Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications

Job Title: Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications

Department: Athletics
Reports To: Director of Athletics

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications provides strategic leadership for all athletic communications, storytelling, and media relations efforts for the Department of Athletics. This role advances Bethel University's Christ-centered mission by promoting intercollegiate athletics through compelling content, brand management, and integrated digital communication strategies.

The position is responsible for public relations, digital media, live event coverage, and statistical reporting, while cultivating relationships with institutional partners, conference affiliates, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the National Christian College Athletic Association(NCCAA) . The role also supports the holistic development of student-athletes by telling stories that reflect excellence, character, and faith.

Essential Responsibilities

Athletic Communications Strategy & Media Relations

• Serve as the primary media contact for all varsity sports
• Develop and execute a comprehensive athletic communications strategy aligned with departmental goals

Job Title: Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications

Department: Athletics
Reports To: Director of Athletics

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications provides strategic leadership for all athletic communications, storytelling, and media relations efforts for the Department of Athletics. This role advances Bethel University's Christ-centered mission by promoting intercollegiate athletics through compelling content, brand management, and integrated digital communication strategies.

The position is responsible for public relations, digital media, live event coverage, and statistical reporting, while cultivating relationships with institutional partners, conference affiliates, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the National Christian College Athletic Association(NCCAA) . The role also supports the holistic development of student-athletes by telling stories that reflect excellence, character, and faith.

Essential Responsibilities

Athletic Communications Strategy & Media Relations

• Serve as the primary media contact for all varsity sports
• Develop and execute a comprehensive athletic communications strategy aligned with departmental goals
• Write and distribute press releases, feature stories, game recaps, and institutional content
• Coordinate media coverage, interviews, and press opportunities
• Maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets

Digital Content & Brand Management

• Oversee and manage the official athletics website (bupilots.com), ensuring timely and accurate updates (rosters, schedules, results, records)
• Lead content creation across platforms, including social media, web, email, and video
• Ensure consistent application of Bethel Athletics branding, messaging, and visual identity
• Monitor and guide team accounts to maintain brand integrity and alignment
• Track and analyze engagement metrics to inform strategy and growth

Social Media & Storytelling

• Develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy across platforms (Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, emerging platforms)
• Create engaging, mission-driven content that highlights student-athlete stories, team success, and program culture
• Provide guidance and education to coaches and student-athletes on best practices, branding, and NIL-related awareness

Game Day Operations & Event Coverage

• Oversee all game day communications operations, including live statistics, scoring, and event coverage
• Supervise and train student workers, statisticians, and game day staff
• Coordinate public address scripts, promotional reads, and in-game communication elements
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of results and statistics

Statistics, Reporting & Awards

• Compile and report statistics to conference, NAIA, and NCCAA partners
• Manage nominations for athletic and academic awards (conference, national, and academic honors)
• Maintain statistical archives and historical records

Video, Photography & Broadcasting

• Oversee photography and video strategy, including capturing and curating content for promotional use
• Manage live streaming operations (Bethel Sports Network), including scheduling, quality control, and staffing
• Collaborate with external broadcast partners (e.g., regional networks)
• Support development of video storytelling and highlight content

Marketing & Collaboration

• Partner with the University's Marketing & Communications team on campaigns, branding initiatives, and storytelling
• Contribute to publications including game programs, recruiting materials, alumni features, and institutional communications
• Support athletic department initiatives including fundraising, camps, and special events

Leadership, Administration & Culture

• Supervise and mentor student workers and interns in athletic communications
• Manage the athletic communications budget and resources
• Serve on departmental committees (e.g., Hall of Fame)
• Contribute to a Christ-centered culture that emphasizes service, integrity, and excellence
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Communication, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (Master's preferred)
• 2-4 years of experience in collegiate athletic communications or a related field
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling ability across multiple platforms

• Proficiency with:

  • Website content management systems (e.g., SIDEARM Sports or similar)
  • Social media management tools and analytics
  • Live statistics software (e.g., StatCrew, Genius Sports)
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Canva) or equivalent

• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple sports and deadlines

• Knowledge of intercollegiate athletics (NAIA/NCAA rules, reporting standards, awards processes)

• Demonstrated commitment to the Christian faith and ability to support the mission of the University

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter
• Résumé with three professional references
• Statement of Christian faith

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

About Bethel University

For more information visit our website at www.betheluniviersity.edu

Bethel University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal laws. In keeping with the mission of the institution, Bethel University seeks applicants with a strong commitment to the values and lifestyle of evangelical Christianity and who profess a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As a Christian institution, we require faculty and staff to adhere to the University's Lifestyle Covenant and to enforce a religiously based statement of responsibilities for all University employees. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Bethel University, as an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Missionary Church, reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702-703, United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended).

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