SUMMARY

The Assistant Director for Athletic Communications supports the promotion of all facets of the Athletic Department to internal and external constituencies to heighten visibility and expand support for varsity intercollegiate programs. This position collaborates on the designs and production of brochures, game programs, newsletters, and social media posts, oversees gameday statistical operations and promotion of select sports with direct supervision of student workers. They aid in all broadcast productions of home sporting events. The Assistant Director supports the work of the Director of Athletic Communications to ensure the responsibilities of the area are effectively covered.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Digital/Social Media

• Direct and manage the athletics department website and all social media platforms, with content type ranging from written, graphic design and multimedia/video.
• Provide strategic recommendations to the Director to enhance the visibility and impact of the Athletic Communications office, including tracking and reporting on digital metrics and engagement across platforms.
• Responsible for all publicity efforts including writing, editing and distributing all press releases; social media management for multiple accounts across a variety of platforms.

Game Day Operations

• Compile, disseminate, and maintain sports statistics for assigned teams and serve as the official scorekeeper for all home games.
• Manage setup, live production and breakdown of webcast equipment.
• Communicate with and solicite media for event coverage and feature stories on student-athletes, teams, and other department milestones and accomplishments.
• Completing conference, regional and national award applications to recognize coaches and student-athletes from assigned teams and programs.

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Plan and implement historical archives, as well as maintenance of photography database.
• Work collaboratively with the University’s marketing and communications office on all athletic-related news stories and events.
• Promotes a positive image of the University through participation in community and professional organizations, representing the University at professional meetings, and establishing and maintaining credible relations with various news media and other collegiate sports information offices.
• Contributes to the overall success of the Athletics Department by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Student Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student interns and employees (including Graduate Assistants) in conjunction with the Director of Athletic Communications. This includes assigning and managing projects to ensure timely, high-quality delivery.
• Assign and supervise student staff to assist with in-game responsibilities (scoreboard, public address, statistics, etc.), in-game updating of social media platforms and score reporting.
• Provide mentorship and professional development in video production, photography, and graphic design.
• Foster a collaborative, creative team environment that supports student learning and leadership growth.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of social media platforms, digital storytelling, and emerging content trends
• Knowledge of motion graphics and animation techniques (preferred)
• Familiarity with NCAA rules and branding considerations (preferred)
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail
• Ability to effectively tell compelling stories through visual media
• Capacity to manage competing priorities and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams
• Physical Demands: Frequently required to lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to thirty pounds.
• The scope of the position frequently requires evening and weekend work aligned with athletic events and schedules, this includes holidays and post season competition. Occasional travel will be required.

About Mercyhurst University

The Office for Mission Integration, established in 2008, assists the President of Mercyhurst University in promoting and integrating the university’s educational mission, and the beliefs and values of the Catholic identity and legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, as represented in the mission statement and core values of the institution. The work of the office is many faceted, but essentially directed to educating and encouraging all members of the university community from students to trustees to advance the mission of Mercyhurst. As such, it has particular care for the Catholic and sponsoring Sisters of Mercy traditions and service."The joy and the hope, the grief and the anguish of the women and men of our time, especially of those who are poor or afflicted in any way, are the joy and hope, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well. Nothing genuinely human fails to find an echo in their hearts…That is why Christians cherish a feeling of deep solidarity with the human race and its history." (Gaudium et Spes, Preface 1)Such dreams and realities engage every Catholic university. They make a particular appeal to Mercy universities founded by the Sisters of Mercy, who have ...committed their lives and works to serving those who are poor, sick and uneducated. The inspiration expressed in Gaudium et Spes, therefore, lies at the heart of our identity and mission. A Mercyhurst education aims at engaging students for life and at creating leaders in justice and service. In a time of much social change and challenge, this inspiration clarifies our vision of the specific character of our Catholic Mercy University.Our inspiration leads us to topics of study and engages our perspectives in learning, research and scholarly endeavors. Such inspiration provides the basis of the social-justice dimension of many of our academic and service programs. Indeed, such inspiration directs the goals of our university. We desire to share this inspiration with those who come through our gates, seeking academic excellence, professional expertise, and a future full of hope.Rooted in our Mercy Catholic liberal arts identity, we educate and inspire diverse learners in an environment where faith and reason flourish together for meaningful lives, dignified work, and leadership in service toward a just and loving world.We will be known as a dynamic university that builds community and advances the common good as we promote wisdom, mercy, and respect in all our engagements.

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