Principal, Sport, Athlete & Marketing Comms at Nike

Beaverton, Oregon, United States

Nike Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Sports Marketing, Athletic Apparel, Brand CommunicationsIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in corporate communications, brand storytelling, sports marketing, or PR—preferably with a global brand or agency
  • Strong background in leading integrated communications strategies across sport, culture and brand moments
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate on cross-functional brand campaigns, including storytelling and earned media support
  • Ability to synthesize complex and novel information into clear communications for varied audiences
  • Demonstrated experience solving problems independently and developing innovative, scalable communications solutions
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; confident presenter and executive communicator
  • Strong media relations and message development expertise
  • Recognized as a thought leader and subject matter expert in brand or athlete communications
  • Highly collaborative, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders
  • Experience mentoring or coaching junior team members and fostering talent growth
  • Deep understanding of sport, cultural trends and athlete impact

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a core link between Global Communications and Sports Marketing ensuring athlete insights translate into clear, compelling communications strategies
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with communications counterparts across major sports organizations, clubs, and federations—ensuring close alignment on messaging, storytelling opportunities, key sport moments and business activity
  • Develop, collaborate and execute communications plans that position athletes and sports partnerships at the center of NIKE’s global storytelling
  • Identify and assess risk—collaborating with Legal, Business Affairs, and partner teams to manage emerging issues and safeguard Nike’s reputation
  • Navigate complex communications scenarios, including breaking news, sensitive topics, or geopolitical dynamics, with professionalism and precision
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Brand Marketing, Business Affairs, Legal, and external partners to ensure alignment on communications strategies
  • Represent NIKE, Inc. at athlete and sport moments, managing athlete interviews and providing real-time communications support
  • Contribute to team excellence by sharing knowledge and helping build a culture of collaboration and innovation

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Communications StrategyAthlete StorytellingSports MarketingStakeholder ManagementRisk AssessmentCrisis CommunicationsCross-Functional CollaborationBrand PositioningMedia RelationsEvent Representation

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience level is required for this role?

The position requires 8+ years of relevant experience in corporate communications, brand storytelling, sports marketing, or PR, preferably with a global brand or agency.

What education is needed for the Principal role?

A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field is required, or any suitable combination of education, experience, and training.

Is this a remote or on-site position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Who will I be working with in this role?

You will collaborate across a highly matrixed organization with NIKE, Inc. Brand & Corporate Communications teams, Global Sports Marketing teams, Global Strategy, Brand Marketing, Legal and ZHR, Business Affairs, external athlete representatives and agencies, key sport partner communications teams, and senior leadership.

Nike

Designs and sells athletic footwear and apparel

About Nike

Nike designs, manufactures, and sells a variety of footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories aimed at athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday consumers. Their products are created to be stylish and performance-oriented, catering to the needs of a diverse clientele. Nike operates through multiple sales channels, including retail stores, online platforms, and third-party retailers, and enhances its brand image through endorsements from well-known athletes and sports teams. A key aspect of Nike's approach is its membership program, which offers exclusive access to products and content, fostering a deeper connection with consumers. Unlike many competitors, Nike places a strong emphasis on sustainability and corporate responsibility, integrating these values into its operations and product development. The company's goal is to continue growing by creating products that resonate with consumers while promoting positive social and environmental impact.

Beaverton, OregonHeadquarters
1964Year Founded
IPOCompany Stage
Consumer Software, Social Impact, Consumer GoodsIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Remote Work Options
Flexible Work Hours

Risks

Emerging sportswear brands increase competition through digital marketing and direct sales.
Rising raw material costs could impact Nike's profit margins.
Consumer backlash over labor practices could harm Nike's brand reputation.

Differentiation

Nike integrates electronics into footwear for active recovery, enhancing product innovation.
The company capitalizes on retro designs, appealing to nostalgic consumers.
Nike's strong brand loyalty is bolstered by high-profile athlete endorsements.

Upsides

Nike's partnership with Oaklands Wolves boosts brand visibility among younger demographics.
Significant investments indicate strong investor confidence in Nike's growth prospects.
Nike's recognition as a socially responsible stock appeals to environmentally conscious investors.

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