Athletic Operations and Communications Coordinator Administration
Position Summary
Hanover College seeks a motivated emerging professional to serve as an Athletic Operations and Communications Intern through the NCAA Division III Pathway to Excellence Grant. This two-year, full-time, 12-month position provides rotational experience and ownership of projects across three core pillars of DIII athletics administrationAthletic Communications, Internal Operations & Development, and Student-Athlete Welfarepreparing the recipient for entry-level administrative roles in Division III. The goal of this position is to increase opportunities in intercollegiate athletics, including but not limited to for first-generation students and veterans. The position reports within the Department of Athletics and will receive structured supervision and mentorship from veteran administrators. No coaching responsibilities are included. Some co-teaching responsibilities may be included.
This is a NCAA grant-funded position not to exceed two (2) years and is benefits-eligible.
Primary Responsibilities
1) Athletic Communications (35%)
Assist with day-to-day sports information operations: writing, editing, and distributing press releases, game notes, feature stories, and multimedia content.
Manage assigned sport social media calendars; contribute to department-wide content planning and analytics.
Support live event coverage (statistical systems, basic photography coordination, highlight clips, and digital storytelling).
Update the athletics website for assigned sports, including rosters, biographies, schedules/results, and archive management.
Collaborate with external relations on campaigns that deepen engagement with alumni, parents, recruits, and the broader Panthers community.
2) Athletic Operations & Development (35%)
Business Officer Support: assist with purchase requisitions, expense processing, reconciliations, and monthly/quarterly budget tracking for assigned sport programs.
Panther Club: execute stewardship elements of this annual giving society, including athletics day of giving, corporate sponsorship fulfillment, and helping coordinate the annual golf outing.
Special Projects: Support special events (Hall of Fame Weekend, Homecoming, Athletics Day of Giving, etc.), donor stewardship touchpoints, and strategic initiatives prioritized by the VP/Director of Athletics.
Event & Facility Operations: contribute to game-day operations as needed, visiting team/fan experience initiatives, and facility readiness to ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment.
3) Student-Athlete Welfare & Initiatives (30%)
Coordinate student-athlete leadership programming, mental health awareness campaigns, and education aligned with Hanovers culture of belonging and well-being.
Support SAAC initiatives (civic engagement, community service, and campus partnerships).
Assist with implementation and monitoring of Athletics Camps and the Minors on Campus policy (training compliance, background checks coordination with HR, documentation, and record retention).
Partner with academic and student success offices to promote study hall, time management resources, and class/conflict resolution processes.
Mentorship & Professional Development
Weekly 1:1 supervision with the VP/Director of Athletics; inclusion in senior staff meetings to gain exposure to strategic planning, budget management, and sport oversight.
Assigned mentor(s) separate from the supervisor, including senior campus/athletics leaders for broader perspective and career development.
Professional development plan aligned to NCAA grant expectations, including Emerging Leaders Seminar (Year 1) and NCAA Convention (Year 2), plus regional programming as available.
Qualifications
Bachelors degree required; Masters in sport administration/management or related field preferred.
Skills: Strong writing and digital communication; proficiency with social media tools and basic analytics; foundational budget/Excel skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Attributes: Integrity, initiative, collaborative mindset, discretion with confidential information, and commitment to the Division III student-first philosophy.
Application Process
Submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. In your cover letter, describe how the position aligns with your career goals in Division III athletics and your interest in communications, operations/development, and student-athlete welfare.