Executive Assistant
Portland Fire
Full-time
On-site
Portland, Oregon, United States
$70,000 - $80,000 USD yearly
Professional Sports, Basketball, Administration
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:
The Executive Assistant (EA) to the General Manager will provide high-level administrative and operational support to the General Manager (GM) of the Portland Fire. This individual will serve as a trusted partner in managing the GM’s schedule, communications, and daily priorities, while also supporting key basketball operations initiatives. The EA will act as a liaison between the GM, internal departments, league representatives, players, and external stakeholders, ensuring efficiency, professionalism, and discretion at all times.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of the newly established women's professional basketball team by supporting the GM and fostering a positive team environment for the players, coaches and front office staff. If you are an enthusiastic and driven individual with a passion for basketball and exceptional organizational skills, we encourage you to apply for this exciting position.
WHAT YOU’LL BE UP TO:
Administrative Support
Administrative Support
- Manage the GM’s calendar, travel, expenses, and correspondence.
- Prepare and organize meetings, including agenda creation, meeting minutes, and follow-up action items and occasionally room set up and catering.
- Draft, proofread, and manage sensitive communications.
Basketball Operations Coordination
- Manage player and staff onboarding checklist, building welcome packets for prospective acquisitions.
- Assist in scheduling and coordinating basketball operations activities (scouting meetings, player visits, draft preparation, etc.).
- Support logistics related to training camp, player onboarding, and team events.
- Maintain key databases, including scouting files, player contracts, and league submissions.
Liaison & Communication
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the GM, handling inquiries with discretion and judgment.
- Coordinate communication between the GM and staff, league offices, agents, and community partners.
- Represent the GM’s office with professionalism in all internal and external interactions.
Project & Event Support
- Exhibit innovation through special projects that further develop club initiatives.
- Assist with special projects, including community events, team functions, and league initiatives.
- Organize team-building activities, events, and workshops to strengthen team dynamics and unity.
- Support logistics for draft, free agency, and trade deadlines.
- Partner with business operations staff to ensure smooth execution of cross-departmental initiatives.
- Coordinate all logistics for VIPs on game days (including but not limited to parking, tickets, credentials, dinner reservations/catering etc.)
- Perform a range of administrative tasks and work collaboratively with other administrative departments within the organization such as Finance, People & Culture, Sr. Leadership, etc.
WHAT IT TAKES:
- Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or similar administrative role, preferably in the sports industry with basketball experience.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Attention to detail is critical.
- Demonstrated ability to elevate the experience of all the stakeholders who interact with the club/business.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact with individuals at all levels.
- A combination of educational and professional experience in the 3–5-year range (depending on the type of experience and levels of responsibility).
- Passion for basketball and an understanding of the women's professional basketball landscape.
- Empathetic and approachable personality, with the ability to build positive relationships with players and staff.
- Exhibits professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
- Proficiency in using office productivity software and scheduling tools.
- Experience managing the logistics of travel for executives and for employees relocating to a new city.
- Available at home games to assist with duties in-person, travel to away games as needed
BENEFITS:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, $70,000-$80,000
- 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