Athletics Communications Assistant

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Athletic Communications, the Athletics Communications Assistant supports Susquehanna University’s long and proud Division III heritage by helping to generate regional and national visibility for its 23 intercollegiate sports and its student-athletes through creative video/digital content, media relations, press releases, media guides, SURiverHawks.com, and any other available print & electronic media. This is a one-year appointment, with the possibility of subsequent reappointments up to a total of three years. This position is defined as a non-exempt position under FLSA regulations.

Specific Responsibilities

The Athletics Communications Assistant, supported by several student assistants, is responsible for assisting the director in:

• Hiring, training, and managing the student staff in the office and during contests.
• Serve as the liaison with the Sports Media and Communications Department to collaborate with student programming, employment, and scheduling.
• Maintaining and managing the athletics website, SURiverHawks.com, as well as the department’s social media platforms to help recruit student-athletes and inform alumni, parents and the University community.
• Developing video/digital content for the athletics website, social media, athletic development, and individual team and marketing materials.
• Serving as the primary contact person for several sports.
• Handling sports media relations, supporting the sports hometown news release program, and writing information for media on the University’s varsity sports programs. Pitch human interest stories to local and national media.
• Staffing press areas and official scoring areas at home sporting events, while maintaining statistical records on student-athletes.
• Producing game programs and other sports publications that maintain the university’s graphic identity.
• Assisting with live stream coordination and setup to comply with FloSports, Landmark Conference, and NCAA Division III standards.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Athletic Communications, the Athletics Communications Assistant supports Susquehanna University’s long and proud Division III heritage by helping to generate regional and national visibility for its 23 intercollegiate sports and its student-athletes through creative video/digital content, media relations, press releases, media guides, SURiverHawks.com, and any other available print & electronic media. This is a one-year appointment, with the possibility of subsequent reappointments up to a total of three years. This position is defined as a non-exempt position under FLSA regulations.

Specific Responsibilities

The Athletics Communications Assistant, supported by several student assistants, is responsible for assisting the director in:

• Hiring, training, and managing the student staff in the office and during contests.
• Serve as the liaison with the Sports Media and Communications Department to collaborate with student programming, employment, and scheduling.
• Maintaining and managing the athletics website, SURiverHawks.com, as well as the department’s social media platforms to help recruit student-athletes and inform alumni, parents and the University community.
• Developing video/digital content for the athletics website, social media, athletic development, and individual team and marketing materials.
• Serving as the primary contact person for several sports.
• Handling sports media relations, supporting the sports hometown news release program, and writing information for media on the University’s varsity sports programs. Pitch human interest stories to local and national media.
• Staffing press areas and official scoring areas at home sporting events, while maintaining statistical records on student-athletes.
• Producing game programs and other sports publications that maintain the university’s graphic identity.
• Assisting with live stream coordination and setup to comply with FloSports, Landmark Conference, and NCAA Division III standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience

Experience in a sports information office preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of various sports, basic office equipment, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and photo and video editing software. Knowledge of in-game statistical software (Stat Crew, PrestoStats, and NCAA LiveStats). Knowledge of audio/video equipment to run live streams and produce visual content. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, strong attention to details, and the ability to manage multiple projects in an effective and timely manner. Skilled in communication both verbal and written. Ability to relate and work with other university departments, and to exercise good judgement and confidentiality and work independently.

Additional Information for Applicant

Additional Requirements

• This position requires a willingness to work extended hours, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as some travel to away sporting events.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license, the ability to drive and qualify under the university’s insurance carrier when driving a university and/or leased vehicle. CPR, AED and First Aid certification is preferred.
• This role is identified as one that includes significant interaction with students and/or campus activities, and/or has oversight for disciplinary procedures. Therefore, you are considered a Campus Security Authority (CSA) and required to report any Clery Act crime disclosed to you and remain compliant with annual CSA training requirements.

Physical Demand

Requires the ability to walk and carry items to press box atop stadium and to other athletic fields, occasional travel to off-site conferences or sporting events. Position requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time, and the ability to move about the campus. Position requires the ability to talk and to hear instruction, the ability to frequently convey detailed or important instructions and ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly. Position requires lifting, pulling, pushing, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work is indoors and outdoors.

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