Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs

Description Position Overview The Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs is responsible for supporting the organization's communications strategy and executing initiatives that strengthen Hornets Sports & Entertainment’s (HSE) reputation, expand audience engagement, and advance business objectives. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO), this position serves as a strategic communications partner across the organization, collaborating with business leaders to ensure consistent, effective, and timely communications. Working collaboratively across Business Operations, the Vice President develops integrated communications strategies that enhance the Hornets brand, strengthen relationships with media, civic and business leaders, corporate partners, and the community, while supporting revenue growth, fan engagement, and organizational priorities. Hornets Values We operate with ​the highest level of integrity , driven by moral standards that guide us in everything we do. We communicate with full candor ; openly, honestly, and respectfully with clarity. We work in the spirit of one team , committed to one vision, shared values, and an inclusive culture that ensures every person feels valued and respected. We hold ourselves accountable , and responsible to raise high levels of expectations of ourselves and our team. We compete at the highest levels and strive to be the best at everything we do We act with resilience and thrive in the face of challenges bringing others along with us. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop and lead a bold, forward-thinking communications strategy that advances the Charlotte Hornets' vision, strengthens the organization's brand, grows its audience, and supports long-term business and basketball objectives. Serve as a trusted strategic advisor providing counsel to the President, Executive Leadership Team, and Business, leading organizational messaging, reputation management, executive positioning, and strategic communications opportunities. Position the Charlotte Hornets as one of the NBA's premier organizations by creating compelling narratives that elevate the franchise, strengthen brand affinity, and increase relevance locally, nationally, and globally. Drive innovative communications strategies that attract new fans, deepen engagement with existing audiences, and strengthen relationships with business leaders, civic organizations, corporate partners, and community stakeholders. Build, cultivate, and leverage high-impact relationships with local and national media, NBA Communications, broadcast partners, digital creators, influencers, industry leaders, and emerging voices to maximize earned media and expand organizational influence. Work with external allies and/or consultants collaboratively as needed to amplify our messaging and platform and build external relations. Develop integrated executive communications strategies, including speeches, presentations, thought leadership, media preparation, and public appearances that elevate the visibility and influence of organizational leadership. Lead the organization's internal communications strategy to ensure employees are informed, inspired, and connected to the Charlotte Hornets' vision, strategic priorities, culture, and organizational achievements. Partner with the Vice President of Basketball Communications to ensure a unified organizational voice and coordinated messaging across initiatives involving both business and basketball operations. Identify emerging trends, technologies, platforms, and storytelling opportunities that expand audience reach, enhance fan engagement, and position the organization at the forefront of innovation in sports communications. Develop communications strategies that strengthen the Hornets' reputation as a leader in sports, entertainment, business, and community impact while highlighting the organization's contributions throughout Charlotte and the Carolinas. Lead proactive reputation management initiatives by anticipating emerging issues, developing crisis communication strategies, and providing executive counsel during high-profile or sensitive situations. Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with all business units to ensure proactive strategic alignment and a consistent organizational voice across all stakeholder touchpoints as well as manage executive presence and messages via panels, speaking engagements, etc., while proactively creating opportunities for HSE executives and ownership to grow new and strategic audiences locally, nationally and internationally. Establish measurable communications objectives and key performance indicators to evaluate brand sentiment, earned media, audience growth, executive visibility, and organizational reputation. Leverage insights and analytics to continuously refine communications strategies and maximize impact while creating a platform to share the data driven outcomes. Build, lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing communications team that embraces creativity, innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Represent the Charlotte Hornets and Hornets Sports & Entertainment at NBA meetings, league initiatives, community engagements, business events, and other strategic forums while serving as a visible ambassador for the organization. Continuously evaluate communications best practices, emerging industry trends, and innovative approaches to ensure the Charlotte Hornets remain an industry leader in strategic communications, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement. Required Skills, Experience and Abilities To perform the job successfully, you should demonstrate the following competencies: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business, or a related field required; master's degree preferred. Minimum of 12 years of progressive communications leadership experience. Experience leading communications for a professional sports organization, major consumer brand, entertainment company, media organization, or similarly high-profile organization. Demonstrated success developing integrated communications strategies that support measurable business objectives. Significant executive communications and leadership experience. Experience managing crisis communications, reputation management, and complex organizational issues. Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media, executives, business leaders, civic organizations, and community stakeholders. Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong strategic thinking, sound judgment, and decision-making abilities. Demonstrated leadership experience developing and managing high-performing teams. Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments while managing competing priorities. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment. Experience utilizing communications analytics and performance metrics to evaluate and improve results. Willingness to work evenings, weekends and events as required within a professional sports environment. Additional Information This is a full time benefit eligible position. HSE is dedicated to creating and upholding a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity. HSE provides valuable benefits and competitive time off policies to help you and your family lead healthy, balanced lives. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All requests for medical or religious accommodations to perform the stated job duties will be considered.