Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications
9/16/2019 12:09:00 PM | Terrapin Athletics
The Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications will be responsible for the development and execution of communication strategies that promote twenty (20) varsity sport programs at Maryland Athletics. Additionally, this position will focus on strategies to enhance and protect the brand reputation and overall mission of Maryland Athletics on a local, regional and national level.
The Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications will serve as the department spokesperson and have direct oversight of the media relations unit. This position will work closely with the Director of Athletics, Deputy Director of Athletics, the Executive Associate Athletic Director and other members of leadership to develop and manage all strategic communications plans including department positioning, messaging, issues management and crisis communications. An expert writer and communicator, this position must ensure accuracy and consistency across all forums. This position will place high priority on understanding issues affecting the Athletic Department and University and by anticipating multiple potential strategic outcomes.
As an ambassador for the department, the Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications will foster strong relationship both on and off campus with local and national media, community leaders, campus leadership, staff, coaches and external organizations. This position will define and direct all internal and external communications activities including press releases, talking points, leadership messaging, op-eds, pitch letters, and fact sheets. This position will identify both news and feature stories, working proactively with the media relations team to highlight them in compelling ways through all available media and perform other duties as assigned.
The Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications will manage a high-performing team of media relations professionals, with direct supervision of three (3) individuals. This position will develop a long-term strategy for staffing and professional development of the unit.
The Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications will closely collaborate with the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations, the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Chief Development Officer, the Director of Development Communications and Marketing and other athletic department units to ensure consistency and cohesion in messaging and communication. This position will also coordinate with the University's Office of Strategic Communication to contribute to the overall reputational goals of the university.
Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism or related field is required.
Experience:
7-10+ years of experience in Public Relations, Public Affairs, Media, Broadcast, Communications, or related field is required. Must have professional experience in media relations, strategic communications, and thought leadership. Significant budgetary and full-time staff oversight experience is required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
To Apply: Submit applications electronically at https://ejobs.umd.edu. Search for position number 100033. For best consideration applications should include (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) names and contact information of at least three references. More information on Maryland Athletics can be found at www.umterps.com.
Best Consideration Date: Apply by September 19, 2019.
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.
The Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications will serve as the department spokesperson and have direct oversight of the media relations unit. This position will work closely with the Director of Athletics, Deputy Director of Athletics, the Executive Associate Athletic Director and other members of leadership to develop and manage all strategic communications plans including department positioning, messaging, issues management and crisis communications. An expert writer and communicator, this position must ensure accuracy and consistency across all forums. This position will place high priority on understanding issues affecting the Athletic Department and University and by anticipating multiple potential strategic outcomes.
As an ambassador for the department, the Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications will foster strong relationship both on and off campus with local and national media, community leaders, campus leadership, staff, coaches and external organizations. This position will define and direct all internal and external communications activities including press releases, talking points, leadership messaging, op-eds, pitch letters, and fact sheets. This position will identify both news and feature stories, working proactively with the media relations team to highlight them in compelling ways through all available media and perform other duties as assigned.
The Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications will manage a high-performing team of media relations professionals, with direct supervision of three (3) individuals. This position will develop a long-term strategy for staffing and professional development of the unit.
The Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications will closely collaborate with the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations, the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Chief Development Officer, the Director of Development Communications and Marketing and other athletic department units to ensure consistency and cohesion in messaging and communication. This position will also coordinate with the University's Office of Strategic Communication to contribute to the overall reputational goals of the university.
Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism or related field is required.
Experience:
7-10+ years of experience in Public Relations, Public Affairs, Media, Broadcast, Communications, or related field is required. Must have professional experience in media relations, strategic communications, and thought leadership. Significant budgetary and full-time staff oversight experience is required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Exceptional verbal, writing and editing skills with incredible attention to detail. Must be proficient in AP style.
- Excellent oral, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
- Must have strong relationships with top tier national media and a proven track record of media/social media success.
- Must have experience managing complicated assignments with multiple contributors, editors and stakeholders.
- Ability to work under pressure to manage tight deadlines while juggling multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
- Must possess outstanding interpersonal skills; able to build and maintain effective working relationships, with the energy and dynamism to inspire others.
- Must possess a can-do attitude and a willingness to work in the trenches.
- Must be a proven strategist.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Google applications.
- Extensive experience in public relations and previous experience in a public higher education institution is preferred. Experience with collegiate athletics highly desired.
To Apply: Submit applications electronically at https://ejobs.umd.edu. Search for position number 100033. For best consideration applications should include (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) names and contact information of at least three references. More information on Maryland Athletics can be found at www.umterps.com.
Best Consideration Date: Apply by September 19, 2019.
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.
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