Director of Athletic Communications

The Director of Athletic Communications is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive athletics communications program that supports college branding and marketing initiatives. The Director of AthleticCommunications' primary focus is publicizing and promoting the athletic programs and student-athletes at LaGrange College. Responsibilities will include maintaining and enhancing the athletics website, writing feature stories and press releases, responding to and coordinating with media outlets, creating pre-season publicity and programs, contributing to other college publications, supervising photography, reporting statistical information, overseeing sports social media, and game streaming.

Job Duties (but not limited to):

• Maintaining and enhancing the athletics website: The Director of Athletic Communications and their staff maintain and edit this site. It will promote all intercollegiate athletics teams, emphasizing current news, scores, and feature material.
• Writing feature stories and press releases: The Director of Athletic Communications ensures that athletics information is available to the public promptly and effectively.
• Responding to media information requests: The Director of Athletic Communications will expand opportunities for publicizing the College’s athletics program by serving as a liaison with the media, responding to requests for information, initiating conversations, and coordinating media needs for onsite coverage and reporting.
• Overseeing sports social media channels and game streaming: The Director of Athletic Communications directs the information shared on official social media channels to engage and provide lively content. They also manage the streaming of college athletic contests, using a team of staff and volunteers.
• Contributing to other college publications: Athletic stories are included in each issue of the college magazine and the weekly e-newsletter.
• Managing photography: The Director of Athletic Communications is responsible for seeing that the images needed to properly market the athletics function are captured, through both serving as a photographer and assigning others.
• Directing the reporting of some statistical information: The Director of Athletic Communications ensures that necessary individual and team statistical data for college teams and their opponents are gathered and disseminated as needed by developing and managing a program utilizing coaches, staff members and student interns. This program will include the assignment of scorekeepers, clock keepers and announcers for home contests.
• Creating pre-season publicity: The Director of Athletic Communications works directly with the coaching staff on previews and other pre-season information to ensure proper promotion of each sport.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with a concentration in communications, journalism, or a related field.

3-4 years of direct experience as a sports information director or as a director of athletic marketing and communications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to write clearly and effectively, following Associated Press style and other dictated styles; ability to write creatively and persuasively.

Ability to recognize correct grammar, punctuation, and style. Ability to shape his/her own and others’ work to fit the desired style.

Ability to manage several tasks at once; ability to prioritize tasks to ensure goals are achieved and deadlines are met.

Ability to relate well to other people in person, over the telephone and through written correspondence; ability to work well with a team.

Excellent computer skills and ability to utilize web content and social media software; knowledge of Microsoft Office and InDesign programs.

Well-rounded knowledge of individual sports and college athletics in general.

Ability to travel and work a flexible schedule.

LaGrange College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.