Job Description
Position Number:
115043
Title:
Assistant Athletic Director
Functional Title:
Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communication and Content Development
Category Status:
33-Exempt Regular
Applicant Search Category:
Staff
University Authorized FTE:
100
Unit:
PRES-ICA-External Relations
Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Vaccine Protocol
The University of Maryland has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University System of Maryland (USM) recently announced that students, faculty, and staff on USM campuses this fall, including UMD, are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective and/or a new employee at UMD, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any University of Maryland location. Prospective or new employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement at return.umd.edu and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or to obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communications and Content Development is responsible for serving as primary communications contact for the University of Maryland men’s basketball program and working in concert with the Associate Athletic Director/Strategic Communications Officer on content development for all of Maryland Athletics.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work directly with the Director of Athletics, the Strategic Communications Officer, the Men’s Basketball program and other members of leadership to provide key message points and preparatory responses in their daily briefings with the media;
- Responsible for fostering strong relationships both on and off campus with local and national media, staff, coaches and other external organizations. Cultivate media coverage for the men’s basketball team through different mediums locally, nationally and internationally, Respond to and manage media requests, interviews, news conferences and photo sessions;
- Enhance Maryland’s social media presence and digital storytelling in collaboration with the department’s staff focused on social, digital and content development.
- Strategically position Maryland Athletics by developing positive profiles, both in news and feature form, on the athletic teams, student-athletes and coaches in external and internal media written, video, social media, graphics or other innovative formats in collaboration with team members of the external unit.
- Serve as Deputy Editor for One Maryland Magazine
- Supervise an Associate Director of Strategic Communications, a Communications Assistant and other gameday and student assistants as assigned, overseeing their work promoting their assigned sports through the media, on umterps.com and through social media channels.
- Prepare game notes and press release to ensure effective coverage and proper NCAA and Conference reporting; Maintain historical records, statistics and photographs among other important department information.
- Provide event coverage and game-day management functions. Responsible for press box and media game management, credential process, sport & fan correspondence and coordinating all media interviews for assigned sports.
- Serve as the liaison to the Big Ten Network, ESPN, CBS and other national television networks for live shots and all requests pertaining to the Head Men’s Basketball Coach and the Maryland Men’s Basketball program.
- Assist in implementation of Maryland’s MOMENTUM program, conceptualizing and coordinating programming and resources which assist current Maryland student-athletes with Name. Image and Likeness.
- Stay updated on the latest Media and NIL trends.
- Must adhere to all University, Maryland Athletics, Big Ten and NCAA rules and regulations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism or related field and a minimum of 5-7 years of experience within a collegiate athletic environment or professional team is required. Must have professional experience in public relations, media relations, sports writing or demonstrated experience in a university sports information office or similar setting; Demonstrated successful content development experience via storytelling, content creation, social media, digital media; Possess excellent writing skills and be a strong communicator; Must possess incredible attention to detail and be proficient in AP style; Ability to work under pressure to manage tight deadlines while juggling multiple projects in a dynamic environment; Must possess outstanding interpersonal skills, along with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships; Strong knowledge in MS Office Suite, Google Applications, social media platforms, PhotoShop, InDesign, SIDEARM, in-game statistical software (Genius Sports/StatCrew) and demonstrated writing skills. The scope of the position requires the flexibility of schedule to work evenings and weekends (Non-standard work hours) and travel with athletic programs.
Preferences:
Demonstrated experience with a NCAA Division I basketball program; Experience with a Power 6 conference institution; Experience with management of full-time staff members; and Demonstrated ability of successful content development and creation is preferred.
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Physical Demands
The scope of the position requires the flexibility of schedule to work evenings and weekends (Non-standard work hours) and travel with athletic programs. While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee operates a computer and other office devices such telephones, copy machines, fax machines, etc; Constantly moves about the facility and event site before, during and after events to service clients; constantly communicates via telephone, email and in-person with others to exchange accurate information. Standing, walking, kneeling/crouching, balancing and lifting up to 25 pounds.
Posting Date:
07/01/2022
Open Until Filled
Yes
Best Consideration Date
07/15/2022
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.