Division: Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation

Evaluation Group: Staff Administrator

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Senior Associate Athletic Director, Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects

Positions Supervised: Coordinator, Communications; Administrative Assistant, Student Employee

Job Summary

The director of athletic communications is responsible for managing all aspects of media relations related to the Athletics department. This position oversees all aspects of athletic communications, including website and day-to-day statistical operations for all NCAA athletic events.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and level of responsibility that will be required of positions given this title. This job description shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Job Responsibilities and Execution

• Serves as the contact for the digital streaming network and ensures adherence to and knowledge of university, conference and NCAA policies, procedures and regulations
• Develops and maintains relationships with local, regional and national media outlets
• Maintains updates to 24x7 website, including schedules, game recaps and statistics
• Manages social media team responsible for engaging fans through social media channels
• Develops and manages the athletic broadcasting network
• Enhances brand awareness through website, community engagement and other communication media channels
• Creates, plans and oversees streaming and radio broadcast of competitions, including sponsor integration
• Hires, schedules and supervises Athletics department communications staff
• Creates and maintains staffing schedule to provide appropriate coverage of all events 
• Handles production of game-day programs for football and basketball
• Organizes and manages student-athlete photo days; arranges outside photography for games and events

Service Excellence

• Supports the mission of the university and serves as an ambassador of the Q2 culture of service excellence
• Models, supports and holds others accountable to the university’s values – integrity, dedication, excellence, creativity and teamwork

Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration

• Strategizes with colleagues to develop and share stories related to special happenings, including alumni/athlete networking events and capital projects
• Ensures website is accurate and current
• Serves as a liaison with conferences to ensure adherence to conference mandates
• Coordinates interviews with local, regional and national media
• Works with coaches, student-athletes and Athletics department staff for approaches to publicize noteworthy stories
• Extends stellar customer service to fans and the community as their first contact with the university and Athletics department

Job may require other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications – An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered. Additional requirements may be designated by position.

• Bachelor’s degree in sports management, marketing, business or related field
• Minimum three years’ experience in college or professional sports

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities – May be representative, but not all inclusive, of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform this job competently.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
• Familiarity and experience with SideArm Sports technology platform
• Skilled in various social media platforms
• Experienced in video and audio production
• Adobe Suite proficiency
• Strong graphic and video design skills

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of this job’s functions.  

• General office setting
• Night and weekend work
• Some travel
• Ability to work in a high-stress environment

Physical Abilities – The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to work effectively at a computer for up to eight hours daily
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lindenwood University is an Equal Opportunity employer. The University complies with appropriate federal, state, and local laws and provides equal employment opportunities and access to educational programs without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status to all qualified applicants and employees.  Lindenwood University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and dedicated to providing a positive discrimination-free educational work environment.

About Lindenwood University

Founded in 1827, Lindenwood is a dynamic four-year institution dedicated to excellence in higher education. Our historic campus is situated in the heart of St. Charles, Mo., a growing community of more than 65,000 just west of St. Louis. We offer 131 degree programs to approximately 10,000 students a year through values-centered programs that lead to development of the whole person. Our faculty, staff, and administration are committed to an integrative curriculum that focuses on the talents, interests, and future of our students. Lindenwood is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Lindenwood University is known nationally and internationally for innovation, entrepreneurship, and extraordinary dedication to students. We believe that education is the way to personal freedom and responsibility, which are the keystones of any democracy. We have a heritage that dates back nearly 200 years. In that time, we have learned how to educate in a way that helps each student become an enlightened, principled citizen of a global community.

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