Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications & Creative Content

Position Details Posting Summary Position Title Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications & Creative Content Posting Number AS1114P Subdivision Athletic Director's Office Division Athletics Department Athletics Location Erie, Pa Position Summary The Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications and Creative Content will serve as the lead media contact for Gannon Athletics. This position will strategically promote the success and commitment to excellence of Gannon Athletics student-athletes, teams, and the University externally and internally across multiple platforms, including social media and websites. The successful individual will be responsible for developing a strategic vision and implementing a plan for digital content creation (graphics, videos, photos), written content (game notes, news releases, and feature stories), and in-game management activities (livestreaming, statistics, photography, etcetera). The successful candidate will manage in-game sports information and strategically develop initiatives and strategies to elevate the student-athletes, coaches, staff, and department. The position will collaborate daily with other External Relations Units – including Assistant Director of Athletics for External Relations, University Marketing, University Communications, and University Creative Services – to manage the brand of the programs and the department. Required Qualifications Include, But Are Not Limited To Supervision of full-time staff members and student workers. Experience in generating creative content (i.e., graphics, motion graphics, videos, photos) and implementing a content strategy. Experience working with members of the media and pitching stories. Demonstrated competencies and experience with desktop publishing, writing, and creating content on deadlines. Thorough knowledge of StatCrew/ NCAA Live Stats statistical software. Proficiency in using various programs within the Adobe Creative Suite. Knowledge of social media best practices and emerging platforms, as well as knowledge of graphic design, video, digital media, and written media in athletics. Demonstrated and proficient oral and written communication competencies; ability to write game stories and features stories; ability to conduct media training with coaches and student-athletes and advise in interactions with the media; experience designing/editing media guides and/or game programs in an intercollegiate sports information environment is preferred. Must be able to adapt to flexible work schedules due to the high volume/sport season schedules. Experience and knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations. Must demonstrate exceptional customer service. This position will involve extensive interpersonal dealings with student-athletes, coaches, and administrators from within the University and with several external audiences, primarily media outlets. Accuracy and attention to detail are key as this position deals with facts, historical relevance, records, and statistics to promote student-athletes for awards, put events in historical context, compare teams to other teams from the past and present, etc. Creativity, brainstorming, writing, creating content, and communicating are priorities. Must demonstrate the ability to deal with stressful and changing situations. Work is performed in a University environment, both indoors and outdoors. Weekend time, holiday time commitments, and travel are required. Required Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS : Education: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred. Experience: Three to five years of prior experience in collegiate or professional athletic media relations and content creation is required. Skills: Must have a solid understanding of sports and sports statistics; NCAA , PSAC , and Title IX requirements; the ability to organize, prioritize, and schedule work assignments; experience managing social media accounts; ability to develop creative content; basic photography and videography skills. Mastery of computer skills including but not limited to – Microsoft Office, web development and maintenance software, Adobe InDesign, Final Cut Pro, Social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.), Adobe Photoshop, and Statcrew & NCAA LiveStats software. Knowledge of editorial and publication processes, systems, and procedures; strong written composition and editorial skills. Licenses and Certificates: A valid driver’s license in good standing. Per Gannon’s Institutional Policy Manual there can be no suspensions on the Motor Vehicle Record for 5 years prior to being hired. University Mission: Must be able to support and promote the University’s Mission. Preferred Qualifications Physical Demands Physical Requirements Must be able to meet the physical demands associated with performing the duties of this position. Working Conditions Work is performed in a University environment, both indoors and outdoors. Weekend time, as well as holiday time commitments and travel are required. Exempt Status Exempt Position Classification Professional Position Type Staff Employment Status Full-Time Position Length 12M Hours per Week varies Work Schedule Varies Shift Other