This position serves as a dynamic leader within the Athletics Department. This position will oversee all of the Athletics Communications with a primary focus on public relations, communications, and marketing initiatives with department strategies. The position oversees day-to-day operations of the athletics communications department, including broadcasting, live-streaming, sponsorships, sports information functions, and marketing.

Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks/Essential Functions:

1. Responsible for development and implementation of Saints Athletics’ internal and external messaging.
2. Develop and implement multi-media plan to showcase programs, student-athletes, and marketing efforts.
3. Assist in managing the Athletics Department’s digital photo catalog and galleries
4. Oversee a media relations/sports information plan for all sports programs.
5. Manage and maintain the Athletics’ website
6. Foster productive relationships with local, regional and national media outlets
   1. Pitch story ideas for AQ Saints team and student-athletes
   2. Write stories and press releases
   3. Respond to and manage internal and external media request.
   4. Attend home and select away games
   5. Coordinate media interviews
   6. Produce official statistics, game notes and year-end summaries
7. Establish protocol and best practices in collaboration with College and Athletics administration to present the College athletics’ brand and maximize outreach.
8. Coordinate with external operations and marketing to increase awareness, attendance and revenue for ticketed athletics events.
9. Partner with Aquinas College communications, marketing, and public relations team to ensure consistency in messaging; involve the Associate Vice President as needed with messaging.
10. Establish a crisis management protocol working with internal stake-holders.
11. Work with Video and Creative Content on the production of digital marketing.
12. Provide administrative leadership including supervision to Associate SID, graduate assistant, game day and student staff.
13. Assists the Director of Athletics with athletic issues as needed.
14. Provides GREAT customer service, anticipating and exceeding the needs of our customers.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years progressive experience in communications/marketing management.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of an Athletics Department at a post-secondary collegiate level.
• Knowledge of effective public relations and communications strategies as they relate to intercollegiate athletics.
• Strong background in writing, editing, and design: experience in all forms of digital media (website, social, video, mobile)
• Extensive technological proficiency including experiences with Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign and Photoshop), IMovie, StatCrew, LiveStats and other relevant software programs necessary to perform the job duties described.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation, and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and relate well to students, parents, faculty, staff, and others while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.

• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, both written and oral which transcend diverse audiences. 
• Demonstrated motivational and problem solving capabilities with a high degree of integrity, ethics, and dedication to the mission of the College.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Ability to perform under stressful situations. Must be able to travel (including overnight stays).  No regular lifting requirements, occasional lifting up to 75 pounds.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition. Aquinas College provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College values: Faith, Learning, Service and Community.