Employment Opportunities

7313
 

JOB DESCRIPTION
 
Position: Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

Reports To: Associate Commissioner of External Operations & Strategic Marketing
Positions Directly Supervised: Graduate Assistant, Intern(s)
 
BASIC FUNCTION
 
The Assistant Director of Strategic Communications will assist and provide support for the flow of information to and from the association; assist with managing the public, media and community relations of the conference to include branding, marketing/sponsorships, licensing and other areas as requested.
 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Management of Communications Function

 
  • Assist with executing plans for accomplishing communications department functions for the conference office, working with institutional sports information directors to analyze the needs of member institutions and provide services as needed (statistical data, event support and historical information).
     
  • Assist with generating media exposure opportunities.
     
  • Plan and execute press conferences, football media day, and other special events as assigned.
     
  • Assist with Communications with CIAA member institutions sports information directors, serving as the primary conference liaison for the communications of the 14 CIAA Championship sports.
 
Television Broadcast & Multi-Media
  • Assist with selection of television and digital broadcast schedules.
     
  • Assist media rights partner in developing timelines and run of show schedules for broadcasts
     
  • Assist development of promotional content
     
  • Communicate broadcast and multi-media information to membership
 
Publicity via CIAA Website and other Outlets
  • Manage writing, editing and updating weekly releases for CIAA sponsored sports.
     
  • Develop and post up-to-date information regarding statistics, results, standings, etc., assuring currency and accuracy of that information.
     
  • Assist with the development and scheduling of sport-specific content (editorial, video and audio) for social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, blogs, newsletter, etc.
     
  • Identify, research, write and post feature stories, personalizing student-athletes and conference members to demonstrate the unique goals of the CIAA.
     
  • Provide pre-and post-event coverage of CIAA championships.
  • Assist with the oversight of the media operations at championship events including photography and the usage of digital media (e.g., live stats, web streaming, social media and blogs).
     
  • Develop and create media opportunities and monitor coverage of CIAA athletics in local, regional and national media outlets.
     
  • Travel to events involving CIAA teams, assisting media and institutional sports information personnel as needed or requested.
     
  • Assist with the management and growth of the CIAA mobile app.
 
Research and Record Keeping
  • Respond to inquiries from schools, media and the general public.
     
  • Maintain essential archives and assure that they are accurate, stored and are updated at the end of each season.
Manage All-CIAA Process
  • Work with CIAA Associations to select and publicize All-CIAA teams, including producing nomination materials, ballots, statistics and background information; managing the voting process, writing press releases and feature stories regarding recipients, sending releases to appropriate media outlets.
     
  • Work with CIAA Associations to propose any changes to CIAA Legislation, All-CIAA team criteria and voting procedures for consideration by CIAA Committees.
     
  • Assist with the selection of candidates for the CIAA Hall of Fame and its induction program.
 
Sport Administration and Championships
  • Represent the CIAA Office at conference meetings addressing any specific agenda items related to media relations functions and other items as requested.
     
  • Serve as primary conference liaison for football, men’s and women’s basketball, bowling, golf, tennis, and volleyball and the secondary conference liaison for selected CIAA Championships (cross country, women’s bowling, golf) and assist Associate Commissioner, including setting agenda with coaches, chair and administrative liaisons; attending meetings, writing meeting minutes, drafting changes in CIAA Legislation, and communicating with SID association on NCAA and CIAA legislative issues.
     
  • Develop and/or assist event timelines and scripts.
     
  • Develop or assist with creation of championship publications for, but not limited to, football, basketball, bowling, and softball.
     
  • Manage and/or assist media relations requests and credential application process.
     
  • Assist staffing and volunteer management (stats, score keepers, photographers, social media, PA, videographers, etc.).
     
  • Facilitate media interview requests and oversee management of pre-tournament and post-game interviews.
     
  • Ensure the routine updates of social media and website(s) to promote tournament, provide game information throughout the event, and recap.
     
  • Assist game operations of championship events as needed (media hospitality, game protocols, etc.).
     
  • Assist in identifying independent contractors for championships and ancillary events.
     
  • Assist with other duties as assigned by the Associate Commissioner and the Senior Leadership team

    Office Operations
  • Represent CIAA Office at other (non-conference) meetings and events as assigned.
     
  • Actively participate in office activities, including planning sessions, meetings, etc.
     
  • Assist in the oversight of the office’s computer hardware and software and technology needs.
     
  • Assist with phone coverage, meeting preparations and other duties as assigned.
     
  • Serve as secondary liaison to marketing partner and multi-media rights partner to develop and execute effective strategies that align with conference goals
 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  1. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree desired
     
  2. A minimum of three years of professional experience with a priority in experience directly administering media operations/sports information major sports at a conference office or member institution;
     
  3. Outstanding communication, organizational, interpersonal and written skills;
     
  4. Must be able to multi-task in a moderate to fast-paced work environment and have the ability to manage and prioritize several ongoing projects;
     
  5. Knowledge of multimedia production and negotiations;
     
  6. Computer literacy with relevant software: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.), website content management tools (i.e. Sidearm), working knowledge of StatCrew; Comfortable with Mac and PC devices
     
  7. Demonstrated Graphic Design experience
     
  8. Demonstrated ability to adapt to emerging technologies
     
  9. Demonstrated ability to manage social media accounts
     
  10. Knowledge of video production and photography
     
  11. Experience in Radio and/or Television Broadcast will be considered
     
  12. Demonstrated ability to show initiative and work with limited direction and supervision.
     
  13. Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse groups of individuals;
     
  14. Flexibility to travel extensively (60 days per year); and continuous availability (after hours, weekends) on a year-round basis.
 
Desired:
  1. Working knowledge of athletics business management;
  2. Demonstrated ability to activate better business practices with tangible operational results;
  3. Knowledge of the philosophy, function, structure and operation of the CIAA;
  4. Research skills and experience.
  5. Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
 
To Apply: Please submit cover letter, resume and three references via email to ciaa4life@theciaa.com

Application is open until position is filled.