigns across digital, print, in-arena, and community channels.
Game-Day Marketing & Promotions
- Lead the creative planning and execution of home game theme nights, including concepting, coordination, and day-of support.
- Manage giveaway strategy, working closely with vendors on procurement, production timelines, delivery, and distribution logistics.
- Coordinate with internal departments (Game Presentation, Community Relations, Ticketing) to ensure cohesive fan-facing promotions.
- Manage the planning and production of in-arena signage and environmental graphics, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines.
- Work with operations and game-day staff to troubleshoot and maintain quality control of brand elements throughout the venue.
Inbound Project Management & Creative Briefing
- Own and optimize the inbound marketing project process, from intake and scoping to assignment and execution.
- Develop clear and strategic creative briefs that align with campaign objectives and team brand standards.
- Track and manage multiple marketing projects across departments and external agencies, ensuring timely delivery and approval.
Marketing Procurement & Budgeting
- Manage procurement efforts for branded merchandise, giveaways, signage, and creative services.
- Manage vendor relationships, POs, budget tracking, and collaboration with finance and legal teams.
What it Takes:
- 5+ years of experience in brand marketing, sports marketing, or entertainment marketing.
- Strong project management background with experience managing creative development, game-day operations, and multi-channel campaigns.
- Knowledge of arena branding, signage production, and game-day marketing logistics.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders and departments with precision and clear communication.
- Understanding of procurement and vendor management in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Familiarity with fan engagement strategies, particularly in live sports or entertainment contexts.
BENEFITS:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, Salary Range $75,000-$85,000
- 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
