Assistant Athletics Director - Strategic Communications

This is a supervisory position responsible for directing communications efforts involving student-athletes, coaches, staff, and the athletics department. Responsible for increasing the exposure and awareness of the athletics department and university. Responsible for serving as the department’s primary media liaison, managing the department’s website, and supervising assigned staff. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Senior Associate Athletics Director of External Affairs.

1. Plans and directs athletics communications efforts, including but not limited to news releases, features, photography, statistics, press box/game day operations, and publications.

2. Serves as the department’s primary media liaison.

3. Directs the creation of compelling content and executes strategic communications to share the message of the athletics department through innovative methods.

4. Implements the department’s content strategy, including but not limited to social media, video, website, and public relations.

5. Assists with the development of the athletics comprehensive marketing plan.

6. Oversees and manages the department’s website.

7. Serves as liaison to University Marketing Communications and Department of Media and Communication.

8. Manages and supervises assigned staff, to include overseeing work productivity, hiring, and performance evaluation.

9. Provides training and leadership in media conduct to student-athletes, coaches, and staff.

10. Submits all external awards for student-athletes, coaches, and staff.

11. Drives editorial story planning, writing, and pitching to both regional and national press, including all necessary reporter follow-up efforts such as fact-finding, quote development/approval, and executive interview coordination.

12. Writes articles, game stories, game previews, game notes, features, and biographies for the athletics website and for media dissemination with designation.

13. Performs media relations duties, to include setting up interviews and prepping broadcasters for select sports.

14. Stays informed and implements changes to strategically position the department to build the university’s brand through outbound media, video, online resources, social media, and emerging mediums.

15. Uncovers and exploits exposure opportunities with key media outlets.

16. Searches proactively and manages strategic executive visibility opportunities for the department.

Non-Essential Job Functions

1. Adheres to all applicable National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), conference, and university rules and regulations.

2. Attends university, conference, NCAA, and other organizational meetings as assigned.

3. Participates on university committees and task forces as assigned.

4. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or ability to learn, university policies and procedures.

2. Knowledge of, or ability to learn, policies, procedures, and guidelines established by the conference and the NCAA.

3. Knowledge of applicable strategies for communications in marketing and branding intercollegiate athletics.

4. Knowledge of professional standards and trends related to area of responsibility.

5. Skill in public speaking and delivering information to internal and external constituents.

6. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, word processing, desktop publishing, and website content management software.

7. Organizational skills in managing projects simultaneously while maintaining a satisfactory work product.

8. Ability to effectively market the programs of the department.

9. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

10. Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.

11. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

12. Ability to train and supervise others.

13. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.

14. Ability to maintain currency of knowledge and skills.

15. Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, or a related field is required. Related experience may be substituted for required education on a basis set forth by the Department of Human Resources.

Required Experience and Training

Two years of related experience is required. Experience in media relations is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree is preferred. Experience in intercollegiate athletic media relations is preferred.