Principal, Concept & Initiative Communications

Nike•Beaverton, OR

12d

About The Position

At NIKE, the Communications team curates and amplifies the company’s narrative—building powerful relationships, influence, and opportunities through storytelling and experience. The Principal, Concept & Initiative Communications, ensures communication strategy is connected to the defining brand moments that shape NIKE’s global voice. The role will collaborate closely with the Brand Marketing team to surface stories that highlights the business and brand’s biggest moments and campaigns. This role will lead Olympics communications strategy and represent the communications function on the greater Olympics cross-functional team to ensure upstream planning and alignment. As a thought leader and subject matter expert, this individual manages complex, high-profile projects, mentors junior professionals, and provide strategic counsel to senior leaders across the business.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience or 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

Integrate deeply into Brand Marketing’s leadership and planning processes to ensure communications strategy is connected to the business and brand’s biggest moments and campaigns.
Lead Olympics communications strategy and partner with the Olympics & Concepts team to represent the communications function in upstream planning & alignment.
Lead communications for 3-4 of NIKE’s biggest brand anthems per year, working in lockstep with Brand Marketing and Sports Marketing to create communications strategies, messaging, and deliver insights and media opportunities back to the Communications team.
Serve as a strategic advisor to Global Brand Marketing Leadership Team.
Partner with the Employee Communications team to drive internal storytelling that reinforces Nike’s brand voice and connects employees to the company’s biggest moments of inspiration.
Translate complex, novel information into communication strategies for diverse audiences—including cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership.
Identify and solve communications challenges proactively, using independent judgment and the development of new concepts and approaches.
Mentor and coach more junior professionals, contributing to team growth and communication excellence across the function.
Represent the brand at major global sport & brand moments –interfacing with athlete teams, agencies, and media when needed.
Prepare messaging, briefing documents, media tools, and strategic narratives that reinforce Nike as a brand of sport, innovation, performance, and purpose.