Director of Athletic Communications

The Director of Athletic Communications leads the Athletic Communications team in telling the story of Pepperdine Athletics through the media, web, social media and other forms of communications; works with game management to successfully host home athletics events; has a particular emphasis on content creation, statistics and media relations; and maintains the historical archives for assigned teams.

Duties

• Leading the Athletic Communications department with knowledge of working athletic events in capacities such as keeping statistics, updating social media, photography, etc. as well as archiving stories and photographs, or performing research, to improve or maintain the historical record of athletics activities.
• Writing articles/game stories/game previews/game notes/features/biographies for the athletics website and for media dissemination with designation as well as pitching stories to media and performing media relations duties, including setting up interviews and prepping broadcasters for select sports.

The Director of Athletic Communications leads the Athletic Communications team in telling the story of Pepperdine Athletics through the media, web, social media and other forms of communications; works with game management to successfully host home athletics events; has a particular emphasis on content creation, statistics and media relations; and maintains the historical archives for assigned teams.

Duties

• Leading the Athletic Communications department with knowledge of working athletic events in capacities such as keeping statistics, updating social media, photography, etc. as well as archiving stories and photographs, or performing research, to improve or maintain the historical record of athletics activities.
• Writing articles/game stories/game previews/game notes/features/biographies for the athletics website and for media dissemination with designation as well as pitching stories to media and performing media relations duties, including setting up interviews and prepping broadcasters for select sports.
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• Creating digital content (graphics, video, etc.) to promote athletic teams on social media sites (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
• Supervising two full-time communications staff members and a group of student-employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Associate AD for External Operations and Assistant AD.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required: Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English or equivalent subject; an equivalent combination of education and 2+ years of experience in an NCAA Division I Athletics Communications Office can be substituted in lieu of degree; minimum of three years of experience working in a college or professional Athletic Communications/Sports Information office as a full-time staff member, intern or graduate assistant. Advanced knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign/Photoshop/Illustrator/After Effects). Due to the nature of the position, some travel is expected. Experience using common office computer applications including Google Suite and web browser applications; advanced knowledge of statistical (Statcrew/The Automated Scorebook/NCAA Live Stats) and design (Adobe InDesign and Photoshop) software; experience working with website content management systems (Sidearm); experience using social media and video in promoting athletics; previous experience working in an athletic communications capacity; demonstrated interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated reliability; ability to perform under pressure of deadlines; ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously; ability to work effectively with external constituents; ability to communicate and work effectively with internal constituents, particularly senior staff, coaching staff and other appropriate University personnel; ability to work both independently and as a team member and leader; results-oriented; self-starter; appreciation of and commitment to further the mission, values and goals of Pepperdine University. Submission of a written and graphic portfolio is required.

Preferred: Master's degree in communications, sports management, journalism or related field. Minimum of three to five years of sports communications or relevant experience at the collegiate or professional level. Professional knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign/Photoshop/Illustrator/After Effects). Experience with statistical software (Stat Crew/NCAA Genius) for a multitude of sports, website content management systems (preferably SIDEARM), proficiency in AP style writing and a strong working knowledge of social media platforms.

Qualified individuals should be able to articulate a strong commitment to diversity, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Regular, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $67,500 - $75,000 per year

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.