Director of Athletic Communications

The Director of Athletic Communications (DAC) leads and directs all aspects of the sports information office for a NCAA Division III athletic program. The DAC is responsible for implementing a comprehensive athletics communications plan to enhance the exposure of Cougar Athletics. The DAC coordinates Cougar Athletics communication including schedules, game web casts, competition results and statistics, athlete/coach profiles, awards, service and interest stories. The DAC provides timely, accurate information to meet the needs of Cougar fans, build campus and community interest, and tell the UMN Morris athletics story. The DAC works in collaboration with Communications and Marketing staff to advance the Cougar Athletics mission and the campus' mission, vision and branding.

This position will be in person on the Morris Campus. This is a 10 month position.

The Director of Athletic Communications will:

• Provide strategic direction for and maintain a comprehensive athletics communications program, including the Cougar Athletics website (including current information for all sports, timely information on competition results; "meet the team" information on student-athletes; athlete, coach and staff profiles; service, interest, and student outcomes stories), collaborating with Communications staff to meet campus web design, content, graphics, and quality standards.
• Oversee all social media marketing platforms (e.g. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, SnapChat). Produce videos and interviews with student-athletes and coaches.
• Supervise game day webcasting, programs, setup and personnel operating the scorer's table (UMN Morris and hosted high school events), game statistics, and timely communication of results on the athletics website.
• Oversee all athletics statistical compilation and reporting all scores and statistics to the conference and the NCAA. (On occasion, the DAC may be asked to serve as game manager in the absence of the Athletic Director, Assistant ADs, and Senior Woman Administrator).
• Manage nominations for student-athlete of the week recognition and conference, regional and national end of the year awards.
• Build a talented, diverse, and inclusive Sports Information team; supervise a part-time Sports Information assistant, student interns, and game day staff (e.g. scorer's table, statistics).
• Establish and maintain good communication with radio, print and electronic media representatives. Host media for high school tournament broadcasts.
• Work closely and collaboratively with Communications and Marketing staff to a) enhance the visibility of the Cougar Athletic program in the conference, state and nationally, b) advance the Morris mission, vision and branding, c) develop and implement printed and online materials aligned with Athletics design standards and UMN Morris communications protocols.
• Coordinate all major news releases with Communications and Student Affairs (e.g. championship competitions, coaching appointments, NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship awards).
• Provide student-learning opportunities (e.g. sports journalism internships, employment, directed studies; and Sport Studies & Athletics courses - for candidates with a Masters in a related field).
• Maintain a permanent record of sports statistics, rankings, awards, photos, trophies; oversee sports information technology; and manage the sports information budget.

Essential knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Bachelor's degree with 4 years of professional experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong technical skills

A Masters degree is preferred. The preferred candidate will bring demonstrated effectiveness in sports information; a commitment to students' athletic, academic, and life success; the demonstrated ability to build, motivate and retain a diverse and inclusive team with sensitivity to individuals of all cultural backgrounds; and the capacity to be a visible and engaging leader and advocate for the program. Experience and skill with game management and communication tools (e.g. Microsoft Word, Photoshop, StatCrew, social media, Google tools) is preferred.

The successful candidate will be self-directed and motivated, and bring skills needed to advance Cougar Athletics and the university.

Pay Range: $47,667 - $49,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris)

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121-year-old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The small, close-knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning. Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).