This director-level position is responsible for all sports communication for intercollegiate athletics, emphasizing celebrating student-athletes and coaches while advancing the university's mission. The role involves significant responsibilities related to athletic department branding, marketing, advertising, promotions, social media, and media relations.
Responsibilities
Serve as primary media liaison for Wayland Baptist University (WBU) athletics
Understand, support, and abide by WBU's mission, policies, and regulations
Monitor and comply with policies, rules, and regulations of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC), and WBU as they relate to sports statistical information and publications
Supervise all campus athletic venues' media areas and assist with game management personnel
Develop, coordinate, and execute a comprehensive marketing plan for intercollegiate athletics and each of its sports
Direct the brand strategy across multiple content platforms, including print, digital, and broadcast
Populate and maintain the WBU athletic website
Create, maintain, and manage Wayland's Athletics social media platforms
Oversee writing, producing, and editing digital audio and video promotional material
Supervise and train any Sports Communications staff
Be committed to NAIA Champions of Character's five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership
Monitor office financial status, expenditures, and operate within budget parameters
Develop and maintain close contact and positive relationships with local/regional media and those who cover WBU and SAC sports
Develop, oversee, and participate in year-round staff presence and productivity
Complete and respond promptly to all Athletic and University administration requests regarding the Sports Communication Office
Cultivate positive campus and community relations
Prepare and submit athletic-related nominations for conference, regional, and national awards and honors on behalf of the Department of Athletics and student-athletes
Manage Athletic Department's role in home event web stream broadcasts, operating, and staffing
Work collaboratively with and as directed by the Hall of Honor Committee in planning and preparing the Athletics Hall of Honor selection
Cross-train staff in keeping in-game statistics and writing game wrap-up articles
Prepare hometown stories, releases, and feature stories for student-athletes/coaches
Manage the press box and press table at all home events
Develop and implement a comprehensive public relations program to help WBU achieve the goals established for Athletics
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Responsible for compiling, maintaining, archiving, and reporting all statistical data (in-season, career & historical), and reports for all sports programs
Develop, create, and produce game programs, electronic media guides, calendars, brochures, and other promotional publications for all intercollegiate sports programs and the Department of Athletics
Write program articles, season outlook, and season reviews for each sport
Write sports wrap-ups on each varsity sport for external release and use in other publications
Coordinate photography and videography for intercollegiate athletic teams and events
Schedule, train and supervise statistical and score table staff for all home events
Understand that all special releases (i.e. new hires, position changes, awards won, etc.) must be verified by the Director of Athletics before publication or release
Remain competent, knowledgeable, and current with regards to industry and discipline standards and best practices
Work actively toward accomplishing the University Strategic Plan and serve on campus-wide committees
Perform other duties, summer duties, and special projects as assigned
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a related field required (years of experience in a related field may be considered as substitution for degree)
Master's degree in a related field preferred
Three years of progressive experience in sports information, communications, marketing, and promotions
Knowledge of social media, digital, and e-mail marketing strategies and applications
Working knowledge and experience in athletic statistical applications
An understanding of graphic design principles and practices
Ability to create, compose, and edit journalistic writing and reporting to include proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Strong and effective interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
Excellent PC skills and knowledge of related software applications that include Microsoft Word, StatCrew, Presto Sport, Spectrum scoreboard electronics, Adobe InDesign, and Sports Statistical Software
Ability to gather data, organizing resources, compile information, and prepare reports
Ability to use independent judgment and to gather, manage, and impart information to the media and various other internal and external audiences
Ability to supervise, train, organize, and schedule staff and their work assignments
Knowledge of printing procedures and requirements
Ability to foster a cooperative work environment
Media relations skills
Knowledge of sporting press box procedures, techniques, facilities, and equipment
Willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes some nights, weekends, and holidays
Must be able and willing to travel
Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle and possess a valid state driver's license or have access to reliable transportation
Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver's record
Important Details
Position classification: Exempt
Supervised by: Director of Athletics
Positions supervised: None
Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance
About the Company
Wayland Baptist University (WBU) is an institution with a mission to support and advance endeavors and accomplishments of student-athletes and coaches.
