Director, Athletic Communications

University of North Texas - Denton; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Texas in Denton seeks a Director of Athletic Communications to manage information and publicity for intercollegiate programs. This role serves as the communications and public relations contact for student-athletes, coaches, and administrators, promoting key messages and cultivating media relationships.

The position demands permanent record keeping of historical data and strong writing and communication skills, with experience in NCAA rules and effective storytelling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field and three years of related experience, or equivalent.
• Strong communication and writing ability.
• Demonstrated understanding of NCAA rules and regulations.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with HTML coding for website management and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign).

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement new strategic communications plans for the athletics department.
• Coordinate media operations for home events for assigned sports and report results.
• Fulfill media requests and develop relationships with local, regional, and national media.
• Use social media to promote the athletics department via storytelling and proactive communication.
• Write press releases for selected sports in a timely manner and comply with deadlines.
• Compile and update current statistics for selected sports.
• Collaborate with other units in the athletics department to support storytelling and revenue generation.

Skills

Strong communication and writing

NCAA rules knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

HTML coding for website management

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)

Job description

Title: Director, Athletic Communications

Employee Classification: Athletic Program Director

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Athletics

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Athletic Admin

Department: UNT-Athletics-Gen-220000

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

The University of North Texas competes as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the American Athletic Conference. North Texas' athletic programs are classified as NCAA Division I, the largest and highest division among all colleges and universities. The 46,000 square-foot Athletic Center located off South Bonnie Brae Street is the centerpiece of North Texas athletics. Athletics strives to conduct a competitive athletics program that promotes faculty, staff, student and community affiliation and participation with the North Texas Athletics. Provide facilities which attract the highest level of talent and allow student-athletes to perform at the highest level in practice and during competition.

Position Overview

The Director of Athletic Communications is responsible for providing information and publicity for its intercollegiate athletics programs. The role serves as a communications and public relations contact for student-athletes, coaches, and administrators for external constituents. They are expected to actively promote and publicize key messages while cultivating relationships with local, regional, and national media. The role is responsible for permanent record keeping and filing of historical data and information of specific intercollegiate athletics programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in in related field and three years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong communication and writing ability.
Demonstrated understanding in NCAA rules and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree preferred.
Experience with HTML coding for website management.
Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite with special attention for Photoshop and InDesign.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Job Duties

• Identify and implement new and creative strategic communications plans for the athletics department.
• Coordinate media operations for all home events for assigned sports, reporting results of all games, and making sure home event runs efficiently and effectively.
• Fulfill media requests for interviews and information in thorough and timely manner and develops positive relationships with local, regional and national media.
• Use social media strategically to promote the athletics departments in a positive light via storytelling and proactive communication with teams and/or administration.
• Writes press releases for selected sports in a timely manner while complying with deadlines established by governing bodies for information and aware nominations.
• Compiles and updates current statistics for selected sports accurately and in a timely manner.
• Works with other units in the athletics department to help accomplish common goals of storytelling and revenue generation.

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Lifting and moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Environmental Hazards

Elevated temperatures.
Low temperatures.
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Work Schedule

Varies based on season and assigned sports.

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.