Assistant Director of Communications

Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution

South Dakota State University

Working Title

Assistant Director of Communications

Posting Number

NFE03077P

View Full Description

Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo

Institution

South Dakota State University

Working Title

Assistant Director of Communications

Posting Number

NFE03077P

Department

SDSU-Intercollegiate Athletics

Physical Location of Position (City)

Brookings

Posting Text

South Dakota State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Communications to join our Intercollegiate Athletics team. In this role you will be responsible for providing accurate and timely information about SDSU Athletics to a variety of constituent groups, including media, fans, and the general public. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position. 

At South Dakota State University, Jackrabbit Athletics is built on tradition, excellence, and passion. Competing at the NCAA Division I level, our 19 sports programs push boundaries in The Summit League, the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Pac 12 Conference (wrestling), and the National Collegiate Equestrian Association. Behind the competition is a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for student-athletes, fans, and the community. Learn more about Jackrabbit Athletics on the Jackrabbit Athletics website.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Assistant Director of Communications will support the promotion and coverage of South Dakota State University Athletics through strategic communications, media relations, digital content management, and game day operations. Responsibilities include writing and editing athletics publications and news releases, maintaining GoJacks.com, managing media and press box operations during home events, enhancing social media presence for assigned sports, maintaining historical records and statistics, and promoting student-athletes and coaches through award nominations and storytelling initiatives.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. 

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• An earned Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field completed by start date
• At least one year of experience working in collegiate athletics communications
• Experience in sports reporting and feature writing
• Proficiency in website management including content editing and updates
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and other nontraditional hours as needed

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Sports Management or related field
• Experience covering the sport of wrestling
• Background in media relations and game/event management
• NCAA Division I experience
  

APPLICATION PROCESS:

This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. 

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. 

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. 

Posting Date

05/22/2026

Closing Date

05/29/2026

Open Until Filled

No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary

The minimum starting salary is $46,421 commensurate with experience.

Duration of the Term

12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100

Work Hours

M-F, 8am-5pm with various other hours pending athletic events.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Regular

Faculty Status

No

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires

Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Megan Glover, at 605-688-5625 or via email Megan.Glover@sdstate.edu

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

| Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. | Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication |

Protective Clothing/Equipment

| Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. | | | If other protection is used please identify | |

Physical Requirements

| Please designate the physical requirements of this position | Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Climbing Stairs, Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting moderate, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking | | Describe any of the conditions selected | |

Sensory Requirements

| Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. | Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses) |

Working Conditions & Exposures

| Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. | Changes of Temperature, Exposure to Noise, Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat >100F, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete | | Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above | |

Working Environment

| Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. | Athletic/Wellness Facilities | | If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided. | |

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Where did you hear about this position?
   • LinkedIn
   • SDBOR Employment Site
   • South Dakota Department of Labor
   • Employee Referral
   • Department Announcement / Inside State
   • Handshake
   • Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
   • Industry Conference
   • Search Engine - Please specify
   • Employment Agency - Please specify
   • Newspaper - Please specify
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please specify
   • Radio - Please specify
   • APLU
   • List Servs - Please specify
   • Alumni
   • Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents 1. Resume 2. Cover Letter 3. Reference List

Optional Documents

Apply Now

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