Assistant Director - Communications

About the Job

 

The assistant director of athletic communications will serve as a member of the athletic communications team and work to advance the reputation and positioning of the University of Minnesota Department of Athletics. This position will work with Minnesota’s volleyball and gymnastics team with the potential opportunity to work with an addition team in the future. This position will also provide mentorship for the full-time intern who is assigned to baseball. This position reports directly to the Assistant Athletic Director of Communications and is responsible for coordinating communications activities for Golden Gopher athletic department and sports programs. Assist in advancing the department's mission, vision, and strategic plan including its commitment to equity and diversity. 

1. Public Relations (30%): 

2. Develop, coordinate and implement comprehensive public relations and communications strategy and plans for assigned sports (volleyball, gymnastics and potential for a third sport), including a focused social media plan. 

3. Oversee and manage communications for assigned sports, including press conferences, post-practice and post-game availabilities, social media channels and community engagement. 

4. Coordinate publicity efforts for assigned teams, head coaches, coaching staffs and athletic department personnel. 

5. Coordinate local and national television and radio coverage for assigned sports. 

6. Assist colleagues with development and implementation of crisis and strategic communications strategies as necessary. 

7. Travel to specific road competitions when needed with assigned sports as the University’s official communications lead. 

8. Capability to capture and disseminate photos and videos as needed. 

2. Communications (30%): 

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About the Job

 

The assistant director of athletic communications will serve as a member of the athletic communications team and work to advance the reputation and positioning of the University of Minnesota Department of Athletics. This position will work with Minnesota’s volleyball and gymnastics team with the potential opportunity to work with an addition team in the future. This position will also provide mentorship for the full-time intern who is assigned to baseball. This position reports directly to the Assistant Athletic Director of Communications and is responsible for coordinating communications activities for Golden Gopher athletic department and sports programs. Assist in advancing the department's mission, vision, and strategic plan including its commitment to equity and diversity. 

1. Public Relations (30%): 

2. Develop, coordinate and implement comprehensive public relations and communications strategy and plans for assigned sports (volleyball, gymnastics and potential for a third sport), including a focused social media plan. 

3. Oversee and manage communications for assigned sports, including press conferences, post-practice and post-game availabilities, social media channels and community engagement. 

4. Coordinate publicity efforts for assigned teams, head coaches, coaching staffs and athletic department personnel. 

5. Coordinate local and national television and radio coverage for assigned sports. 

6. Assist colleagues with development and implementation of crisis and strategic communications strategies as necessary. 

7. Travel to specific road competitions when needed with assigned sports as the University’s official communications lead. 

8. Capability to capture and disseminate photos and videos as needed. 

2. Communications (30%): 

1. Write and edit news releases, game notes, feature stories and social media content for assigned sports and additional projects as needed.
2. Maintain, coordinate and produce original content for all aspects of gophersports.com for assigned sports. 
3. Serve as managing editor of game-day material for assigned sports, responsible for content strategy, management of production schedule, assignment of feature stories and interviews, and production of original content as needed. 
4. Collaborate and coordinate with other athletic department units to gather, develop and disseminate information to key stakeholders. 
5. Manage, maintain and archive records, statistics and personnel files for historical purposes.

3. Game Day/Event Management (30%): 

1. Develop, implement and oversee game-day media management responsibilities for assigned sports. Develop and manage duties for staff, interns and student workers to ensure smooth media coverage of events for assigned sports. 
2. Oversee statistical crews for assigned sports and ensure the production of accurate statistics for all assigned sports. 
3. Review, approve and distribute media credential requests for assigned sports. 
4. Produce and submit necessary personnel and statistical reports as required by and in compliance with established conference and NCAA guidelines.

4. Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

This is a full-time, 40 hour/week annually renewable position. 
 

Qualifications

 

Required :

• BA/BS Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Art with four years of professional communications experience, OR 
• Non-communications degree with six years of progressive responsibility in communications.

Preferred : 

• Full-time experience in collegiate or professional sports communications, media relations, athletic communications or public relations.

About the Department

 

With more than 140 years of tradition, Gopher Athletics is one of the oldest and most decorated athletics departments in the country. Minnesota was a charter member of the Big Ten Conference. The University of Minnesota sponsors 22 varsity intercollegiate athletic teams and is represented by more than 625 student-athletes who compete in the Big Ten and Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Minnesota has claimed 29 national championships in eight different sports and has won 217 regular-season conference titles and 42 conference tournament championships. Minnesota has also produced 213 Academic All-Americans, which ranks as the tenth most all-time among college and universities. Housed in the historic Dinkytown neighborhood on the northern edge of the University campus, Gopher Athletics is succeeding against a backdrop unique in college athletics, nestled at the heart of a bustling, modern metro area. We are proud of our decorated history, but we are prepared to achieve even greater success in the years to come. Ski-U-Mah!        

Pay and Benefits

 

 

Pay Range: $54,000-$60,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type:  Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

 

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

 

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

 

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

 

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

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