ABOUT PORTLAND WNBA:

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 WNBA, 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:
Portland WNBA is seeking a dynamic and collaborative Vice President of Marketing to lead the development and execution of brand and performance marketing strategies that drive fan engagement, community connection, and commercial growth.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the identity and visibility of a new professional women’s basketball team from the ground up. You will drive our go-to-market strategy as we build toward tipoff in May 2026 - overseeing brand positioning and awareness, integrated campaigns, game experience, digital media, and fan acquisition. Reporting to the Team President, you will work cross-functionally to ensure our marketing efforts are cohesive - guiding how the team shows up, in Portland and on the national stage.

WHAT YOU’LL BE UP TO:

Lead development and implementation of Portland WNBA’s brand identity, voice, and positioning across all platforms.
Develop and implement a comprehensive brand marketing strategy, messaging, and positioning that connects emotionally with fans and elevates women’s basketball.
Oversee creation of all creative and branded content, working closely with internal teams and external agencies.
Build and lead high-impact performance marketing strategies across paid media, search, social, CRM, and owned content.
Lead full-funnel fan acquisition and retention strategies to drive ticket sales and event attendance.
Align closely with ticketing and data teams to deliver seamless, measurable fan journeys from awareness to conversion.
Oversee the team’s in-venue marketing, game presentation, and entertainment strategies for a world-class fan experience at the Moda Center.
Oversee all fan and grassroots marketing programs, including school outreach, community activations, youth clinics, watch parties, and brand pop-ups.
Ensure marketing efforts reflect the voice of the Portland community, ensuring authenticity and inclusion are at the center of every initiative.
Lead the team’s digital presence including website, email, social platforms, and content strategy, innovating and adapting based on fan sentiments and emerging trends in digital engagement and creator culture.
Leverage data and insights to inform marketing strategies, identify target audiences, and optimize campaign performance.
Continuously monitor and analyze campaign performance data to identify opportunities for optimization and improvement.
Manage the marketing budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and maximizing return on investment.
Manage the multidisciplinary team of marketing, creative, content, and community professionals, including setting goals, providing direction, and ensuring effective execution of campaigns and initiatives.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE ON OUR TEAM:

8+ years of experience in marketing, brand, or audience development, preferably in sports, entertainment, or a culturally driven brand.
Proven success executing integrated campaigns and full-funnel marketing strategies that drive business outcomes.
Deep understanding of brand building, content strategy, creative development, and community engagement.
Proficient in digital marketing channels (paid media, email, CRM, SEO, social platforms)
Strong analytical skills and experience working with marketing data and analytics tools.
Deep understanding of creative and production processes in both traditional and non-traditional media.
Skilled in project management, team leadership, and cross functional collaboration.
High emotional intelligence and outstanding communication skills.
Proactive and persuasive, with excellent negotiating and relationship building skills.
Passion for women’s basketball and shaping the future of women’s professional sports.

BENEFITS:

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, salary $138K - $158K
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’s newest WNBA team, 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 WNBA 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 WNBA 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 WNBA Portland expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports

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