Director of Community Impact
Portland Fire
Full-time
On-site
Portland, Oregon, United States
$100,000 - $120,000 USD yearly
Professional Sports, Basketball, Community Relations, Director
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.
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:
As the Director of Community Impact, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing our strategic initiatives to enhance the Portland Fire presence. Your responsibilities will include developing and implementing creative programming, fostering partnerships, and coordinating events that align with our values and objectives. You will be instrumental in building a team environment that drives community impact, increases our fan base, and generates additional revenue.
WHAT YOU’LL BE UP TO:
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance Portland Fire's reputation and community presence.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with surrounding neighborhoods, cultural organizations, community leaders, youth, non-profit organizations, schools, and local institutions to strengthen the organizations presence in diverse communities.
- Create, implement, and execute a creative vision for community programming that aligns with our team's goals and values.
- Build and lead a team to develop and implement community impact strategies.
- Plan and execute community and youth events, programs, and partnerships.
- Coordinate volunteer opportunities for staff, members, and fans, engaging them in community service projects.
- Develop youth-focused programs featuring our players and staff, including clinics, camps, mentorship opportunities, and career pathways.
- Collaborate with internal departments and constituents, including marketing, public relations, and player relations, to ensure alignment with community engagement efforts and promotion of Portland Fire.
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE ON OUR TEAM:
- Proven track record of planning and executing successful events, including logistics, budget, and resource management.
- Experience in budget management, including forecasting, tracking, and optimizing resources.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives, with a focus on community engagement and impact.
- Strong leadership skills with experience in team building, mentoring, and coaching.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to effectively engage with diverse constituents including community leaders, organizations, and volunteers, fostering trust, collaboration, and long-term partnerships.
- Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative solutions and programming to address community needs and objectives.
- Passion for basketball, women's sports, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, Salary Range $100,000 - $120,000
- 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