Director, Sports Information and Promotions

Department : CSL Athletics and Recreation

About the Department

The University of Chicago is one of the nation's leading institutions of higher education and research. Campus and Student Life (CSL) is comprised of 20 departments that serve the University's 15,000 college, graduate, and professional school students, as well as the campus community more broadly. CSL is importantly charged with the dual task of supporting all students in the University, graduate, and undergraduate, and managing multiple campus departments and services that serve the entire campus community. CSL's programs and services focus on supporting student academic success, providing opportunities for personal growth and leadership development, developing community and engagement through the residential housing and dining program, and in areas such as artistic expression, community service, spiritual exploration, and athletic competition.

The University of Chicago community includes approximately 5,600 undergraduates and 10,000 graduate, professional, and other students and there are over 300 recognized student organizations working together to create a vibrant and dynamic student life. The University of Chicago is a member of the University Athletic Association and the NCAA (Division III). The University sponsors 20 varsity sports. The Department of Athletics and Recreation maintains an environment that supports the student athletes' commitment to thriving academically and athletically. A diverse, challenging athletic program supplements the rigorous academic curriculum. The lessons learned through athletic endeavors represent an invaluable part of the nonacademic aspects of a holistic education. Achieving this goal is based on a commitment to excellence.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Athletics Director for Internal Operations, the Director of Sports Information and Promotions is responsible for oversight of comprehensive public relations activities within the athletics department and serving as the primary media contact for UChicago’s 20 NCAA DIII Sports Teams. This position will oversee the creation and distribution of all department-related news, game statistics reporting, production of department publications, and other duties as assigned. This position will require the ability to handle a dynamic work schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

1. Prepares regular news releases, game previews, recaps, feature stories, and media guides for local media, game days, and the website. Prepares and coordinates the distribution of promotional materials for regular and postseason contests.
2. Supervises and oversees the work of the Athletics Communication Assistant.
3. Ensures the necessary individual and team statistical data for UChicago teams and their opponents are gathered and disseminated through regular sports information channels by staffing athletics events with sports information personnel at competitive events hosted by UChicago.
4. Collaborates with campus partners including, but not limited to, University Communications, News Office, Office of the Dean of the College, Office of the Dean of Students in the College, Alumni Relations and Development, Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, and other departments within Campus and Student Life.
5. Participates in planning and preparation for special events such as Hall of Fame, Homecoming, and the end-of-the-year ceremony.
6. Maintains complete historical records, including photography and video archives.
7. Coordinates the production of home contests including video live streaming, live radio, and internet broadcasts where applicable.
8. Supervises all sports information support staff for home athletics contests. Secures necessary arrangements for media, officials, statisticians, public address announcers, photography, and other press box and table personnel for home contests.
9. Oversees the maintenance of the athletics website, ensuring all content is accurate, current, and accessible for all constituents.
10. Promotes student-athletes and coaches for national and conference awards.
11. Assists with game day setup.
12. Develops, plans, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
13. Solves moderate to complex problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
14. Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.

Work Experience : Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education : Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, English, or related field.

Experience : Experience in a DIII Athletics department. Experience with training and mentoring others. Take action photography, conduct live interviews, and prepare students and staff for interviews.

Certifications : Valid driver's license.

Technical Skills or Knowledge : Demonstrated aptitude in strategic communication. Confidence and familiarity working with web technologies, including basic HTML and CMS tools (such as SIDEARM), and Adobe Creative Suite. Advanced and demonstrated knowledge of statistical programs such as NCAA Live and StatCrew.

Preferred Competencies

1. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
2. Creative problem-solver with strong critical thinking skills.
3. Builds collaborative relationships with internal colleagues.
4. Work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules.
5. Work on multiple projects simultaneously and set priorities.
6. Advanced graphic design and non-linear editing skills.
7. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

Application Documents

1. Resume/CV (required)
2. Cover Letter (required)
3. References Contact Information (3) (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family : Communications

Role Impact : Individual Contributor

FLSA Status : Exempt

Pay Frequency : Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours : 40

Benefits Eligible : Yes

Drug Test Required : No

Health Screen Required : No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required : Yes

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

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