Director of Media Relations - #121675

EXPIRED

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number

EHRA768P

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/25715

Classification Title

Public Communication Specialist II

Working Title

View Full Description

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number

EHRA768P

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/25715

Classification Title

Public Communication Specialist II

Working Title

Director of Media Relations - #121675

Department

Office of Athletic Programs

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary commensurate with experience

About WCU

Western Carolina University has been named to the 2022 “America’s Best Employers by State” list by Forbes, ranking 14 out of the top 100 employers in North Carolina. Forbes has also ranked Western Carolina University in the Top 100 of America’s Best Midsize Employers for 2023. Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. WCU’s main campus is nestled in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 50 miles west of Asheville. WCU is located just 25 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, one of the nation’s most spectacular and most visited national parks. The entire region is known for its excellent quality of life and access to outdoor activities.Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.Responsibilities will include but are not limited to, assisting the Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations in the daily operation of the Office of Athletics Media Relations (AMR). The successful applicant will serve as the primary contact for assigned sports as a part of the media relations staff and assist with gameday media relations responsibilities at all home football games. The applicant will provide written content (press releases, game recaps, features) and edit, layout, and design media guides or record books for assigned primary sports. Write, edit, and design game programs for assigned primary sports, publish media game notes, manage social media accounts (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), input computer statistical data at those events, and maintain the content of the official athletic department website, CatamountSports.com. Act as the liaison between local and national media and our student-athletes and coaches for assigned sports. Must be available to work evenings and weekends; some travel is required. This is a 12-month position with full benefits.The applicant will also be responsible for helping to secure staff for home events in their primary sports, supervising temporary, part-time, and student employees along with the full-time media relations staff, and assisting with football game day operations or other sports as directed by the Assistant AD for Media Relations. Report statistical data, press releases, and weekly, monthly, and yearly nominations to the Southern Conference and NCAA.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for this position:Demonstrated outstanding writing and editing skills, and experience with publication software through Adobe Creative Cloud including InDesign and Photoshop software. Successful candidates will have a working knowledge and experience with NCAA LiveStats through Genius Sports and the StatCrew (TAS) scoring software; Web editing knowledge through an online content site manager (Sidearm Sports). Experience with updating and managing social media accounts. Applicants should have strong organizational, and interpersonal skills and the ability to build a working relationship with local media outlets.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

At least one year of experience as a primary sport media relations/sports information contact at a NCAA school occurring within the past three years … At least one season experience with StatCrew (TAS) in-game scoring/stats inputting and the peripheral TAS scoring utilities. Working knowledge of Daktronics Venus software for video boards/score tables a plus.

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Months Per Year

12

Posting Text

Open Date

10/12/2023

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered, you must apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. A resume, cover letter, and a list of references are required to complete the application.Examples of sports information work, i.e. press releases, media guides, etc., will also be accepted as an optional portfolio attachment.For questions or additional information, please contact Daniel Hooker at dhooker@email.wcu.edu

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

AA/EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents 1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application 2. Resume 3. List of references Optional Documents 1. Portfolio

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
   • Website - Jobs.wcu.edu
   • Indeed.com
   • Personal Referral
   • Agency Referral
   • Other

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