Director of Sports Communications

Director of Sports Communications

Muskingum University invites applications for the Director of Sports Communications. This position is the primary communications contact for the Athletic Department and provides strategic leadership, management, and execution of all athletic communications, including media relations, digital content, statistical reporting, and brand promotion efforts for Muskingum University's NCAA Division III athletic programs and non-NCAA varsity athletic teams.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Athletic Communications and Digital Media

• Lead sports communications operations and serve as the primary media contact for Muskingum Athletics.
• Develop and coordinate communications that promote student-athletes, coaches, teams, accomplishments, and departmental initiatives.
• Write and distribute news releases, game recaps, feature stories, season previews, and other athletic content.
• Manage the athletics website and social media platforms, ensuring schedules, rosters, statistics, records, news, and other information are accurate and current.
• Develop engaging digital content and storytelling through written content, photography, graphics, video, and other media.
• Coordinate media interviews and maintain relationships with local, regional, and other relevant media outlets.
• Collaborate with University Marketing and Communications to support institutional storytelling, branding, and promotional initiatives.
• Ensure athletics communications are consistent with University, conference, NCAA, and applicable media and branding requirements.

Director of Sports Communications

Muskingum University invites applications for the Director of Sports Communications. This position is the primary communications contact for the Athletic Department and provides strategic leadership, management, and execution of all athletic communications, including media relations, digital content, statistical reporting, and brand promotion efforts for Muskingum University's NCAA Division III athletic programs and non-NCAA varsity athletic teams.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Athletic Communications and Digital Media

• Lead sports communications operations and serve as the primary media contact for Muskingum Athletics.
• Develop and coordinate communications that promote student-athletes, coaches, teams, accomplishments, and departmental initiatives.
• Write and distribute news releases, game recaps, feature stories, season previews, and other athletic content.
• Manage the athletics website and social media platforms, ensuring schedules, rosters, statistics, records, news, and other information are accurate and current.
• Develop engaging digital content and storytelling through written content, photography, graphics, video, and other media.
• Coordinate media interviews and maintain relationships with local, regional, and other relevant media outlets.
• Collaborate with University Marketing and Communications to support institutional storytelling, branding, and promotional initiatives.
• Ensure athletics communications are consistent with University, conference, NCAA, and applicable media and branding requirements.

Statistics, Game-Day Operations, and Recognition

• Oversee the collection, maintenance, and reporting of official athletic statistics, records, historical information, and required conference and NCAA submissions.
• Coordinate game-day communications for home contests, including live statistics, webcasting support, public address information, photography, media accommodations, and press-area operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable conference broadcast and media agreements, including FloSports requirements.
• Coordinate communications responsibilities for conference and NCAA championship events hosted by the University.
• Coordinate nominations and publicity for student-athlete and team awards, academic honors, scholarships, and other conference, regional, and national recognition.

Supervision and Departmental Support

• Supervise, train, and provide direction to Sports Communications Graduate Assistants, student employees, and game-day communications staff.
• Coordinate student talent and departmental resources to support photography, video, broadcasting, statistics, and other communications needs.
• Manage the Sports Communications operating budget and related resources.
• Support athletics special events and recognition programs, including Hall of Fame activities, the Golden Hook Awards, Muskie Athletic Golf Outing, and other departmental initiatives.
• Provide communications support for appropriate alumni, donor, sponsorship, recruiting, and engagement initiatives.
• Participate in departmental and University committees and perform other related duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties and responsibilities necessary to describe the major functions of the position and should not be considered a complete description of the essential functions of the position. This Job Description is not intended to be all inclusive. The employee will be assigned by the immediate supervisor to perform other duties as needed or to perform other reasonably related duties, including special projects.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, sports management, or a related field.
• Three years of relevant experience in athletic communications, sports information, media relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with digital communications, website or social media management, athletic statistics, and content development.
• Strong writing, editing, organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, supervise staff, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with student-athletes, coaches, colleagues, media representatives, and external partners and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive or time-sensitive communications.
• Ability to move throughout athletic facilities and event venues, occasionally lift and carry equipment up to 25 pounds, and work evenings, weekends, and other non-traditional hours as required.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience in collegiate athletics, particularly NCAA Division III.
• Experience supervising and mentoring graduate assistants or student employees.
• Experience with athletic statistical software, livestreaming platforms, content management systems, Adobe Creative Suite, photography, graphic design, video production, or similar communications tools.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must include a statement of interest and current resume. If not provided, references may be requested. Application materials should be sent by email to careers@muskingum.edu or faxed to 740-826-6131. Please include the position title in the subject line of your correspondence. This position will remain open until filled, with review of applications to begin immediately.

Muskingum University actively seeks out and welcomes administrators and staff who are committed to excellence in student learning, consider the engagement of diverse viewpoints in the University’s educational programs and activities, and are committed to full inclusivity at the University. Muskingum University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all individuals.

Muskingum University does not discriminate in its employment or educational programs or activities. Please visit https://www.muskingum.edu/non-discrimination-statement to review the university’s official non-discrimination statement.

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