Athletics Communications Lead | Digital & Media Relations

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University is hiring an Assistant Director of Athletics Communications to coordinate communications and media relations for select athletics programs with emphasis on digital, social and creative media to raise awareness of student-athletes’ experiences.

The role directs brand promotion within a cohesive team, focusing on assigned sports and supporting the broader athletics communications operation. Responsibilities include supervising interns and managing game-day staffing.

Qualifications

• Significant professional experience in an intercollegiate or professional sports team’s communications office.
• Knowledge of web software programs, game operations and NCAA Live Stats (Genius) and Stat Crew statistics.
• Must have strong writing and editing ability and knowledge of AP writing style.
• Desktop publishing and creative design experience with Adobe products (InDesign, Photoshop).
• Must be highly motivated, task-oriented, and able to multitask including some weekend work.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate communication strategies for 3–4 sport programs to maximize coverage of student-athlete experiences.
• Use social media, digital tools, and public relations methods to tell athletes' stories.
• Collaborate within a team to build cohesive communication methods across departments.
• Deploy traditional media relations: statistics, media notes, press releases, and historical records.
• Foster relationships with external media and maximize coverage regionally and nationally.
• Supervise the communications student intern program for recruitment and day-to-day activities.
• Oversee game day staffing for primary sports.

Skills

Writing/editing

Multitasking

AP style

Public relations

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Genius Live Stats

Stat Crew

Job description

James Madison University is hiring an Assistant Director of Athletics Communications to coordinate communications and media relations for select athletics programs with emphasis on digital, social and creative media to raise awareness of student-athletes’ experiences.

The role directs brand promotion within a cohesive team, focusing on assigned sports and supporting the broader athletics communications operation. Responsibilities include supervising interns and managing game-day staffing.