Oct. 6, 2010

POSITION VACANCY

POSITION TITLE:           Assistant Director for Media Relations

DEPARTMENT:                Intercollegiate Athletics

CATEGORY:                     Full-time, Exempt  (100132)

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The Assistant Director for Media Relations will be responsible for serving as the key media relations contact for two of the University of Maryland's national championship programs including women's basketball and field hockey.   Field Hockey has won six National Championships, and is the defending ACC Champion. Under Head Coach Brenda Frese, women's basketball has won one National Championship (2006), one ACC Championship (2009), made six  NCAA tournament appearances, amassed six straight 20-win seasons and leads the ACC in average attendance (including two Comcast Center sellouts of 17,950).  Both teams compete in the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference.

This team player will coordinate the publications for assigned sports, including writing, compiling and editing media guides, with a specific focus on accuracy and timeliness; prepare game notes and press releases to ensure effective coverage and proper NCAA and ACC reporting; maintain and update athletic department web site; respond to and manage media requests, interviews, news conferences and photo sessions; provide event coverage and game-day management functions and work closely with the University's marketing office to effectively promote both programs nationally.

The University of Maryland is among the most comprehensive and successful athletic programs in the United States with 27 sports and an annual expense budget of approximately $55 million. The University is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is located on a beautiful campus located eight miles north of the nation's capital and near Columbia, Maryland, which was recently listed as  the  #4 “Best Place to Live” by Money Magazine. The Athletic Program has won 20 national championships over the last 15 years and is a charter member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Currently, 92 of the University's academic programs are ranked in their respective Top 25 nationally.  The University was recently ranked by the Princeton Review as having the nation's top athletic facilities and second best student body support in the country.  In addition, Maryland is one of only three schools in the nation to have won a national championship in football (1953), men's basketball (2002) and women's basketball (2006).

QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor's degree strongly preferred, ideally in journalism, athletics administration, public relations or similar fields. Must have 3-5 years of athletics media relations experience at the collegiate or professional level. Must have demonstrated outstanding proficiency in desktop publishing software, Adobe PhotoShop, Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer on either Macintosh or Windows platforms or both. Familiarity with Stat Crew Systems software required. Outstanding written and oral communications ability, editing ability and knowledge of AP style. Demonstrated ability to work on multiple tasks and perform in a positive manner in a deadline-oriented and high-pressure environment. Travel and weekend hours will be required.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience.

POSITION AVAILABLE:               Immediately. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and position is open until filled.

APPLICATION:    Submit applications electronically at http://jobs.umd.edu.  Search for Position Number 100132.  For best consideration applications should include: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) names and addresses of at least three references. More information on Maryland Athletics can be found at www.umterps.com.           

The University of Maryland is an EEO/AA employer.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.