Assistant or Associate Director, Athletics Communications

Serve as the primary communications contact for OU’s baseball program (2022 NCAA runner-up) and one additional varsity sport, and as the tertiary football contact. Identify and execute unique digital and social media opportunities related to assigned sports; create unique written content, features and news releases; design media guides; compile statistics; manage website content for assigned sports, arrange media interviews, travel to select away events, etc. Assist in all aspects of office activity and in coverage of other sports and events as required. Serve in a supervisory role with graduate and undergraduate assistants.

Essential Functions:

• Publicity: Initiate and execute creative digital/social media content ideas and strategies; manage website and social media for baseball and one additional sport; develop written content (features and press releases); perform traditional media relations functions such as coordinating media interviews, developing game notes for TV/radio crews, pitching stories to local media
• Statistics: Run stats program; keep stats during competitions and maintain statistical records; provide stats to media, coaches, opponents throughout the season
• Game Management: Issue and distribute media credentials; conduct post-competition press conferences; manage press box and coordinate with marketing, event management and SoonerVision groups; provide live updates to media and fans via live stats and social media feeds
• Publications: Develop select game programs, media guides, etc. for media and fans prior to and throughout the season
• Other: Assist with recruiting projects; help with other sports throughout the department; assist with supervision of graduate and undergraduate assistants

Required Education:  Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Graphic Design, Communications, or related field.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree.

Skills:

• Ability to speak, read and write clear, concise English
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Strong initiative to solve problems
• Able to work well with interdepartmental teams and initiatives
• Ability and willingness to build rapport with diverse group of student-athletes, coaches, administrators, media, and other key constituents
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and engage a variety of stakeholders, particularly students and other on-campus groups
• Proficient in copy writing, editing, proofreading and composition
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that includes night and weekend hours
• Ability to gain and maintain working knowledge of University, Big 12, and NCAA rules and regulations
• Ability to gain and maintain working knowledge of NCAA rules and compliance issues as they pertain to publicity and promotional efforts

Certifications: None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to engage in repetitive motions, grasp, feel, touch, communicate, hear, including receiving detailed information orally.

Supervision:

• Undergraduate and Graduate assistants

Departmental Preferences:

• Master's Degree in journalism, communications, or related field
• Experience working with coaching staff and administrators 
• Working knowledge of university, Big 12, and NCAA rules and regulations
• Driver License
• Knowledge of and experience with collegiate or professional baseball

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing

Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.