Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Staff Posted On: Wed Jun 5 2024 Job Description: Western Kentucky University, a member of Conference USA and the Football Bowl Subdivision NCAA member institution, seeks applicants for the position of Assistant Director, Athletic Communications/Media Relations . This is a 12-month, full-time position. This position reports to the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Communications/Marketing. Applicants must have a commitment to and responsibility for adhering to all rules and regulations of WKU, Conference USA and the NCAA.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: The following duties are customary for this position but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.
Lead strategic communication efforts for WKU Volleyball and Softball with a digital-first mindset to brand enhancement Serve as primary media contact for perennial top-25 Hilltopper Volleyball program, which has won 17 of 20 possible championships in Conference USA, completed 24 straight 20-win seasons (longest streak nationally), appeared in 16 NCAA Tournaments and is one of just 12 programs nationally to have won an NCAA Tournament match and finished ranked in the final Top 25 poll in five straight seasons Serve as primary media contact for Hilltopper Softball program, which is coming off a runner-up finish in Conference USA and a 33-20-1 overall record. Opportunity to work with WKU Football, Men's Basketball and Women's Basketball on select home gamedays in secondary role Manage social media accounts for assigned sports and play role in content creation for those channels Regularly attend practices and team events in order to build relationships with coaches and student-athletes Support coaching staffs in assigned sports by providing requested information for both WKU and upcoming opponents, and provide strategic and proactive counsel in media relations Assist the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Communications/Marketing in ensuring the Athletic Communications/Media Relations Department is versed and innovative in all media relations areas, including, but not limited to, press box management, historical photograph and record-keeping, website content, media information guide production, game note production, weekly statistic reporting to Conference USA and the NCAA, and award nomination Work with creative services team to organize and execute video and photo content related to assigned sports, including for recruiting visits, when necessary Collaborate with other external departments (marketing, tickets, fundraising, etc.) on projects related to assigned sports and department as a whole Assist program in recruiting communication efforts, when necessary Assist local, regional and national media with coverage of the university's athletic programs as a whole Assist the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Communications in growing regional network of coverage for the university's athletic programs while working with student-athletes and coaches to increase publicity of the university's athletic programs and academic achievements Actively implement the athletic department's social media policies on a day-to-day basis Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Communications and Director of Athletic Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success: Proficient writer with high attention to detail and accuracy Self-motivated and coachable with ability to perform on tight deadlines Excellent organization, interpersonal and communication skills Computer proficiency and knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign and Photoshop Experience with social media including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Background in media relations, public relations, communications or social media/content creation Job Requirements: Bachelor's Degree Minimum one year of experience in college athletics (undergraduate and graduate experience accepted) Willingness to travel, along with working evening and weekend hours Experience with applicable statistical software (Live Stats/Genius Sports, Stat Crew) Additional Information: Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.
Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at or by phone at . Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's website.
Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at:
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About Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University (WKU) prepares students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society. The University provides research, service and lifelong learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and other constituents. WKU enriches the quality of life for those within its reach.
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