Assistant Director, Athletics Communication - Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Assistant Director, Athletics Communication - Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

Assist in the communication strategies and media coverage for the football program and lead the communication strategies and media coverage for an assigned sport and the office of athletics development.

Duties & Responsibilities

Football Team and Assigned Sport Communication and Media Management

• Assist with coordinating publicity for football
• Lead the publicity efforts for an assigned sport and office of athletics development
• Provide public and media training and preparation for members of the coaching staff and student-athletes to ensure the brand of Illinois Athletics and Fighting Illini Football and assigned sport
• Responsible for assisting in the daily management and coordination of publicizing departmental activities
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional and national media for the purpose or promoting the sport programs and Illinois Athletics brand
• Execute athletics communication efforts in the writing of press releases, production of media notes, designing programs, and tracking statistics and records
• Write feature stories for departmental and University publications
• Work with Television and Radio rights holders on preparations of broadcast coverage
• Administer the media credentialing and game management tasks for assigned sports
• Support or direct the communication efforts for other sport programs as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Team Social Media

• Update FightingIllini.com regularly and manage social media efforts (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, et al) for assigned sports and department, engaging fan base and providing immediate informational updates
• Leverage digital media platforms to create a comprehensive storytelling program to amplify the department, athletic programs and student-athletes

Team Historical Information

• Serve as historian for assigned sports and department as a whole archiving season information, both digitally and in printed form

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, sports communications, sports marketing, sports management, public relations, communications, English, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of professional experience working in the athletic communications/sports information field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge and interest in sports; extensive computer/software knowledge and graphics arts skills
• Proficiency in desktop publishing software applications such as Adobe InDesign and Creative Suite
• Proficiency in social media management and content production, scheduling and planning
• Proficiency with statistical programs such as NCAA Live Stats (Genius) and Stat Crew
• Familiarity with content management systems such as Sidearm and project management systems such as Basecamp

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Maintain knowledge of and compliance with specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules as they relate to this position
  • Superior interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines
  • Mastery of grammar, punctuation, and spelling; a high-degree of error-free clear, effective writing. Working knowledge of AP style guidelines
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and team-based environment
  • Must be able to work evenings and weekends
• Championship Mindset and Expectations
  • Displays professionalism and integrity. Understands and displays professionalism that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff
  • Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience
  • Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations
  • Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values
  • Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel
  • Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5005 - Athletic Communications Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 1/2/2024. Salary is commensurate with experience.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on December 19,2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Krissy Doran at kdoran@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1021709
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu