Athletics Communications Assistant

Department: Univ Athletics-Media Svcs
Salary/Grade: EXS/5
 

Target hiring range for this position will be between $51,500- $61,500 per year.  Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Job Summary:

Provide a brief description of the general nature of the position; an overview of why the job exists; and what the job is to accomplish. 

The Assistant Director of Athletic Communications will work with, the Athletic Communications staff and assigned coaches and will be responsible for planning, managing and implementation of the activities and projects that grow the NUDAR brand and fanbase locally, nationally, and globally, and build a community of loyal fans and supporters – with a focus on assigned sports. This role will collaborate with the athletics department’s creative video, creative design, marketing, sales, and communications teams and will be required to scope new initiatives, deliver on deadlines and manage expectations. This position will also be the communications lead for assigned programs and be asked to assist as needed with department initiatives.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Department: Univ Athletics-Media Svcs
Salary/Grade: EXS/5
 

Target hiring range for this position will be between $51,500- $61,500 per year.  Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Job Summary:

Provide a brief description of the general nature of the position; an overview of why the job exists; and what the job is to accomplish. 

The Assistant Director of Athletic Communications will work with, the Athletic Communications staff and assigned coaches and will be responsible for planning, managing and implementation of the activities and projects that grow the NUDAR brand and fanbase locally, nationally, and globally, and build a community of loyal fans and supporters – with a focus on assigned sports. This role will collaborate with the athletics department’s creative video, creative design, marketing, sales, and communications teams and will be required to scope new initiatives, deliver on deadlines and manage expectations. This position will also be the communications lead for assigned programs and be asked to assist as needed with department initiatives.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

*Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required. *

Specific Responsibilities : 

• List the primary job duties and responsibilities in order of importance. Typically, it includes 7-9 bullet points.
• Serve as a primary communications contact for assigned Northwestern Varsity programs: overseeing media relations, public relations, crisis communications and image management support for all team personnel.
• Develop publicity strategies for notable elements of assigned programs, pitch stories to local and national media, prepare interviewees, manage interview sessions. 
• Assist with media training for all student-athletes, coaches, staff and administrators.
• Monitor media/online coverage and news broadcasts germane to Northwestern Athletics. Respond, as needed.
• Lead/supervise the nomination and follow-up of all student-athletes and coaches honors and awards (All-Big Ten, All-American, All-Region, etc.)
• Provide on-site media management at all contests, home and away including, but not limited to, media credentialing, media and staff hospitality, pregame, in-game and postgame interviews. 
• Maintain accurate historical records for the Northwestern varsity programs, student-athletes and staff on NUSports.com.
• Produce publications when appropriate.
• Assist with design, management and upkeep of the official website of Northwestern Athletics, curating all content assembled in support of 21 varsity teams and department programs.
• Ensure, with support of Athletics Communications staff, accuracy and timeliness of all sports information including schedules, statistics, and biographical information.
• Liaison to outside affiliate groups for banner ads and other digital entitlements.
• Support NUDAR departments with website presence including, but not limited to, ticket sales and service, marketing, academics, NU For Life, sports medicine, development.
• Recruit and manage a team of student writers to produce written content for NUSports.com.
• Participate in other projects, attend department meetings and events as requested by the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Communications.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference, CSC and the NCAA.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University continuing education initiatives and required certifications and trainings.

Miscellaneous 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or relevant field.
• Proven track record of results delivered in media & public relations, social media management and content creation & distribution.
• Excellent written skills and attention to detail required.
• Mastery of Sidearm web content management system required.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across all teams. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work in dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and effectively interact and establish engaging relationships with a wide variety of constituents

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the NCAA, CSC, Big Ten Conference and Northwestern University preferred
• Working knowledge of graphic design, photography and video production 
• 5 years of professional experience in Athletic communications, public relations, or relevant field.

_ Benefits: _
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/b...to learn more.

_ Work-Life and Wellness: _
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/b...to learn more.

_ Professional Growth & Development: _
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/l...to learn more_ . _

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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