Assistant/Associate Director, Strategic Communications

The purpose of this position is to assist in the operation of the University’s strategic communications operations, both internally and externally. The successful candidate will produce effective journalistic materials for information dissemination, prepare and edit public information through various news media, publications, social media and Internet strategies, and manage media-related services at athletics events. Applicants must have proven ability to work independently and in concert with colleagues and numerous publics. Candidates must be highly motivated and enthusiastic, and be able to manage a demanding work schedule that includes nights, weekends and holidays, including travel with teams in a strategic communications capacity.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Handle daily communication media-services and story-telling responsibilities for the UA's baseball program and other sports as assigned, working directly with coaches and student-athletes to produce positive coverage in print, news, and digital media.
• Use creative, innovative approach to generate positive promotion of sport programs. Work with coaching staffs and department promotions team to create publicity plans to reach various audiences through social media and website.
• Write and edit daily, weekly and annual releases, feature stories and publications . Develop ideas, write and post material to Arizona’s official website, arizonawildcats.com.
• Utilize advanced photo editing skills for graphical use on website and social media.
• Coordinate with video department to schedule and produce multimedia materials.
• Maintain archival and records systems.
• Staff events in media-services capacity, while coordinating duties of support staff.
• Respond to written and phone queries from media and others by providing materials, statistics, photos, and information pertaining to sport.
• Assist or direct media operations at league and National Championship events hosted by the University.
• File game reports/statistical summaries to specific or requested news outlets, conference and NCAA offices.
• Assist in daily management of strategic communications for athletics as assigned by director.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with ICA, University, Big 12 Conference and NCAA guidelines and policies.
• Assist with managing student employees.
• Budget Accountability.
• Additional duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and has a positive demeanor.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to provide multiple solutions for situations.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as necessary.
• Proficient technology & software skills including Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Photoshop, InDesign.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and positively manage social media accounts (X, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) that represent official university athletics programs.
• Exceptional interpersonal communications skills including demonstrated writing experience and story-telling ability.
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and compliance issues pertaining to publicity and promotional efforts.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Three years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with SIDEARM Sports content management, and/or HTML.
• Previous experience with Photoshop, InDesign and other desktop publishing programs.
• Experience with NCAA Live Stats and its various programs.