Position Function:

Mississippi State University Athletics is seeking an Associate Director/Communications to join its communications and external team. The successful candidate must be highly organized and driven with exceptional multi-tasking and communication skills. This position will work closely with the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Communications & Content, the department’s fellow positions and student assistants in addition to working alongside the marketing, fan experience, creative and video teams. The candidate must have strong knowledge of social media platforms as well as outstanding writing and public relations skills. Travel will be required as well as working long hours and weekends.

Salary Grade:  15

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Serve as the primary communications contact for the Women’s Basketball program.
a. Prepare, maintain, and distribute media information and other publicity for Women’s Basketball year-round.
b. Manage, create, and strategize creative content and stories for the department’s social and digital media platforms related to Women’s Basketball.
c. Produce content for the official athletic department website, particularly as it relates to Women’s Basketball.
d. Serve as team spokesperson and coordinate all the program’s media appearances.
e. Travel with the team to cover all games.
f. Supervise Humphrey Coliseum media operations for all home games.
g. Strategically communicate to manage the program’s national brand.
h. Provide coaches and staff with appropriate messaging for speeches and public appearances.
i. Promote student-athletes for various national, regional and conference awards.
j. Work closely with the SEC’s broadcast partners, radio and external media to provide accurate information for coverage.
k. Maintain the Women’s Basketball program’s statistical archives and records.
2. Establish and maintain relationships with appropriate local, state, and national media representatives.
3. Complete other departmental tasks as assigned by the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Communications & Content.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism with 3 to 4 years of experience in media relations or athletics communications, preferably as a Women's Basketball contact.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Ability to travel with the team.
2. Ability to work long hours, including nights and weekends.
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
4. Advanced knowledge of media relations/communications concepts and principles.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of social media platforms and an understanding on how to execute social media ideas.
6. Application of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop.
7. Understanding of how to stay ahead of trends in the profession.
8. Knowledge of Stat Crew and Stat Broadcast.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion.
• Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dirt, chemicals, etc.
• Job frequently requires walking, standing, lifting, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Please attach your Resume and cover letter to the Application.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

About Mississippi State University Athletics

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

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