Assistant Athletic Director, Communications - La Verne, United States - University of La Verne

Description

Functional Title Assistant Athletic Director, Communications & Sports Information
Position Type Administrative/Professional
Appointment Type Regular
FTE %
100%
Work Schedule (if atypical)
This position is onsite.
University Overview
Embark on an exciting journey with the University of La Verne, where your career aspirations come to life in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Established in 1891, our diverse and inclusive community is more than just a university—it's a home for passionate individuals like you.

At the University of La Verne, we embody four core values that set us apart—Ethical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning, and Civic and Community Engagement. If you're fueled by these principles and are eager to make a meaningful impact, your journey begins here.

With a rich history spanning 132 years, the University of La Verne boasts a global Leo Family of 89,000+ accomplished alumni. As the #1 private university in California for social mobility according to U.S. News and World Report 2024, and recently recognized as the 33rd Best U.S. College by the Wall Street Journal 2024, we take pride in our commitment to excellence in education.

Join us in shaping the future, where your passion meets purpose. Come be part of something extraordinary and apply today
Diversity Statement
The University supports a diverse and inclusive environment where students recognize and benefit from the life experiences and viewpoints of other students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is an active and intentional practice that supports difference and multiplicity to expand knowledge, educate capable citizens, develop the whole person, and serve our local and global communities. Promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality and the creation of positive, respectful learning communities.
Job Description Summary
This position serves on the Athletic Director's Administrative Staff. As the primary public relations spokesperson for intercollegiate sports programs and the Athletics Department as a Unit, responsibilities include media relations and strategic media partnerships; game-day area staff organization; compiling, maintaining, archiving and reporting all statistical data and reports for all sport programs to the SCIAC and the NCAA; and all content creation/editing/maintenance for and social media – with updated, timely, accurate, and grammatically correct information. Develops and produces Athletics Department publications – printed and digital. Develops and oversees a promotion/marketing plan for all intercollegiate programs and assists with departmental promotions/marketing. Additionally, this position is responsible for scheduling, coordinating, training, and supervising statistical and score table staff for all home events.
Minimum Qualifications
2 years experience in Director level athletic experience in higher education, preferably at a school competing in the NCAA.
6 years previous experience in a collegiate athletics environment as either a student-athlete or athletics employee.
3 years experience utilizing social media platforms, video editing, and writing in a collegiate athletics setting.
3 years experience utilizing sports specific statistical software as the primary statistics point person during collegiate athletic competitions.
A bachelor's degree, preferably in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or Sports Management.
Relevant work experience in a college Sports Information Office/Athletics Communications Office.
A commitment to and knowledge of NCAA rules, regulations, and standards in regards to statistical gathering
Familiarity with sports statistical software, publishing software, photography and video editing; the ability to maintain and monitor a successful social media presence for the department.
The ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to compose and write stories and public releases in English at a high-level – with correct spelling, proper grammar, and intriguing creativity.
Demonstrated ability to organize and operate an effective athletics communications office/unit area with minimal area supervision. Includes (but not limited to) publications, staff training, budget, travel, inventory, equipment, scheduling, fundraising, alumni relations, and rules compliance.
Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of current and developing trends (video, voice, data, and computing technologies).
Extensive knowledge and experience with StatCrew/Presto/Genius software or comparable statistical record keeping software.
Working knowledge of social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communications across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to race, gender, sexual preference/identity, physical limitations, class or religious perspectives.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling.
Ability to work with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
Enthusiasm and the ability to thrive in an atmosphere of constant change.
Preferred Qualifications
A strong public service orientation to work well with faculty, staff, students, and the community.
Masters degree or equivalent.
Benefits Summary
Salary will be commensurate with experience and internal equity. Benefits include a comprehensive health and wellness plan, tuition remission program for employee, spouse, and dependent children, a generous contribution to the University's 403B retirement plan, and a generous time off plan.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.
Location La Verne Main Campus
Number of Vacancies
Duties
Specific Duties
PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Develops, implements, and maintains a comprehensive public relations program for Intercollegiate Athletics.
Serves as an on-the record public relations primary spokesperson and liaison for athletic administration, intercollegiate sports programs, and coaches in the Department of Athletics
Gathers, organizes, and distributes accurate and timely information about the athletic department's activities.
Writes press releases; creates media guides; builds, updates and maintains the department's website and social media platforms.
Builds and maintains positive relationships with key constituencies (alumni, donors, friends, current student-athletes, prospective student-athletes, members of the campus community, and the public at-large), helping create an atmosphere conducive for effective fundraising, and positive relationships with media.

