"Assistant Director, Athletic Communications (7462U), Intercollegiate Athletics - 82874"

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consists of more than 275 staff members and coaches and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs. These 30 programs include approximately 900 student-athletes who participate in the various sports programs annually within the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and other governing bodies. We are currently seeking an Assistant Director, Athletics Communications.

Position Summary

Involves developing, promoting and supporting the communications aspects of intercollegiate student-athlete programs, keeping in mind department and university mission and goals in all media contacts and in directly produced content. For the assigned teams of softball, men's swimming & diving and men's water polo, provides analysis and information on results or activities, searches out and produces media content (including social media and written video content), arranges and conducts interviews, may set up press conferences, and arranges for photography, video or graphics to accompany news releases. Often works independently and exercises judgment in deciding what news to disseminate and through which format in a timely fashion without supervisor approval. Writes and assists in design of the annual information guide, updates CalBears.com website on a daily basis, and manages sport-specific social media, including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Assists television broadcasters in production of Cal home and away events. Acts as the team historian. Handles media requests, such as news stories, feature interviews and live broadcasts, for assigned sports.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 12/16/2025.

Responsibilities

• Under minimal supervision, provides analysis and information on complex results or activities, searches out and writes stories, conducts interviews, sets up press conferences, and arranges for photography, video, or graphics to accompany news releases.
• As assigned, handles breaking news situations, including developing strategies for dealing with sensitive and/or controversial issues.
• Works collaboratively with upper management and, if necessary, across units and campus to develop communication plans that serve the best interest of the department and university.
• Produces quality work under deadlines.
• Performs well under pressure.
• Takes necessary steps in non-deadline situations to optimize performance when working under deadline.
• As assigned, handles news requests from reporters for information about the location.
• Develops positive relationships with external media members to effectively handle news requests. Prepares coaches, student-athletes and staff with appropriate media training, talking points, etc. to ensure proper messaging.
• Maintains strict confidentiality.
• Understands when confidentiality is necessary.
• Makes decisions with the reputation of the brand of the department and university in mind.
• Provides general assistance as needed to facilitate requests for information of a general nature and assists with major institutional news conferences and public announcements.
• Maintains good communication with campus communicators to effectively assist with announcements and information distribution when the scope goes beyond the department.
• Builds and maintains good working relationships at all organizational levels and with external media representatives.
• Proactively reaches out to external media members on a consistent basis to maintain positive interactions.
• Develops relationships with media members to a point where they can have hard conversations about coverage, if necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the concepts and principles of news, media communications and media relations.
• Thorough skills in understanding and effectively utilizing all news/media mediums including broadcast news, the internet, social media and other emerging technologies.
• Thorough knowledge of and/or can quickly learn the location, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs and infrastructure.
• Thorough written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including a strong sense of a good story and understanding of the topics that may be of interest to various publics and will incorporate key location messages.
• Good judgment, political acumen, and thorough organizational skills.
• Skill to maintain confidentiality.
• May require knowledge of specialty areas such as broadcast news including TV/radio, internet and other emerging technologies.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $82,800.00 - $90,000.00.

This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.