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 Senior Director of Marketing. In this role, you will play a leadership position within the Marketing team, overseeing marketing campaigns that drive fan acquisition, revenue and brand storytelling through our owned and paid channels. The person in this role should be a master collaborator, managing key internal relationships for Marketing with departments including Partnerships, Creative Design, Community Impact, and Ticketing, as well as external relationships with vendors and partners. They will have a proven track record of aligning stakeholders and translating business objectives into marketing plans that have driven business results. As a strategic thought partner with the SVP of Marketing & Communications, this role will drive brand strategy, social media, creative direction, grow the Fire fanbase, and reach our business goals. This role requires a proactive individual with a passion for sports, particularly women's basketball, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
WHAT YOU’ll BE UP TO:
- Drive the brand vision and outline brand strategy for the Portland Fire
- Lead brand marketing team and manage agency relationships to bring the Fire brand to life
- Oversee creative director and team of creatives to produce all Fire brand assets
- Oversee social strategy and the social media team
- Collaborate with ticketing, merchandise, game presentation and partnership teams on key initiatives
- Ideate and develop brand campaigns ensuring brand consistency and creativity
- Support existing partnership relationships and new business through collaboration with Fire partnerships team
- Set clear goals, provide professional development opportunities, and ensure high performance within the team.
- Stay updated on trends in digital marketing, social media, and sports entertainment to leverage new opportunities.
- Ensure consistency in tone, voice, and messaging across platforms.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and activities to inform marketing strategies.
WHAT IT TAKES:
- Bachelor's degree in digital marketing, communications, or related field.
- 9+ years of experience in a relevant field, with a proven track record of managing and executing marketing campaigns with a focus on digital channels.
- Strong understanding of marketing strategy and digital marketing channels.
- 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.
- Creative thinker with the ability to generate new ideas and concepts for marketing initiatives.
- Has a deep understanding of the digital ecosystem, the nuanced differences of the
- Has a basic understanding of UX/UI.
- Highly collaborative with the ability to function as the hub for all marketing and creative initiatives
- Experience and interest in sports, sports culture, and fan engagement.
- Passion for the growth and development of women's basketball, with a vested interest in advancing the sport and engaging fans through digital channels.
BENEFITS:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, Salary Range $120,000 - $140,000.
- 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
