Sports Communication Director

LOCATION: Wayland Baptist University (WBU) – Plainview Campus 

SUPERVISED BY: Director of Athletics 

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

  POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None  

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Sports Communication Director for Intercollegiate Athletics is a 12-month position with general areas of responsibility to include providing pertinent university information to national and conference offices, opponents, Wayland constituent groups and news outlets with an emphasis on celebrating student-athletes and coaches’ endeavors and accomplishments while supporting and advancing the mission of the institution.  The position has significant responsibilities related to Athletic Department branding, marketing, advertising, promotions, social media, and media relations.

 SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES: 

1. Serve as primary media liaison for Wayland Baptist University (WBU) athletics.
2. Understand, support, and abide by WBU's mission, policies, and regulations.
3. Monitor and comply with policies, rules, and regulations of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC), and WBU as they relate to sports statistical information and publications.  

Sports Communication Director

LOCATION: Wayland Baptist University (WBU) – Plainview Campus 

SUPERVISED BY: Director of Athletics 

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

  POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None  

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Sports Communication Director for Intercollegiate Athletics is a 12-month position with general areas of responsibility to include providing pertinent university information to national and conference offices, opponents, Wayland constituent groups and news outlets with an emphasis on celebrating student-athletes and coaches’ endeavors and accomplishments while supporting and advancing the mission of the institution.  The position has significant responsibilities related to Athletic Department branding, marketing, advertising, promotions, social media, and media relations.

 SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES: 

1. Serve as primary media liaison for Wayland Baptist University (WBU) athletics.
2. Understand, support, and abide by WBU's mission, policies, and regulations.
3. Monitor and comply with policies, rules, and regulations of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC), and WBU as they relate to sports statistical information and publications.  
4. Supervise all campus athletic venues' media areas and assist with game management personnel.
5. Develop, coordinate, and execute a comprehensive marketing plan for intercollegiate athletics and each of its sports. 
6. Direct the brand strategy across multiple content platforms, including print, digital, and broadcast.
7. Populate and maintain the WBU athletic website.
8. Create, maintain, and manage Wayland’s Athletics social media platforms.
9. Oversee writing, producing, and editing digital audio and video promotional material.
10. Supervise and train any Sports Communications staff.
11. Be committed to NAIA Champions of Character's five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
12. Monitor office financial status, expenditures, and operate within budget parameters.
13. Develop and maintain close contact and positive relationships with local/regional media and those who cover WBU and SAC sports. 
14. Develop, oversee, and participate in year-round staff presence and productivity.
15. Complete and respond promptly to all Athletic and University administration requests regarding the Sports Communication Office.
16. Cultivate positive campus and community relations.
17. Prepare and submit athletic-related nominations for conference, regional, and national awards and honors on behalf of the Department of Athletics and student-athletes.
18. Manage Athletic Department’s role in home event web stream broadcasts, operating, and staffing.
19. Work collaboratively with and as directed by the Hall of Honor Committee in planning and preparing the Athletics Hall of Honor selection.
20. Cross-train staff in keeping in-game statistics and writing game wrap-up articles.
21. Prepare hometown stories, releases, and feature stories for student-athletes/coaches.
22. Manage the press box and press table at all home events.
23. Develop and implement a comprehensive public relations program to help WBU achieve the goals established for Athletics.
24. Responsible for compiling, maintaining, archiving, and reporting all statistical data (in-season, career & historical), and reports for all sports programs.
25. Develop, create, and produce game programs, electronic media guides, calendars, brochures, and other promotional publications for all intercollegiate sports programs and the Department of Athletics. Write program articles, season outlook, and season reviews for each sport. Write sports wrap-ups on each varsity sport for external release and use in other publications.
26. Coordinate photography and videography for intercollegiate athletic teams and events
27. Schedule, train and supervise statistical and score table staff for all home events
28. Understand that all special releases (ie. new hires, position changes, awards won, etc.) must be verified by the Director of Athletics before publication or release.
29. Remain competent, knowledgeable, and current with regards to industry and discipline standards and best practices.
30. Work actively toward accomplishing the University Strategic Plan and serve on campus-wide committees.
31. Perform other duties, summer duties, and special projects as assigned.

_ The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job.  Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics. _

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.  Years of experience in related field may be considered as substitution for degree.

Master’s degree in a related field preferred.

Experience, Knowledge and skills:

1. Five (3) years of progressive experience in sports information, communications, marketing and promotions.
2. Knowledge of social media, digital and e-mail marketing strategies and applications.
3. Working knowledge and experience in athletic statistical applications. 
4. An understanding of graphic design principles and practices. 
5. Ability to create, compose, and edit journalistic writing and reporting to include proper English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
6. Strong and effective interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
7. Excellent PC skills and knowledge of related software applications that include Microsoft Word, StatCrew, Presto Sport, Spectrum scoreboard electronics, Adobe InDesign and Sports Statistical Software
8. Ability to gather data, organizing resources, compile information, and prepare reports.
9. Ability to use independent judgment and to gather, manage and impart information to the media and various other internal and external audiences.
10. Ability to supervise, train, organize, and schedule staff and their work assignments.
11. Knowledge of printing procedures and requirements.
12. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
13. Media relations skills.
14. Knowledge of sporting press box procedures, techniques, facilities and equipment.
15. Willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes some nights, weekends, and holidays.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance.   If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  Employee must be able and willing to travel.  Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle and possess a valid state driver’s license or have access to reliable transportation.  Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.

Wayland Baptist University does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic.

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