Assistant Director, Communications (Athletics)

Position Function:

Mississippi State University Athletics is seeking an Assistant Director/Communications to join its communications and external team. The successful candidate must be highly organized and driven with exceptional multi-tasking and communication skills. This position will work closely with the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Communications & Content and the department’s student assistants in addition to working alongside the marketing, fan experience, creative and video teams. The candidate must have strong knowledge of social media platforms as well as outstanding writing and public relations skills. Working long hours and weekends will be required.

Salary Grade : 13

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Serve as the primary communications contact for assigned sports.
   a. Prepare, maintain, and distribute media information and other publicity for assigned sports year-round.
   b. Manage, create, and strategize creative content and stories for the department’s social and digital media platforms related to assigned sports.
   c. Produce content for the official athletic department website, particularly as it relates to assigned sports.
   d. Serve as team spokesperson and coordinate all media appearances for assigned sports.
   e. Supervise media operations for all home games.
   f. Strategically communicate to manage the national brand of assigned sports.
   

Position Function:

Mississippi State University Athletics is seeking an Assistant Director/Communications to join its communications and external team. The successful candidate must be highly organized and driven with exceptional multi-tasking and communication skills. This position will work closely with the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Communications & Content and the department’s student assistants in addition to working alongside the marketing, fan experience, creative and video teams. The candidate must have strong knowledge of social media platforms as well as outstanding writing and public relations skills. Working long hours and weekends will be required.

Salary Grade : 13

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Serve as the primary communications contact for assigned sports.
   a. Prepare, maintain, and distribute media information and other publicity for assigned sports year-round.
   b. Manage, create, and strategize creative content and stories for the department’s social and digital media platforms related to assigned sports.
   c. Produce content for the official athletic department website, particularly as it relates to assigned sports.
   d. Serve as team spokesperson and coordinate all media appearances for assigned sports.
   e. Supervise media operations for all home games.
   f. Strategically communicate to manage the national brand of assigned sports.
   g. Provide coaches and staff with appropriate messaging for speeches and public appearances.
   h. Promote student-athletes for various national, regional and conference awards.
   i. Work closely with the SEC’s broadcast partners, radio and external media to provide accurate information for coverage.
   j. Maintain statistical archives and records for assigned sports.
   
2. Establish and maintain relationships with appropriate local, state, and national media representatives.
   
3. Complete other departmental tasks as assigned by the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Communications & Content.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism, or related concentration with one (1) or two (2) years of experience in media relations, athletic communications, and social media.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Ability to work long hours, including nights and weekends.
   
2. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
   
3. Advanced knowledge of media relations/communications concepts and principles.
   
4. Comprehensive knowledge of social media platforms and an understanding on how to execute social media ideas.
   
5. Application of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop.
   
6. Understanding of how to stay ahead of trends in the profession.
   
7. Knowledge of Stat Crew and Stat Broadcast

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion.
• Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dirt, chemicals, etc.
• Job frequently requires walking, standing, lifting, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands.

Instructions for Applying:

Please attach your Resume and cover letter to the Application.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

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