The individual in this role will assume the pivotal leadership position overseeing all aspects of sports information and media content within JU athletics. Key responsibilities encompass the cultivation and direct supervision of a team of professionals, meticulous management of the athletic department's official website utilizing SIDEARM, maintenance of pertinent statistical data, active promotion of the JU athletics brand across various external channels, and facilitation of press coverage in collaboration with local and national media representatives.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Director of Athletic Communications
Athletic Communications Graduate Assistants (2)
Duties/Responsibilities
Represent and promote Jacksonville University and the Athletic Department in a positive manner locally, regionally, and nationally
Display a professional manner at various internal and external functions and in working with internal and external constituencies, including but not limited to the media and general public
Lead and manage assigned professional staff members of the athletic communications and creative services departments
Build and implement a comprehensive communciations and creative strategy to promote and enhance the brand of JU Athletics
Oversee the liaison between JU Athletics and Gemstone Media in a collaborative partnership for our ESPN+ broadcasting
Maintain positive relationships with members of the local, regional, and national media (earned media)
Field and facilitate interview requests for coaches Pitch stories that result in earned media for Jacksonville University
Provide appropriate gameday accommodations that fulfill all communications and creative services needs
Use creative, innovative approach to generate positive promotion of sport programs
Manage all statistical and biographical data for the department
Maintain the official website (judolphins.com) through the department agreement with SIDEARM
Serve to communicate official policies of the athletic department to JU’s fans, alumni, students and campus community
Serve as the sole liaison to local, regional, and national media in attendance at home events for assigned sports
Travel with assigned teams to regular season contests
Travel to conference tournament and other games as necessary
Work within the department to cultivate positive relationships with the administration
Serve as the point of contact for all communications related aspects of hosting or attending NCAA postseason events participated in by assigned teams
Other duties as assigned
Required Skills/Abilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work cross-functionally and influence a variety of stakeholders.
Develop effective working relationships with coaches and other members of the Athletic Department and throughout the University.
Effective time management skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities simultaneously.
Proficient with personal computers, including the entire suite of Microsoft Office Applications, Adobe Creative Cloud, and others as required.
Ability to lead, manage, coach, and mentor people assigned to administrative functions within the department.
Strong working knowledge of and proficiency in the use of social media platforms including but not limited to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and more.
Proficiency with Stat Crew and NCAA Live Stats statistical software
Strong leadership skills
Knowledge of Microsoft-based programs, including Word and Outlook
Must be highly motivated, detail oriented, with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Experience with computer software applications preferred.
Highly passionate about their personal and professional growth
Education, Certificates, Licenses, & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree required. Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration or Sports Management is highly desirable. Advanced Degree is preferred. 2
An understanding of NCAA rules and regulations is required.
Previous supervisory experience is preferred. 4. Minimum Work Experience:
3-5 years of experience in athletic department or related area
Demonstrated ability to work with others
Ability to successfully balance and manage multiple tasks in an active, fast-paced environment
Excellent oral, written, and computer skills
Physical Requirements
Be able to lift 10-20 pounds of equipment for game day operations (printers, cd players, boxes of printed material, etc…)
Important Note
This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.
To Apply
Please provide a cover letter and a list of 3-5 references along with your resume to apply.