Daemen University is a dynamic, independent, liberal arts institution committed to excellence in student centered learning. The University places special emphasis on preparing students for excellence in professional life, civic engagement, and on instilling and understanding that learning is an exciting lifelong journey. Students are encouraged to be creative, innovative, ethically minded leaders for an ever-changing, diverse, and interconnected world.

The Mission of Daemen University is to prepare students for life and leadership in an increasingly diverse and complex world through the integration of education and professional preparation. Daemen University is going beyond instrumental needs to foster the development of individuals who are dedicated to the health and well-being of local and global communities.

Purpose of Role

Under general supervision by the Senior Associate Athletics Director, Communications & Operations, the Director of Athletics Communications (DAC) is responsible for providing leadership to athletics communications and media relations staff through the development and execution of a comprehensive, strategic vision and plan which enhances the Daemen University Athletics brand identity. The DAC oversees the collection and dissemination of information on all areas of Daemen Athletics including intercollegiate sports teams, community engagement and games and events. Primary duties include strategic planning and creation of written and digital media to be shared through the Daemen Athletics website and various social media platforms, as well as facilitating media coverage from local, regional and national outlets.

About This Opportunity

Joining our Athletics team, the Director of Athletics Communications Director will be responsible for the following:

Tasks/Duties Performed:

• Ensures accurate preparation and dissemination of information about Daemen's athletic teams using media releases, video content, photographs and graphically designed images, the daemenwildcats.com website and social media platforms;
• Create, edit, update and post content on the daemenwildcats.com website, including, but not limited to, game stories, statistics, images, rosters, player and coach biographies and game schedules;
• Produce creative and engaging content including videos, graphically designed images and motion graphics for publication across various platforms;
• Coordinates game day coverage for media operations, including statistics crews for all home Daemen Athletics events;
• Meets regularly with head coaches to ensure communication plans fit their respective visions for their programs;
• Ensures accurate compilation of reports, records and statistics for the NCAA and conference offices
• Responsible for communicating with and soliciting media for event converge and feature stories on student-athletes, teams and other division milestones and accomplishments; communicate regularly with local television, newspaper, radio and other media outlets; facilitates media requests for interviews and information;
• Serves as liaison between the Divisions of Athletics and Marketing/Communications (MarComm); work collaboratively with MarComm staff as necessary regarding photography coverage, branding resources, marketing resources and production;
• Travel with assigned teams on select road trips, including conference and NCAA postseason events;
• Coordinates press box and scorers table operations;
• Contribute writings as needed for athletic recruitment brochures, game programs, electronic marketing and other university publications;
• Coordinate the production of live stats and live video streaming of home athletic events in conjunction with conference policies and standards;
• Complete and promote all conference, regional and national award applications to recognize student-athletes and coaches for all intercollegiate athletics programs;
• Plan, coordinate and publicize special athletics promotions and events, including but not limited to Daemen Day of Giving, Wildcat Golf Classic, Wildcat Night of Honors and Daemen Hall of Fame inductions;
• Assist with game management, including the supervision of Daemen student workers;
• Assume a leadership role with the enhancement of Daemen Athletics branding; promote and strengthen the brand through messaging, marketing and promotions;
• Monitor the annual budget for Athletic Communications;
• Other duties as assigned.
• Faculty and staff are expected to maintain the confidentiality of all confidential and proprietary information (including but not limited to: student personal information, student grades, employee personal information, etc.), both during and after their employment with the College. If a faculty or staff member has a question about the confidentiality of a particular matter, they should consult their supervisor. Any violation of this rule shall subject the faculty /staff member to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination of employment. Please refer to your Employee Handbook for the College's complete statement on confidentiality.
• Operates the program under the rules and regulations of the College, the NCAA, and the ECC; understanding that an employee can be suspended for a period of time without pay or terminated if found to be involved in significant or repetitive violations of NCAA regulations;
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

General Description (% of Time)

70% Oversees Daemen Athletics communications, public relations & marketing and brand management; 25% Perform assigned functions to successfully conduct department events, game promotions and initiatives; 5% Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 3-5 years of experience in a communications-based role within intercollegiate athletics
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Publisher), NCAA software platforms and Google Docs; to include experience or understanding of data merge functions.
• Ability to work non-traditional business hours.
• Strong writing skills with knowledge of layout and design.
• Knowledge of computer software applications.
• Knowledge and interest in a variety of sports.
• Ability to carry equipment to and from game sites.
• Ability to drive a personal or university vehicle for the purpose of university business on a regular basis
• Current certification in CPR, AED and First Aid, and annual Blood Borne Pathogen
• Ability to receive telephone calls, respond to inquiries and communicate with others by telephone.
• Office management skills with the ability to work independently and accept responsibility.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to details.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and ensure timely completion as assigned.

Ergonomic Requirements

The functions of the position are usually performed sitting but may require some amount of time standing. Some amount of stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, lifting, walking, carrying and other movements may be required. Tasks involving working on a typewriter, computer keyboard, computer software applications, calculator, cutting, labeling, and taping involve extensive wrist and hand movement. All individuals are required to be able to perform these movements without significant risk of injury to themselves or others.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree in a related field with required certifications, master's preferred.
• Previous experience in sports information or a related field
• Experience working in intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I, II and III.
• Knowledge of sports statistics and terminology
• Ability to write and edit press releases and other correspondence
• Demonstrated proficiency with PC and software applications and willingness to learn new technology
• Must work cooperatively and collaboratively with all department personnel and all other members of the campus community.
• Ability to multitask, effective communication and time management skills, accuracy and attention to detail is essential

Salary: $58,458

Position is full-time, exempt, twelve month position. Evenings and weekends are required. Flexibility to accommodate home events when needed.

Total Compensation

Daemen University offers a robust total compensation package that includes:

• Health insurance with an option of two plans: an HSA plan with the deductible funded by employer HSA contributions, or a copay plan.
• Dental insurance through the Guardian network.
• Vision insurance through the Guardian network, and an option between the VSP or Davis plans.
• An 8% employer contribution to the retirement savings account when employees contribute just 5%.
• Fully paid long term disability insurance, guaranteed-issue life insurance for new hires up to a volume of $150,000.
• Tuition waiver for full-time employees and their qualified dependents. Entrance in Tuition Exchange scholarship opportunities to pursue education at other institutions.
• Generous time off for administrative and staff employees.

Daemen University strongly encourages all campus community members to get vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster vaccine.