Office of Human Resource Management

Job Description:

The Assistant Athletic Director for Media & Gameday Coordination is a member of the athletic department’s senior staff and reports to the Associate AD for External Relations and, ultimately, the Vice President of Athletics. The Assistant Athletic Director for Media & Gameday Coordination is responsible for the overall gameday experience for students and SCSU Bulldog fans. This position plays a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and reputation of our athletic programs through effective media relations, content creation, and meticulous gameday coordination. In addition to the game day duties, the Assistant AD of Gameday Operations will work closely with the Assistant AD for Strategic Communications and Marketing on statistics, website upkeep, and social media. In addition, this position will work closely with the Associate AD for External Relations. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and strong organizational skills to successfully execute comprehensive media strategies and ensure flawless execution of gameday operations. This student-centered position requires a significant amount of night and weekend hours.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Media Relations:
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets, including newspapers, radio stations, television networks, and online platforms.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, interview requests, and press releases related to athletic events, programs, and initiatives.
• Proactively pitch story ideas and generate media coverage to promote our athletic teams, student-athletes, coaches, and departmental achievements.
• Monitor media coverage and sentiment, providing regular reports and analysis to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making.
•  The candidate will assist with in-game statistics.

2. Content Creation:
   • Create compelling written, visual, and multimedia content to engage fans, alumni, recruits, and stakeholders across digital and traditional platforms.
   • Oversee the production of promotional materials, including press kits, game programs, social media graphics, and video highlights, ensuring brand consistency and alignment with departmental objectives.
   • Collaborate with internal and external partners, including photographers, videographers, graphic designers, and freelance writers, to produce high-quality content showcasing our athletic programs' unique aspects.
3. Social Media Management:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive social media strategy to grow our presence, increase engagement, and drive traffic to our digital channels.
• Manage official social media accounts, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, posting regular updates, responding to comments, and monitoring trends.
• Utilize analytics tools to track key performance metrics, evaluate the effectiveness of social media campaigns, and optimize content for maximum reach and impact.

4. Gameday Coordination:
• Coordinate all aspects of gameday operations, including pre-game activities, halftime entertainment, in-game promotions, and post-game ceremonies, to create an unforgettable fan experience.
• Oversight of the game day table and statistics for games.
• Liaise with stadium/venue staff, vendors, sponsors, and broadcast partners to ensure seamless execution of logistics, facility setup, and technical requirements.
• Supervise a team of event staff, volunteers, and student interns, providing clear direction, training, and support to deliver exceptional customer service and uphold brand standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, sports management, or a related field (master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in sports media relations, public relations, marketing, or a similar role, preferably within collegiate or professional athletics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives, press releases, social media posts, and marketing copy.
• Proficiency in digital content creation tools and platforms, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Hootsuite, and video editing software.
• Familiarity with game day statistics software.
• Demonstrated expertise in social media management, community engagement, and audience development across various social media platforms.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership qualities, including the ability to inspire and motivate team members, foster collaboration, and drive results through effective project management and delegation.