Strategic Communications Assistant

If you are a current University employee, please use the internal career site to apply for this position.

Job Description

This posting is for a full-time, 12-month, exempt position. Strategic communications assistant is responsible for the primary media contact, media inquiries, press releases, and other strategic communications for the University of Findlay. 

Essential Functions

This position requires regular, predictable, reliable attendance in the office environment.

1.    Serve as the primary media contact for selected athletic programs, managing all media inquiries, interview coordination, and press box operations
2.    Write, edit, and distribute press releases, game previews, recaps, feature stories, and other strategic communications in a timely and professional manner
3.    Work closely with the Associate Director of Athletics – Strategic Communications in the creation of department PSA’s, student-athlete features, game highlights, etc.
4.    Develop and implement sport-specific social media strategies designed to increase engagement, grow brand visibility, and enhance the student-athlete experience
5.    Ensure brand consistency and unified messaging across all communications platforms, including website, social media, print materials, video boards, and external communications
6.    Plan and execute all media days for 22 NCAA DII athletic programs, including scheduling, photography, videography, interviews, and promotional content capture
7.    Create and edit video and graphic content for the athletic department, distributing the content via findlayoilers.com, Findlay Oilers social media channels, and in-game.

If you are a current University employee, please use the internal career site to apply for this position.

Job Description

This posting is for a full-time, 12-month, exempt position. Strategic communications assistant is responsible for the primary media contact, media inquiries, press releases, and other strategic communications for the University of Findlay. 

Essential Functions

This position requires regular, predictable, reliable attendance in the office environment.

1.    Serve as the primary media contact for selected athletic programs, managing all media inquiries, interview coordination, and press box operations
2.    Write, edit, and distribute press releases, game previews, recaps, feature stories, and other strategic communications in a timely and professional manner
3.    Work closely with the Associate Director of Athletics – Strategic Communications in the creation of department PSA’s, student-athlete features, game highlights, etc.
4.    Develop and implement sport-specific social media strategies designed to increase engagement, grow brand visibility, and enhance the student-athlete experience
5.    Ensure brand consistency and unified messaging across all communications platforms, including website, social media, print materials, video boards, and external communications
6.    Plan and execute all media days for 22 NCAA DII athletic programs, including scheduling, photography, videography, interviews, and promotional content capture
7.    Create and edit video and graphic content for the athletic department, distributing the content via findlayoilers.com, Findlay Oilers social media channels, and in-game.

Proficiencies include:
•    Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud products (primarily Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Adobe Photoshop)
•    Ability to use and maintain video and photography equipment
8.    Learn and operate NCAA mandated statistical software for assigned sports, ensuring accurate live statistics and timely reporting to conference and national databases
9.    Maintain accurate statistical records, historical archives, and milestone tracking for athletic programs, coaches, and student-athletes
10.    Archive photography, video footage, and digital assets from athletic contests and related events to ensure long-term accessibility and historical preservation
11.    Assist in the planning and execution of home athletic events, contributing to game management, promotions, scripting, and overall fan experience
12.    Support comprehensive event operations, including media credentialing, press box management, statistical crews, livestream coordination, and postgame reporting
13.    Nominate and promote student-athletes and coaches for conference, regional, and national awards
14.    Assist in the supervision, training, and professional development of two communication graduate assistants
15.    Collaborate with marketing, ticketing, and development teams on promotional campaigns
16.    Travel with select teams for games including conference and NCAA tournament contests
17.    Perform all other duties deemed appropriate for the position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies
1.    Technical Capacity
2.    Personal Effectiveness/Credibility.
3.    Thoroughness.
4.    Take Initiative.
5.    Collaboration Skills.
6.    Strong Professional Knowledge.
7.    Communication Proficiency.
8.    Organizational Skills.

Supervisory Responsibility
Decision-making capabilities in relation to all athletic communications and will regularly supervises student workers, graduate assistants, and interns.  

Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, cameras, records, monitoring devices, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands
Walks, sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves continually during working hours. Is subject to lifting over 50 pounds.  Must be able to lift raise or lower an object from one level to another (includes upward and pulling motion) of 50-75 lbs. and must be able to carry/transport an object/equipment weighing 50-75 lbs.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time 12-month position, requiring 40+ hours a week with nights and weekend work required. 

Travel
Travel to NCAA, G-MAC and other Athletic business functions is required along with the ability to travel to select Regular and Post Season Competitions.  A valid US Driver’s license with a safe driving record is required.

Required Education and Experience
1.    Bachelor’s degree. 
2.    Two years of experience with content creation, preferably in an athletics-related field. 
3.    Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, especially Premiere, After Effects, InDesign, and Photoshop. 
4.    Position requires considerable initiative, creativity and independence. 
5.    Evidence of strong communication skills.

For optimal consideration of your applicant file, faculty applications must include a cover letter; current Resume or Curriculum Vitae; a statement of teaching philosophy; and the contact information for three professional references with your application. Staff applications must include a current Resume or Curriculum Vitae and cover letter with your application.

The University of Findlay is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. It is the university's policy to prohibit discrimination and provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to their race, sex (including gender identity/expression), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, military or sexual orientation.

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