Sweets seek play-by-play broadcaster for 2018

Job Opening: Radio Play-by-Play/Communications Coordinator

Walla Walla (WA) Sweets/West Coast League
Start Date: January 1, 2018 (in-market May 1, 2018)

The Walla Walla Sweets, the West Coast League’s premier baseball and fan-experience franchise, seek a talented, driven, and team-oriented broadcaster to become the team’s play-by-play voice on the Walla Walla Sweets Radio Network. If you love baseball, have a talent for painting pictures on the air, and like the idea of working with a Front Office that is focused on quality customer service and winning championships—then you would be a great fit as the next voice of the Sweets.

The Walla Walla Sweets broadcast all regular-season and playoff games live on-air, over the internet, and via mobile device. ESPN Walla Walla is our network partner, simulcast on 1490 AM and 100.1 FM, reaching over 50,000 local listeners in the Walla Walla Valley and into southeastern Oregon. We produce a broadcast on par with minor-league-standard broadcast facilities, in concert with a wonderful team of professionals from ESPN Walla Walla. Our new play-by-play voice is expected to take the broadcast helm at a minimum of 59 games in 2018—not including playoffs. As team broadcaster, you will travel with the team throughout the beautiful Pacific Northwest—experiencing a professional and creative environment that is unmatched at the summer collegiate level. You will welcome guests and color commentators into the booth, and seamlessly weave their dialog into action on the field. Our goal is to have you recognized as the top voice talent in the WCL – and there are many great ones.

The Sweets have a long history of deploying the most sophisticated broadcast and integrated communications platform in the WCL—and we expect that tradition to continue. We will be adding a live-stream video component for the 2018 season, so a broadcaster well-versed in multi-media editing and presentation is a must.

In addition to play-by-play responsibilities, this position comes with the title of Media Relations & Communications Coordinator—working side-by-side with the general manager and team president to develop pre-season/in-season/post-season content for print, digital, and video platforms. This position also works closely with Front Office personnel to enhance the team’s social media experience, by regularly contributing on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest and others. As the in-season media relations contact—you will be responsible for press release creation/distribution, and the fielding of all inquiries from local newspapers, and television/radio stations.

Walla Walla is a wonderful community that has enthusiastically supported the Sweets (in record numbers), ever since our inaugural season in 2010. Having drawn 335,000+ fans in-stadium since 2010, we are seeking a broadcaster whose personality can mirror the enthusiasm of fans every single night of the season. Are you that person? Then keep reading and apply below!

NOTE: You must have (or be able to obtain by April 15, 2018) a valid U.S. Passport for international travel.

Applicants must provide the following in addition to their resume to be considered:

At least (3) play-by-play audio samples, with a strong preference given to baseball calls
(3) writing samples, with one in each of the following formats:
Article format
AP Format (press release)
Blog format
(1) example of design work in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc) – please note in your application if you do not have an applicable example
Example of video editing / creation
Any other multi-media samples that will help distinguish you from other applicants
Proof of valid passport (or the ability to get one, such as a valid driver’s license and social security card)

Qualifications:

At least (2) years of radio play-by-play experience at the collegiate or pro level is required, with experience in baseball given high priority
Have a current and working knowledge of broadcast equipment, both analog and digital – you are your own IT guy on the road
Possess a strong multi-platform writing ability – AP format, article format, blog and conversational format, etc
Have experience with video and audio editing software
Show an understanding of and proficiency in using social media applications, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest and others
Exhibit experience with content management systems, such as websites, back-door statistical sites, mobile application management, etc
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and preference to candidates with experience working with Adobe Creative Suite
Display the ability to multi-task
Must work comfortably with abnormal hours, including travel with the team
Must maintain a professional presentation – you are an ambassador of the team in the community and on the road!
This position requires a team player, familiar and comfortable with the game of baseball, and capable of pitching in when the need arises, even if it isn’t a media or radio need
Display the ability to work closely with players and coaches, maintaining a professional manner within those relationships

Start Date:

Projects begin as soon as hired – Targeting a January 1, 2018 start date (with work done remotely)
Must be available to be in market no later than May 1, 2018
Must be able to stay in market through the end of the season (no earlier than August 25, 2018

Benefits:

Lead PXP voice over a full summer season – great resume builder
Host Family will be provided
Compensation based on experience – this is a PAID position
Hotel and per diem expenses are provided while traveling with the team

Ready to apply? Please do the following:

Email your cover letter, resume and portfolio pieces to our general manager – dan@wallawallasweets-com.securec43.ezhostingserver.com.
IMPORTANT: Click on this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SweetsBroadcast18 to fill out an application.

By: Walla Walla Sweets

Date: December 26, 2017