Assistant Athletics Director For Communications

Title: Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

Position Type: Full-Time

Department: Athletics

About Augustana University:

Augustana University is located in the growing and vibrant city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota with a metro area of over 265,000 people. Augustana University has, for more than 150 years, provided a strong student-centric education based on its five core values: Christian faith, liberal arts, excellence, community and service. Currently with 22 NCAA sports programs, including Viking hockey which competes at the Division I level, Augustana Athletics is focused on building champions in the classroom, in competition and in the community, highlighted by three team national championships since 2016. Viking Athletics has won the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference All-Sports Award two years in a row.

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

Augustana University invites applications for the position of full-time Assistant Athletics Director for Communications. With 22 NCAA sports programs, including men's hockey competing at the Division I level, Augustana Athletics serves as a crucial pillar in the university's strategic plan; Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030. The Assistant Athletics Director for Communications is responsible for the overall direction, management, and supervision of the Athletics Communications department. This position will support and enhance the mission of Augustana University/Augustana Athletics through all aspects of digital media, social media, sports information, and media relations. This position will also serve on the senior staff for the athletics department, provide leadership to the communications team, and serve as the point of contact for multiple Viking sport programs.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Tell compelling stories of Augustana's 22 programs and consistently evolve to changing trends, themes and opportunities to bring awareness and recognition to student-athletes and the broader University.

• Lead and supervise the athletics communications staff of 3 full time employees.

• Serve as the primary communications contact for multiple sports.

• Implement social & digital media strategy.

• Manage the content calendar and establish a calendar outlining the necessary annual updates/tasks to accomplish.

• Facilitate day-to-day operations within the athletics communications office (game notes, award nominations, updating GoAugie.com, communication with opposing teams, responding to all information/media requests).

• Serve as the primary media contact for the athletic department, schedule and coordinate interviews, and build relationships to solicit event coverage and feature stories.

• Provide support for broadcasts (radio, television & streaming) and assist on-air talent with updated statistics and storylines.

• Anticipate meaningful story lines and opportunities to build the brand of Augustana Athletics.

• Write and/or coordinate news releases, game stories, feature stories, and game notes.

• Ensure all external communication, including GoAugie.com, is accurate and up-to-date including rosters, bios, schedules, game notes, statistical information, news, archives, photography, graphics, etc.

• Build relationships with coaches and staff to become relied upon as the authority on public communication best practices, serve as the primary internal communication lead.

• Manage the press area at home athletic events and ensure proper staffing for responsibilities.

• Facilitate communication roles for special events such as conference, regional, and national tournaments.

• Responsible for maintaining the departments organization, historical record and timely publication of game previews/recaps, statistics, features, historical information, photography and video.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in communications, journalism, public relations or related field.

• At least 3 years full-time experience in an NCAA Division I or Division II athletics communications / Sports Information office.

• Proven experience and expertise in developing and maintaining positive relationships with the media on the local and regional level is desired.

• Graphic design experience is preferred.

Interacting with students, faculty and leadership with different backgrounds and points of view and a deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture must be a top value of the candidate.

Interested applicants are asked to complete the below application materials. These application materials are to be sent electronically to humanresources@augie.edu. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the application process, please contact liz.vanwesten@augie.edu.

• Letter of interest

• Resume or curriculum vitae

• Augustana University employment application

• Statement of Diversity

• Contact information for at least three references

Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer that seeks to recruit, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce. Augustana University is committed to excellence through diversity and strongly encourages applications from the entire spectrum of a diverse community. Submission of official transcripts may be required upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.