Sports Communications Specialist

Salary/Position Classification

• $44,300 - $50,450 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

The purpose of the Sports Communication Specialist position is to serve as the direct communications contact for the sports of Men’s Basketball, Women’s Volleyball, and Softball. This position will use discretion and independent judgement, and will use creative license to formulate, affect, and implement operating practices related to assigned sports. Invention, imagination, originality, and talent must be exercised by the employee on a daily basis.

The Director of Communication is a full-time position within the athletic communications department and reports directly to the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Content. Must have commitment to compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations. Must provide support and encouragement and ensure the safety and well-being of the student-athletes.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as Communications Contact for Men's Basketball Program
  • Arrange media requests for coaches and student-athletes
  • Respond to media requests and inquiries in timely fashion
  • Direct press conferences including placement of media backdrops
  • Assist in executing external operations unit promotion of the program (including but not limited to social media, website information such as bios pictures, schedules, production of game notes, game day programs, press releases, game story, post-game content, pre/post season media guides)
  • Update archives for program
  • Assist in content strategy with external operations unit for program
  • Manage press area before, during and after program’s home competitions including leading student-interns and stat crew
  • Build positive relationships with local and regional media members
  • Direct and assign photographers as necessary 
• Serve as Communication Contact for Women's Volleyball Program
  • Arrange media requests for coaches and student-athletes
  • Respond to media requests and inquiries in timely fashion
  • Direct press conferences including placement of media backdrops
  • Assist in executing external operations unit promotion of the program (including but not limited to social media, website information such as bios pictures, schedules, production of game notes, game day programs, press releases, game story, post-game content, pre/post season media guides)
  • Update archives for program
  • Assist in content strategy with external operations unit for program
  • Manage press area before, during and after program’s home competitions including leading student-interns and stat crew
  • Build positive relationships with local and regional media members
  • Direct and assign photographers as necessary 
•  Serve as Communications Contact for Softball Program
  • Arrange media requests for coaches and student-athletes
  • Respond to media requests and inquiries in timely fashion
  • Direct press conferences including placement of media backdrops
  • Assist in executing external operations unit promotion of the program (including but not limited to social media, website information such as bios pictures, schedules, production of game notes, game day programs, press releases, game story, post-game content, pre/post season media guides)
  • Update archives for program
  • Assist in content strategy with external operations unit for program
  • Manage press area before, during and after program’s home competitions including leading student-interns and stat crew
  • Build positive relationships with local and regional media members
  • Direct and assign photographers as necessary 
• Lead and Direct UND Athletic Communications & Lead Point of Contact with Website Host for Assigned Sports
  • Responsible for all communications functions including press releases, stat crew, archives, media advisories, website accuracy/timeliness.
  • Hire, train, supervise, lead, evaluate communication student interns of assigned sports.
  • Provide public relations strategy at request of Director of Athletics or Assistant AD for Communications & Content.
  • Lead athletic department projects that aren’t sport related as requested by Director of Athletics or Assistant AD for Communications & Content.
  • Communicate with website host for updates and changes in timely fashion.
  • Official point of contact for UND athletics coaches of assigned sports and staff for website manners. 

Required Competencies

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ex