Associate Director, Communications and Creative Services

The Associate Director, Communications and Creative Services at the University of Delaware is a valued member within the University and Department of Athletics, Community & Campus Recreation, upholding and embracing the department mission of 'Achieving Excellence Together'. Working within the External Relations team under the general direction of the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Public Relations, the Associate Director, Communications and Creative Services is primarily responsible for content creation through written and video coverage of the 21 teams and 600-plus student-athletes that represent the Blue Hens, as well as select coverage of additional areas within the department including but not limited to Recreation, Bob Carpenter Center, Ice and Pool. Content will be in the form of written features, video or audio (podcasts) for select print publications, BlueHens.com and its social and digital channels. This position will work hand-in-hand with the athletic communications team and university communications team to enhance the department and greater University through storytelling. Assistance with the communications team with coverage of certain sports will be required as well as some travel to road events. This position will supervise several students who will be a part of the content creation team. This position requires a high level of initiative, creativity and independence, as well as the ability to work well as part of a team. With a focus on amplification of overall content, the Associate Director, Communications and Creative Services/Communications Specialist will also coordinate with the external team for the planning, content implementation, distribution and reporting of major events and milestones for assigned teams.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop unique and original content to increase brand recognition, highlight student-athletes and coaches, improve value perception, drive ticket sales, engage fans, and promote events.

• Manage the Communications editorial/content calendar. 

• Manage assigned sports' day-to-day coverage as needed across all applicable platforms, including in-game. 

• Assist Communications team with story mining efforts to develop content catalog. Share news, create conversations, gather fan sentiment and drive innovation across all key content outlets.

• Provide event support at assigned events through coverage as needed.

• Act as a vital customer service arm by responding to department inquiries in a timely manner and with the correct information.

• Compile reports on coverage around major brand moments/events and advise on best practices and future opportunities from those insights.

• Continuously assess storytelling strategies and apply industry practices while staying up-to-date on industry trends.

• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite software, specifically Photoshop, Premier Pro, and After Effects. Coordinate multiple projects around tight deadlines. 

• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and three years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Sports Management or Multimedia preferred.

• Proficiency in recording and editing video, Premiere, Spark and Photoshop is preferred. 

• Ability to evaluate and edit the content, structure and format of a range of material spanning text and multimedia.

• Experience managing, coordinating and motivating interns, volunteers and/or students. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to work well under tight deadlines.

• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the Google Drive suite.

• Ability to work effectively, manage expectations and interact with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

• Excellent communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills are a requirement.

• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.

• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.