Assistant Director - Communications

Title: Assistant Director - Communications

Executive Area: Athletics

College/School/MBU: Athletics

Department: Athletics

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

Responsible for all public relations activities for assigned Division I sport programs while enhancing the overall image of the University of Massachusetts.

Essential Functions

Responsible for oversight of all public relations activities of assigned Division I sport programs which includes but is not limited to planning, organizing, directing, and supervising public relations activities such as: press conferences, student-athlete, coaches, and administrative staff interviews, feature stories, social media content, website management, photography, statistics, event operations, publications, interaction with local, regional and national media outlets.

Serves as the primary media contact for all day-to-day public relations activities for sport programs as assigned.

Responsible for creation, preparation, dispersal, and approval of media materials including but not limited to, press releases, media advisories, media guides, preseason prospectus, and post season tournament guides. Establishes and maintains statistics, records, and team and individual information that could be used by the Athletic Department, University, Conferences, and various outside organizations concerning historical and current information of a student-athlete and a program success.

Maintains daily contact with coaches, student-athletes and athletic staff in an effort to generate potential stories and releases that will enhance the Athletic Department and University image. This entails interaction with members of the media in an effort to place positive public relations pieces in local, regional and national media outlets through various mediums including but not limited to newspaper, magazines, television, radio and internet publications.

Serves as a liaison between the athletic department and media, general public and University community establishing personal contacts and providing information as requested.

Monitors and maintains websites/social media channels in a manner that will expand the department's information services and increase visibility to such groups as recruits, media, alumni, and fans. Writes, edits, and disperses weekly press releases, as well as, timely releases on breaking news. Supervises media work areas and media staff at assigned events.

Keeps abreast of current trends and developments in the field through publications, seminars, conferences, and peer group associations.

Responsible for adhering to all Department, University, NCAA, and state and federal regulations.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

One year of experience in a sports information, communications, or media relations office, or comparable experience.

Knowledge of PC and Apple computers.

Knowledge and skills using desktop publishing (i.e. Adobe Creative Suite).

Familiarity with social media services, online platforms such as Adobe Spark, Twitter Media Studio, or comparable technologies.

Excellent skills in writing, editing and publications.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Ability to work nights and weekends.

Additional Details

This position is designated by Athletics as essential personnel who may be expected to work in the event of an emergency or university closure.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor athletic facilities and venues. May require travel to competitions, lifting and transporting equipment, prolonged standing, and walking during practices, games, and recruiting activities.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Shifts vary: Work week includes nights, weekends and holidays.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 25

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Upload your resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.