Director of Athletic Communications

Mercyhurst University; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Director of Athletic Communications to lead their communications team. This pivotal role involves overseeing daily operations, managing social media, and developing a comprehensive public relations strategy to enhance the university's athletic programs. The ideal candidate will be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and possess strong skills in public relations and graphic design. Join a vibrant community dedicated to promoting student-athletes and fostering a positive image of the university through innovative communication strategies and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in communication or journalism.
• 2+ years of experience in athletic communications at the collegiate level.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Athletic Communications department.
• Manage social media platforms and public relations efforts.
• Compile and maintain sports statistics for assigned teams.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

Social Media Management

Public Relations

Graphic Design

Statistical Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communication

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

Webcast Equipment

Statistical Software

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Athletic Communications is a key member of the Mercyhurst Athletics team and is responsible for

overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Athletics Communications department that includes full-time staff,

graduate assistants, and student employees. This position develops and implements a comprehensive public

relations program to help the University achieve the goals established for Intercollegiate Athletics. The Director of

Athletic Communications oversees all social media, branding and video efforts, which are core components to

recruiting students and student-athletes. He or she provides information to electronic and print media outlets,

develops publications for all sports programs, maintains statistical data, records, and history on current and past

University student athletes and teams, and develops and maintains an effective presence on the web and with the

most appropriate forms of new media including broadcasts of competitions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversight of Athletic Communications office staff, including the director of digital and creative media, assistant director of athletic communications, graduate assistants and student employees.

• Oversee the athletics department website and all social media platforms, with content type ranging from written, graphic design and multimedia/video.

• Provide strategic insights into the value of the Athletic Communications office on overall marketing and recruiting for the University.

• Oversee all publicity efforts including writing, editing and distributing all press releases; social media management for multiple accounts across a variety of platforms; editing videos (season previews, game highlights, etc.); and designing flyers and similar materials.

• Oversee setup, live production and breakdown of webcast equipment.

• Proficient with Adobe programs and familiar with designing graphics for all relevant media platforms.

• Oversight of student budget and game-day event staff for all home games.

• Assign and supervise student staff to assist with in-game responsibilities (play by play, public address, statistics, in-game updating of social media platforms and score reporting etc.).

• Communicate with and solicit media for event coverage and feature stories on student-athletes, teams, and other department milestones and accomplishments.

• Plan and implement historical archiving, as well as maintenance of photography database.

• Complete conference, regional and national award applications to recognize coaches and student-athletes from assigned teams and programs.

• Compile, disseminate, and maintain sports statistics for assigned teams.

• Travel with teams as necessary, primarily for postseason contests.

• Work collaboratively with the University’s marketing and communications office on all athletic-related news stories and events.

• Responsible for oversight and management of athletic communications budget.

• Promote a positive image of the University through participation in community and professional organizations, representing the University at professional meetings and on community committees, and establishing and maintaining credible relations with various news media and other collegiate sports information offices.

• Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Director of Athletics.

• Other duties as assigned.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled or until date

indicated above. Send cover letter, resume and 3 work-related references to:

Human Resources

Mercyhurst

University 501 East

38th Street Erie, PA

16546

[e-mail]

Mercyhurst University values diversity and is committed to the goal of achieving equal opportunity for all. For that reason, Mercyhurst abides by federal, state and local law in admissions, employment and all services and programs provided.

Mercyhurst does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, citizenship status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, age, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic or because of any individual’s legally protected activities.

Mercyhurst complies with federal, state and local legislation and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. This policy applies to faculty, administration and staff, applicants for employment, students and applicants for educational programs and activities.

Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States.

Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in communication, journalism, sports management or a related field; master’s degree is preferred with two years or more of related experience in athletic communications at the collegiate level.