Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and External Relations

The Assistant AD for Communications and External Relations serves as a key member of the Centre College Athletics Administration, reporting to the Deputy Director of Athletics.  This position oversees and directs the athletic communications efforts for 25 intercollegiate sports, managing a team that includes one full-time Assistant Director of Athletics Communications, one part-time Assistant Director, students, gameday staff, and three professional staff with secondary duties in the area of athletics communications. 

This position is responsible for the department website, the creation and distribution of social media content, live stream coordination, written coverage, statistical coverage, and coordinates a number of game day functions consistent with the athletics communications’ operation.  The position also serves as the chief archivist and historian for the department.   

As the leader of the external relations team, this position plays an important role in the overall strategic direction of the external relations department, including the social media, branding, marketing, promotions, and development efforts. 

The Assistant AD for Communications and External Relations is a highly visible position that carries significant influence, and thus requires strong character and work ethic. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Oversee all athletics communications department employees, two Assistant Director of Athletics Communications, students, gameday staff, and three professional staff with secondary duties in the area of athletics communications;

• Responsible for the design, daily maintenance, and content on CentreColonels.com website as well as all official social media platforms;

• Serve as primary public relations point person for the athletic department, working independently and with considerable judgment in the creation and dissemination of information internal and external of the campus community, including the media;

• Assist with the planning and execution of special events;

• Tasked with creating various forms of written material, including game/event information, game/event programs, features stories, promotional materials, brochures, student-athlete awards, and other items as needed;

• Enhance relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets, implementing a proactive plan to intentionally engage media outlets;

• Provide strategic vision, in the area of communication, for the athletic department;

• Create fresh, new content with feature stories on CentreColonels.com, both in written form as well as video stories;

• Ensure appropriate event coverage for each sport;

• Compile, update, and maintains all statistics, record books, and histories -- meeting all requirements of the SAA and NCAA;

• Develop and implement high-quality, expansive video streaming for all sports (to include but not limited to, live broadcasting talent, multi-camera broadcasts, pre-production elements, etc.);

• Serve as host site media coordinator for all home postseason events such as SAA and NCAA Tournaments;

• Staff and supervise workers for home events, including statistics crews, all webcasting personnel, public address announcers, and all other scorers’ table and press box personnel or support staff as necessary;

• Coordinate photography for Centre Athletics;

• Responsible for the oversight of the awards program, including nominations for campus, conference, regional, and national honors, executing departmental awards, and providing leadership for the Centre Athletics Awards Show;

• Establish an effective working relationship with the Centre College Communications Office;

• Serves as department researcher, record-keeper, and historian;

• Assists with the department’s marketing, development, corporate partnership, admissions, and community outreach efforts;

• Contribute to the overall success of the department by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned;

• Demonstrate an appreciation for and sensitivity to a diverse academic community, fostering an inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff from a variety of social, economic, cultural, ideological, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree is required.  Previous experience in a collegiate sports information or athletics communications office is required.

• Experience with Division III, either as a student-athlete or sports information professional, is a plus.

• High integrity and ethical standards are required, along with enthusiasm for the mission of Centre College and Centre Athletics. 

Knowledge and Skills

• Expert communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.  In-depth, broad-based athletic knowledge is essential. 

• Demonstrated skill in web maintenance, design software (Adobe Creative Suites programs), and statistical programs (Stat Crew, NCAA Live Stats, Genius, etc.) a must. 

• Previous experience with video software preferred but not required.  Strong staff management is important.

• A teamwork attitude and a desire to work in a fast-paced, highly successful Division III athletic department a must.

• Knowledge of NCAA and SAA rules and regulations.

• Additional qualifications include being self-motivated, visionary, positive, energetic, eager to teach, willingness to travel, and the ability to foster a team environment is needed.  

Physical Requirements:

• Moderate physical activity.

• Requires handling up to 25 pounds.

• Standing and or walking for more than four hours per day.

• Ability to drive a car. Valid driver’s license required.

• Visual acuity to view a screen.

• Work nights and weekends.  

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
Retirement Plan
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Caregiver Support Program and Employee Assistance Program
Long-Term Disability
Paid Time Off, Holidays and Sick Time
Holiday Shutdown Period
Staff Education and Development
Tuition Benefit for Dependent Children 
Gym Access
Pet Insurance
Free Library Access
Campus Bookstore Discounts
Discounted Norton Center Subscription Packages

Application Instructions

Please do not use a cell phone to apply. Centre College uses Interfolio as their Applicant Tracking Software to review all applications for employment.  From the Apply button on the Centre Employment Page, you will be linked to create an Interfolio Account.  You will then set up a Dossier Account following the software instructions.  For the I am Question, select Other for Staff Openings.  Agree to Terms of usage and then Create your Profile.  Once your account is set up, you will select your opportunity from your Home Page, Complete Application Questions, Upload Cover Letter, CV/Resume/ and References.  Once the application and uploads are complete you will Submit your application. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. If you need any assistance with the application process, please contact Interfolio Support at 1-877-997-8807 or stephanie.franklin@centre.edu.