Director, Athletics Communications

Responsibilities

• Florida SouthWestern State College is accepting resumes in search of a Director, Athletics Communications to join our team.
• The Director of Athletics Communications serves as the primary communications and media relations professional for the College’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.   This position coordinates and implements communications activities that promote the College’s athletic programs, student-athletes, coaches and events; supports positive media coverage and public awareness; and ensures accurate, timely and consistent information is communicated to internal and external audiences.
• The Director works collaboratively with Athletics leadership and appropriate College departments to support the College’s mission, strategic priorities and communications standards.
• Serves as the primary media contact for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.   Develops professional relationships with reporters, broadcasters, producers, and other media representatives to highlight stories associated with the College’s sports programs, coaches, student-athletes, and staff.
• Works collaboratively with the College’s Public Information Officer to ensure the message and information provided through the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is consistent with the College’s mission, strategic actions and priorities.
• Coordinates media inquiries, interview requests, press conferences and other media opportunities involving athletic teams, coaches, student-athletes and staff. Responds promptly to requests and coordinates appropriate meeting times and locations.
• Ensures information provided to the media regarding the College’s athletic programs complies with applicable public records requirements and College operating procedures.
• Assists Athletics leadership in promoting and publicizing athletic events, accomplishments, student-athletes, and department initiatives.
• Develops and distributes news releases, game notes, feature stories, media materials, schedules, rosters, and other communications supporting the College’s intercollegiate athletic programs.
• Provides media and communications guidance to coaches, student-athletes, and staff, including preparation for interviews and other public-facing opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in sports journalism, sports administration, public relations or related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in collegiate athletics communications, sports information, media relations, public relations, communications or a related field.
• Experience working in a college or professional sports information office/communications environment, including knowledge of statistical and publishing software and website or digital content management.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to independently travel to various campuses and other locations for College business.
• Demonstrated proficiency using a personal computer, office software such as Microsoft Office and electronic mail.
• Think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational culture.
• Exhibit a thorough knowledge of policies, procedures, and outside regulations pertaining to the position.
• Possess a working knowledge of operational and fiscal analysis techniques.
• Make presentations in front of various group sizes.

Benefits

• Competitive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance options to meet your needs
• Generous paid time off includes vacation, sick, personal, holidays, and winter & spring breaks
• Florida retirement membership (FRS)
• Educational and professional development opportunities for you and your dependents