Percentage Of Time 23
Specific Duties
MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Serves as an on-the record primary spokesperson and liaison for athletic administration, intercollegiate sports programs, Athletics staff, and the University as needed.
Serves as the main point of contact for journalists, reporters, and broadcasters, facilitating interviews, press conferences, and media coverage of sporting events.
Works closely with coaches, athletes, and other staff members to coordinate media appearances and ensure that accurate information is shared with the media.

Percentage Of Time 23
Specific Duties
ATHLETIC DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
Coordinates digital and creative content, communications, brand management; ensuring integration with marketing and game-day operations staff.
Analyzies, compiles, maintains, archives and reports statistical data and reports for all sport programs to the SCIAC and the NCAA. Files end of the season statistical information to professional agencies and submits nominations for Conference, regional, and national awards on behalf of the Department of Athletics and student athletes.
Creates, maintains, and updates the Department's official website ). Creates graphics and promotional materials; writes game recaps, feature stories and profiles; updates record books and other historical information – serving as the official athletics historical record keeper for the University.
Creates, maintains and updates the Department's social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, etc.), and other online platforms. Creates engaging content, posts highlights and updates, and publicly interacts with fans and followers in real-time.
Coordinates Web/video streaming of home athletic contests, including but not limited to: staffing; digital platform scheduling and troubleshooting; camera procurement and maintenance.
Coordinates photography and videography for intercollegiate athletic teams, competitions, and departmental special events. To include (but not limited to): team and individual roster pictures/video to post on web, including action photos, individual photos, and team photos, as well as athlete of the week and highlight videos; electronic media guides; the production of highlight videos as needed and requested (e.g. Senior Blanket Award Night, Hall of Fame, etc.).

Percentage Of Time 23
Specific Duties
AREA STAFF MANAGER
Supervises, manages and trains the AthComm/SI staff by establishing activity priorities, goals, and objectives, determining resource allocation, assigning activity responsibilities, developing policies and procedures regarding operational performances, and evaluating progress toward achievement of established goals and objectives.
Recruits, hires, supervises, and manages staff, including but not limited to: the PT Coordinator of Intercollegiate Statistical Information, two graduate assistants, and approximately 50 student workers.
Schedules, coordinates, trains and supervises statistical and score table staff for all home events, with the ability to solely execute statistical endeavors by if circumstances require it. Creates, updates, and monitors work schedules of statistical and score table staff for all Department of Athletics home contests.
Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

Percentage Of Time 15
Specific Duties
BUDGETING
Manages all operational, fiscal, and administrative responsibilities for the AthComm/SI Office.
Oversees the administration of the AthComm/SI budget.
Establishes and allocates budgeted expenditures for various aspects of operations (i.e. travel, equipment, recruiting, marketing, etc.).
Authorizes the expenditure of funds for program operations.
Maintains and updates a sufficient inventory of equipment and materials needed to operate a successful AthComm/SI program.
Sourcing and securing vendors – and purchasing equipment; monitors expenditures to ensure that they adhere to proscribed limitations.
Ensures that all expenditures are properly documented and in compliance with university and NCAA guidelines; prepares expenditure reports as requested.
Percentage Of Time 6
Specific Duties
Promotes a positive image of the University through participation in community and professional organizations, representing the University at professional meetings and community committees, and establishing and maintaining credible relations with various news media and other collegiate sports information offices.
Cooperatively interacts and communicates with other like constituencies.
Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required to stay updated and relevant in the position and in the industry.

Percentage Of Time 5
Specific Duties
Abides by and complies with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and SCIAC rules, academic standards, requirements, and policies of the University, and all guidelines and policies of the Athletics department and reports any concerns of compromise or violation of rules, standards, guidelines or policies to the Director of Athletics or the Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance.
Performs other duties, summer duties, special projects and other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics, provided that such activities shall not prevent this position from performing the above duties and responsibilities.
Percentage Of Time 5
Salary Range
Minimum: $66,560
Maximum: $77,000 to $83,000 depending on experience
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number SA

Open Until Filled Yes