Director of Athletic Communications

University of Idaho, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Moscow, IDAHO
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Posting Number SP003543P
Position Title Director of Athletic Communications
Location Moscow
Division/College Intercollegiate Athletics
Department General Athletic Support
FLSA Status Overtime Exempt
Employee Category Exempt
Pay Range $43,000 annually or higher commensurate with experience
Type of Appointment Fiscal Year
FTE
1
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Position Overview
Within the Athletics Department, the Director for Athletic Communications reports to the Athletic Director and is responsible for athletic communication activities of the Intercollegiate Athletics Department. Duties include; writing and distributing news releases, developing and maintaining media contacts, media and support and counsel to senior level leadership, researching background data and interview sources to prepare and disseminate media guides, releases, brochures, and other public information vehicles.
This role provides input for department information and public relations goals and priorities, advising and training university representatives regarding communication issues and methods. The person in this role will use digital media to create and disseminate all department related social media postings and use all forms of media to promote all University athletic programs. This person will serve as a media liaison with the expectation of establishing and maintaining positive relationships with national, regional and local media.
The Director for Athletic Communications exercises full discretion and uses independent judgment with respect to all decisions regarding communications for the University Intercollegiate Athletics Department and will at times serve as a university spokesperson. This position will work within the University Communications structure and collaborate with members of their organization.
Unit Overview
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s land-grant institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. Research expenditures top $118 million. The student population of nearly 12,000 includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars, who select from more than 130 degree options in the colleges of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Art and Architecture; Business and Economics; Education, Health and Human Sciences; Engineering; Law; Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Natural Resources; and Science. The university also is charged with the statewide mission for medical education through the WWAMI program. The university combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities and focuses on helping students succeed and become leaders. It is home to the Vandals, and competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic Conference. For more information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
Funding
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. Uncertain
Internal Posting?

Position Responsibilities


Key Accountability Manage Athletics Media Relations Department by:
Job Duties
Developing a strategic plan for athletics communications, running the day to day sports operations, management of staff and keeping fans, media, and social media members up to date on Vandal Athletics. Collaborating with the Athletic Director and serves as the Athletics Department media contact.
Key Accountability Oversee and ensure accurate and timely (24 hour) University response to media inquiries by:
Job Duties
Directing staff in wide range of information/public relations activities, managing relations with news media through news releases, press conferences, media appearances and social media posts, which use new and inventive approaches to create interest in Vandal Athletics.
Key Accountability Facilitate all Media Information requests at Athletic Events by:
Job Duties
Organizing and coordinating all media operations relating to athletic events (Press box operation, statisticians, game programs, press passes, coordinate television crews, etc.). Supervising the game day staff and ensure that all media is supported to the highest level.
Key Accountability Prepare and produce digital assets for distribution and presentation by:
Job Duties
Preparing and producing digital assets for distribution and presentations for the department and the Director of Athletics including digital media, website, social media, Athletic Director’s newsletter, etc.
Key Accountability Support the University of Idaho's public relations planning efforts by:
Job Duties
Providing independent analysis and expert media relations consulting for University Athletics Department on media issues. Working closely with UCM to coordinate messaging, media relations and public affairs around issues that may most directly affect athletics and that affect the more general perception of the university. Preparing position statements and talking points for communication issues.
Key Accountability Other duties as assigned
Job Duties
Perform other duties as assigned

Position Qualifications


Required Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or public relations or a related field, four additional years of professional experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Minimum 4 years experience in athletic communications, preferably in a University structure.
  • Experience working with coaches and staff.
  • Experience managing athletics events and game day staff.
  • Extensive knowledge of:
    • Adobe Creative Suite
    • Website management
    • Management of major news events
    • Digital media and social media strategies
Required Education
Required Licensures, Certifications or other
Additional Preferred
  • Master’s degree.
  • Demonstrated capacity for diplomacy and cooperative leadership.
  • Experience in leading a team of three or more staff members.
  • Crisis management experience.
  • Content scheduling and management experience.
  • Proven advancement of social media and working knowledge of trends within college athletics. Experience with visual content creation including photo, video and graphic design.
  • Proven experience in working with marketing/external staff to enhance game day experience.
  • Knowledge of the state of Idaho and the media personalities in the state.
  • Hall of fame management.
  • Demonstrated ability to take an idea from concept to implementation of a plan, to executing the plan that will produce a positive outcome.
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to work in a hectic environment with the likelihood of continual interruptions and outside noise.
Working Conditions
Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire

Posting Information


Posting Date 09/19/2022
Closing Date 09/23/2022
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicant Resources https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources
Background Check Statement
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement
The University of Idaho (U of I) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, U of I does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information or status as any protected veteran or military status in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions and educational programs.

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