"Assistant Director - Athletic Strategic Communications"

SUMMARY

This is a professional position responsible for telling the story of the student-athletes, coaches, staff, and department that helps to increase the exposure and awareness of the athletics department and ultimately the university. Responsible for performing event management for assigned sports, serving as the daily media liaison for assigned sports, and maintaining records and statistics. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Assistant Athletics Director (Strategic Communications).

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, or a related field is required.

Two years of related experience is required. Experience in intercollegiate athletic media relations is preferred. Additional education may substitute for experience on a basis set forth by the Department of Human Resources.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Serves as athletic communications representative and performs event management for assigned sports.
2. Responds to and manages internal and external media requests for information, photos, and interviews with student-athletes, coaches, and other athletic department personnel.
3. Serves as the liaison between the university as it relates to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and conference media requests.
4. Organizes press box and oversees all aspects of an event pertaining to media relations, including radio, newspaper, and television coverage.
5. Compiles and distributes statistics, game notes, post-event scores, and stories.
6. Maintains records and statistics, including year-end summaries for all sports.
7. Serves as the daily liaison to local, regional, and national media to solicit and promote interesting story ideas for assigned sports.
8. Uses social media and video to promote teams, student-athletes, and upcoming events as directed.
9. Delivers the university’s and athletics department's internal and external messaging as directed.
10. Assists in developing, directing, and implementing a communications/media relations plan for all sport athletics programs.
11. Assists in planning and implementing publicity associated with marketing and promotions projects and special events.
12. Coordinates and monitors the production of athletics publications, including designing, writing, and editing media communication tools.
13. Reviews and evaluates current media trends to determine implementation and best practices.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Adheres to all applicable NCAA, SLC, and university rules and regulations.
2. Attends university, SLC, NCAA, and other organizational meetings as assigned.
3. May be required to travel to various sporting events with teams.
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 SLC and the NCAA.
3. Knowledge of professional standards and trends related to area of responsibility.
4. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, statistical analysis, word processing, desktop publishing, and website content management software.
5. Organizational skills in managing projects simultaneously while maintaining a satisfactory work product.
6. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
7. Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
8. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
9. Ability to maintain currency of knowledge and skills.
10. Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.