What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Athletic Director for Communication position at Chicago State University?
Chicago State University (CSU), is the oldest public university in the Chicago metropolitan area. Chicago State University is Illinois’ only four-year U.S. Department of Education-designated Predominantly Black Institution (PBI). CSU serves over 1,500 undergraduate students and nearly 900 graduate students. The university is a nationally accredited university with five colleges in Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences and Pharmacy and proudly supports a diverse and non-traditional student population that hails from 28 countries and 36 states.
Discover the latest advancements and milestones achieved by CSU in our Annual Report: https://www.csu.edu/president/annual_report.htm.
Reporting to the Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations, the Associate Athletic Director for Communications this position oversees all aspects of communication for Cougar Athletics including but not limited to developing and executing communication strategies, coordinating all aspects of electronic media production, and delivering key messages to various audiences while maintaining a consistent brand messaging for both internal and external stakeholders. Working closely with the Vice President/Director of Athletics and Senior Athletics staff, to manage sensitive information requiring press releases and crisis communication.
Directs and coordinates all strategic communications efforts to include managing and implementing a strategic communications plan and delivering key messages to internal and external stakeholders.
Partners with the Director of Athletics and members of the senior staff on sensitive information needing press releases and crisis communication.
Oversees and maintains crisis communications plan and efforts while serving as department spokesperson when necessary.
Works in partnership with the Deputy AD, External Affairs to execute the external affairs vision. Creates a culture of collaboration between Cougar Athletics Communications and other external facing units within athletics to maximize the experience for student-athletes, fans, alumni, and students.
Collaborates with the Associate AD for External Operations to maximize revenue, elevate game experience, ensure alignment of public relations messaging
Directs, oversees and approves the day-to-day activities and all personnel (full-time, part-time, contractors and student-employees) of assigned area.
Ensures all game day table official and broadcast staff are properly trained to deliver a high-quality game day experience.
Work collaboratively with the Chicago State External Affairs Office to ensure communication strategies and execution meet the University-wide communications strategy, plan, and standards. • Leads efforts to proactively promote telling student-athletes’ stories.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the media to generate stories that highlight the significant achievements of the Athletics and its programs and students.
Builds and maintains partnerships by cultivating relationships with campus, local, regional, and national media to collaboratively tell CSU Athletics’ story.
Coordinate media coverage for all Cougar Athletics Activities.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
Partners with the Director of Athletics and members of the senior staff on sensitive information needing press releases and crisis communication.
Oversees and maintains crisis communications plan and efforts while serving as department spokesperson when necessary.
Works in partnership with the Deputy AD, External Affairs to execute the external affairs vision. Creates a culture of collaboration between Cougar Athletics Communications and other external facing units within athletics to maximize the experience for student-athletes, fans, alumni, and students.
Collaborates with the Associate AD for External Operations to maximize revenue, elevate game experience, ensure alignment of public relations messaging
Directs, oversees and approves the day-to-day activities and all personnel (full-time, part-time, contractors and student-employees) of assigned area.
Ensures all game day table official and broadcast staff are properly trained to deliver a high-quality game day experience.
Work collaboratively with the Chicago State External Affairs Office to ensure communication strategies and execution meet the University-wide communications strategy, plan, and standards. • Leads efforts to proactively promote telling student-athletes’ stories.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the media to generate stories that highlight the significant achievements of the Athletics and its programs and students.
Builds and maintains partnerships by cultivating relationships with campus, local, regional, and national media to collaboratively tell CSU Athletics’ story.
Coordinate media coverage for all Cougar Athletics Activities.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, sports communications, sports marketing, sports management, public relations, communications, English, or a related field.
- One (1) year (12 months) of professional experience working in the athletic communications/sports information field.
- Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.
- Masters Degree
- 5-7 years experience in College Athletics or Professional Sports
- Proficient level work experience in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Acrobat, Photoshop)
- Relevant experience with supervisory responsibility in collegiate or professional sports
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Knowledge of recruitment practices.
- Knowledge of social media analytics, social media publishing tools, web analytics, and tracking technologies.
- Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- Knowledge of media production, including social media platforms and efficiency of use, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office, presentation software, spreadsheet software, video creation and editing software, web page creation and editing software, and analytical or scientific software.
- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems.
- Skill in producing live social media coverage.
- Skill in verbal and written communication.
- Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Skill in time management, organizing work assignments, and responding quickly and effectively to challenges.
- Ability to develop and execute marketing, and strategic communications plans to effect outcomes.
Chicago State University is committed to diversity and inclusion in our campus community and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to join our team. We comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provide equal opportunity in our educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation or national origin.
Physical Requirement/ Demands- Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate verbally, read, write, see, and hear to perform essential functions.
- Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 30 pounds
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Prolonged standing at athletic contests and events.
- Indoor and outdoor working environment in all weather conditions.
- Non-traditional hours (evenings and weekends) is be required
- Travel to designated away events required
