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Posted: 05-Apr-23
Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Type: Graduate
Categories:
About Kansas Athletics, Inc.
Kansas Athletics, Inc. is a not for profit corporation which was organized in 1925 to foster development of intercollegiate athletics in conjunction with the educational activities of the University of Kansas. Kansas Athletics operates the varsity intercollegiate athletic programs (16 men's and women's intercollegiate teams) of the University of Kansas in facilities owned by the State of Kansas. A major comprehensive research and teaching university with an enrollment of approximately 27,000, the University provides outstanding excellence in education and research. Kansas Athletics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Expected Start – Fall 2023 (August)
All applicants should upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references.
Position Summary:
This position will coordinate communications efforts and proactively publicize all aspects of assigned programs, which can include conducting press conferences and weekly media availabilities and interviews. This role will serve as the primary media contact for Kansas Men’s and Women’s Golf, Swim and Dive and will also assist with Men’s Basketball media relations. Duties include ensuring KUAthletics.com and all assigned sports digital platforms are up-to-date in a timely manner to provide to fans and media. Also included is the designing, writing and editing of the media guide, producing press releases and game notes, coordinating interview schedules for coaches and players, keeping and updating statistics and historical records.
Duties and Responsibilities of all Positions at Kansas Athletics:
1. Adhere to University, Big 12 Conference, Kansas Athletics and NCAA policies and procedures;
2. Maintain knowledge of departmental activities, sports schedules and procedures;
3. Foster cooperative working relationships with fellow staff members within the department;
4. Support the athletics departmental goals and philosophies as described by the Director of Athletics, and works to achieve and uphold the department’s mission statement and core values;
5. Maintain a positive attitude toward performing job duties and working with other staff members;
6. Exhibit professional decorum at all times while representing Kansas Athletics, including routine events and meetings that occur outside of the office and on the road;
7. Maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained while an employee of Kansas Athletics including all private, confidential, or sensitive information and ensuring compliance with FERPA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities of this Position:
1. Implement and support the communications and publicity plan for the Kansas Men’s and Women’s Golf programs, along with Swim and Dive, through traditional media and owned media, i.e. website, social channels, television network, radio, etc.;
2. Responsible for day-to-day media operations of the Kansas Men’s and Women’s Golf and Swim and Dive teams including coordinating all player and coach interviews, arranging media conferences, game day operations, statistics, producing press releases and games notes, game day programs, updating the website, and traveling to select meets and tournaments;
3. Assist the Assistant Athletic Director of Communications for men’s basketball in assigned areas, including, but not limited to; game notes, game previews and recaps, website maintenance, media guide creation and design, credential requests and other areas; while serving as the secondary media contact for the 2022 national champion Men’s Basketball program.
4. Ensure the consistent look, design, and feel for all assigned sports pages on the Kansas Athletics website through working closely with the department’s lead web designer, other communications employees and the web hosting company, WMT;
5. Proactively pitch and promote storytelling within the sports assigned and assist in the overall publicity efforts for Kansas’ 16 sports by working events and assisting in press conferences and media availabilities;
6. Work closely with web hosting company; Jayhawk Sports Marketing; Jayhawk TV and Radio Networks; and Rock Chalk Video to ensure full integration and interactivity with all digital platforms;
7. Follow established policies and procedures. Handle unusual or non-standard situations by interpreting these guidelines and adapting creative solutions;
8. Act as a liaison with the men’s and women’s golf and swim and dive teams to assess and fulfill their publicity and media needs;
9. Handle confidential information and sensitive situations with the upmost professionalism and within the policies and procedures of Kansas Athletics, the Big 12 Conference, NCAA and State of Kansas;
10. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics or their designee.
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, degree in Communications, Journalism, or Sports Management is preferred;
• Working knowledge of the following social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram;
• Strong level of creativity in designing and editing content - the demonstrated ability to take it from idea to execution;
• A working knowledge of the Genius Software for basketball;
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under multiple, strict deadlines in a fast-paced office environment with the capacity to adapt quickly to major and minor changes in projects and outcomes;
• Ability to work well both independently and in collaboration with staff as a team member;
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and solutions focused approach to challenges and improvements;
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed during peak game and recruiting seasons;
• Must have proven written and oral communications skill;
• Ability to tell stories through a variety of media across multiple platforms.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Working knowledge of Adobe, Photoshop and Illustrator;
• Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act;
• Experience working in a college communications department.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers and various digital devices, including, but not limited to: cell phone, printer, copy machine, and other related devices. This job requires flexibility and adaptability in schedule and the ability to perform job related duties on short notice.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This position may require frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying material weighing up to 25 pounds; standing up to eight hours each day; and working in all weather conditions.
Travel
Occasional travel may occur for this position.
Hours of Work
This is a part-time position, extending a total two-year program. Days and hours of work will vary based on the needs of the department and as job duties demand. Consistent with Kansas Athletics Policy 601P: Graduate Assistants and Assistantships, you will be expected to work approximately 20 hours per week (on average) but no more than 40 hours per week unless alternative arrangements are made with your supervisor. Evening and weekend work may be required depending upon peak game and recruiting seasons.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
