Assistant Director, Athletics Communications

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $64,350 - $66,000

Position Summary

One of the world's leading universities, Columbia University Athletics offers elite-level student-athletes the ability to compete for and win Ivy League titles and NCAA Championships. With 31 varsity sports, Columbia Athletics is the largest NCAA Division I athletics program in New York City and the only NCAA Division I sports program in Manhattan. A beautiful and peaceful campus in the heart of New York City, Columbia offers the most diverse student body in the Ivy League. Columbia Athletics has positioned itself with elite-level coaches and top-notch facilities in the Campbell Sports Complex, Baker Athletics Complex, the Milstein Tennis Center, and Dodge Fitness Center.

Reporting to the Associate Athletics Director for Communications/Public Relations, the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications is responsible for developing and implementing media relations and publicity for their Columbia-assigned sports programs. The incumbent will create content, write press releases and features, produce publications (media guides, record books and game notes), maintain all website content and historical records, and oversee press row/press box operations for assigned sports. Serve as game operations manager, handling all media and interview requests and managing social media for assigned Intercollegiate Sports Programs.

The successful candidate will exhibit the highest professional standards and ethical behavior regarding adherence to NCAA, Council of Ivy League Presidents, University, and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education rules and regulations. They will
contribute to maintaining good working relationships with all members of the Department and perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Responsibilities

• Write, edit and publish print materials, including (but not limited to) record books, press releases, contest recaps and feature stories for assigned sports programs, and create content for social media in the form of graphics, recaps, video, etc.
• Act as sports information/media relations lead for assigned sports programs, working with assigned program's coaches and student-athletes, handling all news-related announcements, pitching story ideas, serving as public relations liaison for programs, coaches and student-athletes, celebrating success, preparing student-athletes and coaches for interviews, coordinating and organizing photo shoots.
• Manage media relations and statistical services at home events for assigned sports programs, serving as press row/press box operations lead and game management liaison for athletics communications for assigned sports.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media professionals, alumni, friends, fans, support groups and University personnel.
• Ensure nomination of Columbia student-athletes in assigned sports programs for appropriate honors and awards (Ivy League Conference, NCAA, All-America, etc.)
• Develop and implement a media relations plan for assigned sports programs to attain and maintain positive exposure for Columbia Athletics and Columbia Lions student-athletes, with responsibilities including (but not limited to): pitching stories to appropriate media outlets, following up with media contacts, and coordinating with university resources as necessary.
• Maintain history and files for assigned sports on gocolumbialions.com and in record books.
• Enforce appropriate usage of Columbia University Athletics brand marks and logos, production of multimedia reports and feature stories and video work.
• Complete temporary assignments as requested by the Associate Athletics Director for Communications/Public Relations. Performs related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested by the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and/or its equivalent.
• 0-2 years of related experience.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must demonstrate excellent writing and computer skills.
• Familiarity with appropriate software, including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere), Genius Sports, StatCrew software, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; working knowledge of concepts and principles of news, media communications and media relations.
• Experience managing social media.
• Experience working in a college or professional media relations office or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in sports management, journalism, communication or related field is preferred.
• Experience using Sidearm's website platform.
• Experience creating video content for social media and/or background in graphic design.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.