Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Media Relations (55296)

Position SummaryThe Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations serves as a key communications and public relations leader within Claflin University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategic communications plan that promotes Claflin’s athletic programs, student-athletes, coaches, and the institution. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of sports information, media relations, digital content, and brand storytelling across multiple platforms.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesMedia & Public RelationsServe as the primary media contact and spokesperson for assigned Claflin University athletic programs and department initiatives.Develop and maintain strong working relationships with local, regional, and national media representatives.Write, edit, and distribute press releases, game notes, feature stories, bios, and other communications materials.Coordinate and manage all media credentials, press box operations, and post-game interview sessions.Respond to media inquiries in a timely and professional manner, providing accurate information and facilitating access.Digital Content & Brand ManagementManage and maintain the Claflin University Athletics website, ensuring all content is accurate, current, and engaging.Oversee social media strategy and execution across all department and sport-specific platforms (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube).Produce and distribute multimedia content including video features, photo galleries, podcasts, and live game coverage.Uphold and enforce Claflin University brand standards and style guidelines across all communications and publications.Monitor analytics and engagement metrics to optimize content strategies and report performance to leadership.Sports Information & Statistical ManagementOversee accurate and timely compilation, maintenance, and distribution of athletic statistics for assigned sports.Submit game results and statistics to appropriate governing bodies, conference offices, and national associations (e.g., NCAA, SIDEARM).Maintain comprehensive historical records, media guides, and reference materials for all assigned Claflin University sports.Coordinate awards and honors nominations for student-athletes and coaches at conference and national levels.Leadership & AdministrationSupervise, mentor, and evaluate communications staff, graduate assistants, and student workers within the Claflin University Athletics department.Collaborate with athletics administration, coaches, and Claflin University communications on crisis communications and reputation management.Ensure compliance with NCAA, conference, and Claflin University policies related to media relations and communications.Represent Claflin University Athletics at conference meetings, NCAA events, and professional association functions.Game Day ManagementPlan, coordinate, and execute all media relations operations on game days, including press row/box setup, and credential distribution..Serve as the primary on-site liaison for visiting media, broadcast partners, and credentialed photographers during all Claflin University home athletic events.Manage live game coverage including real-time social media updates, live statistics, and play-by-play distribution to media outlets.Coordinate pre-game, halftime, and post-game interview availability for coaches and student-athletes in compliance with conference and NCAA protocols.Oversee public address scripts, video board content, and in-game promotional scripts in collaboration with the game operations team.Supervise game day operations staff and student workers, ensuring smooth and professional execution of all responsibilities.Prepare and distribute official box scores, game recaps, and statistical summaries to media and conference offices immediately following competition.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Sports Management, Public Relations, or a closely related field.Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in sports information, media relations, or strategic communications, preferably in an intercollegiate athletic setting.Demonstrated ability to write clearly and compellingly under deadline pressure across a variety of formats and platforms.Proficiency with sports statistics software (StatCrew, NCAA Live Stats, or equivalent) and content management systems (SIDEARM or equivalent).Strong working knowledge of AP Style and established best practices in sports journalism and communications.Proven experience managing social media platforms, digital content strategy, and multimedia production.Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the Claflin University athletic schedule.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in a relevant field.Experience at the NCAA Division I or Division II level with exposure to a wide breadth of athletic programs.Demonstrated experience in video production, photography, and graphic design.Familiarity with broadcast media operations, including radio and streaming production.Background in crisis communications and reputation management in a sports or higher education context.Membership or involvement with CoSIDA (College Sports Communicators).Core Competencies• Strategic Communication• Collaborative Leadership• Digital Media Expertise• Brand Stewardship• Storytelling & Writing Excellence• Analytical Thinking• Crisis & Issues Management• Student-Athlete Advocacy