Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Media Relations (55296)

Position Summary

The Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations serves as a key communications and public relations leader within Claflin University's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategic communications plan that promotes Claflin's athletic programs, student-athletes, coaches, and the institution. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of sports information, media relations, digital content, and brand storytelling across multiple platforms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Media & Public Relations

• Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson for assigned Claflin University athletic programs and department initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with local, regional, and national media representatives.
• Write, edit, and distribute press releases, game notes, feature stories, bios, and other communications materials.
• Coordinate and manage all media credentials, press box operations, and post-game interview sessions.
• Respond to media inquiries in a timely and professional manner, providing accurate information and facilitating access.

Digital Content & Brand Management

• Manage and maintain the Claflin University Athletics website, ensuring all content is accurate, current, and engaging.
• Oversee social media strategy and execution across all department and sport-specific platforms (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube).
• Produce and distribute multimedia content including video features, photo galleries, podcasts, and live game coverage.
• Uphold and enforce Claflin University brand standards and style guidelines across all communications and publications.
• Monitor analytics and engagement metrics to optimize content strategies and report performance to leadership.

Sports Information & Statistical Management

• Oversee accurate and timely compilation, maintenance, and distribution of athletic statistics for assigned sports.
• Submit game results and statistics to appropriate governing bodies, conference offices, and national associations (e.g., NCAA, SIDEARM).
• Maintain comprehensive historical records, media guides, and reference materials for all assigned Claflin University sports.
• Coordinate awards and honors nominations for student-athletes and coaches at conference and national levels.

Leadership & Administration

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate communications staff, graduate assistants, and student workers within the Claflin University Athletics department.
• Collaborate with athletics administration, coaches, and Claflin University communications on crisis communications and reputation management.
• Ensure compliance with NCAA, conference, and Claflin University policies related to media relations and communications.
• Represent Claflin University Athletics at conference meetings, NCAA events, and professional association functions.

Game Day Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute all media relations operations on game days, including press row/box setup, and credential distribution..
• Serve as the primary on-site liaison for visiting media, broadcast partners, and credentialed photographers during all Claflin University home athletic events.
• Manage live game coverage including real-time social media updates, live statistics, and play-by-play distribution to media outlets.
• Coordinate pre-game, halftime, and post-game interview availability for coaches and student-athletes in compliance with conference and NCAA protocols.
• Oversee public address scripts, video board content, and in-game promotional scripts in collaboration with the game operations team.
• Supervise game day operations staff and student workers, ensuring smooth and professional execution of all responsibilities.
• Prepare and distribute official box scores, game recaps, and statistical summaries to media and conference offices immediately following competition.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Sports Management, Public Relations, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in sports information, media relations, or strategic communications, preferably in an intercollegiate athletic setting.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and compellingly under deadline pressure across a variety of formats and platforms.
• Proficiency with sports statistics software (StatCrew, NCAA Live Stats, or equivalent) and content management systems (SIDEARM or equivalent).
• Strong working knowledge of AP Style and established best practices in sports journalism and communications.
• Proven experience managing social media platforms, digital content strategy, and multimedia production.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the Claflin University athletic schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience at the NCAA Division I or Division II level with exposure to a wide breadth of athletic programs.
• Demonstrated experience in video production, photography, and graphic design.
• Familiarity with broadcast media operations, including radio and streaming production.
• Background in crisis communications and reputation management in a sports or higher education context.
• Membership or involvement with CoSIDA (College Sports Communicators).

Core Competencies

• Strategic Communication
• Collaborative Leadership
• Digital Media Expertise
• Brand Stewardship
• Storytelling & Writing Excellence
• Analytical Thinking
• Crisis & Issues Management
• Student-Athlete Advocacy