Office of Human Resource Management

Job Description:

The Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communication and Marketing plays a crucial role in promoting and enhancing the visibility and brand of the Athletics Department at South Carolina State University. This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication and marketing plans to engage and inform various stakeholders, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, fans, and the local community. The role requires a creative and strategic thinker who can effectively leverage traditional and digital media to maximize the department's reach and impact.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Communication:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for the Athletics Department.
• Create and disseminate press releases, news articles, and announcements related to athletic events, achievements, and initiatives.
• Maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to secure positive coverage of the department.
• Serve as the department's spokesperson when necessary.

2. Marketing and Branding:

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to design and execute marketing campaigns to drive attendance and support for athletic events.
• Develop and maintain a strong visual identity for the Athletics Department, ensuring consistent branding across all materials and platforms.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of promotional materials, including posters, flyers, digital graphics, and video content.

3. Digital and Social Media:

• Manage the department’s social media accounts, keeping them active, engaging, and up to date with relevant content.
• Monitor social media trends and analytics to adjust strategies and maximize online engagement.
• Create and maintain the department's official website, ensuring it provides current information and a user-friendly experience.
• Manage the athletic department brand and ensure all social media, websites, and the app are using appropriate content, music, logos, and mascot information.

4. Event Management:

• Coordinate and promote athletic events, including game days, tournaments, and special promotions.
• Work closely with the ticket office to maximize ticket sales and attendance at games.
• Assure proper game day personnel are present for each sport and statistics/scores are submitted to the NCAA.

5. Supervision and Team Management:

• Lead and supervise a team of communication and marketing professionals.
• Foster a collaborative and creative work environment that encourages innovation and excellence.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field. Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in strategic communication and marketing, preferably in the sports industry or higher education and understanding of what is required by the NCAA.
• Strong understanding of sports marketing, branding, and promotion strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in digital marketing, social media management, and website content management systems.
• The successful candidate will be self-directed, highly motivated and goal-oriented, work with integrity, value gender equity, and bring skills and abilities needed to advance S.C. State athletics and the university including the capacity to be a visible and engaging leader and advocate for the program and the university.