Responsibilities

• Coordinate all communication strategies for specifically tasked sport programs (3-4) to maximize coverage of the student-athlete experience at JMU.
• Use social media, creative technology and other digital tools to communicate information about student-athletes and assigned programs, serving as a publicist to tell their stories.
• Work collaboratively within a team environment under the direction of staff leader to build cohesive communication methods and support needs across all departmental sport programs and offices.
• Deploy traditional media relations methods such as statistics, media notes, press releases, record-keeping and more to document sport achievements and history.
• Foster positive relationships with external media partners while identifying opportunities to maximize coverage and proactively position JMU Athletics among local, regional and national media outlets.
• Supervise the communications student intern program for recruitment, development and day-to-day communication.
• Oversee game day staffing of student and wage employees for respective primary sports

Requirements

• Significant professional experience in an intercollegiate or professional sports team’s communications office
• Knowledge of various web software programs, game operations and various NCAA Live Stats (Genius) and Stat Crew statistical programs.
• Must possess good writing and editing ability and knowledge of AP writing style.
• Desktop publishing and creative design experience is required and this experience with Adobe products (InDesign, Photoshop) would be beneficial.
• Must be highly motivated, task-oriented, be able to multitask and be able to manage a work schedule that includes some weekend work.

Preferred

• Experience as direct communications representative for a revenue-generating sport (i.e. football or basketball).
• Varied experience with and knowledge of multiple sports.
• Supervision or oversight of students or other employees in collegiate athletics setting.