The Director of Athletic Communications leads and directs all aspects of the Athletic Communications office and implements a comprehensive athletics communication plan to enhance the Bluejay Athletics brand exposure. This position provides timely, accurate information to meet the needs of Bluejay fans, builds campus and community interest, and tells the EU athletics story. The Director serves as the official source of communications for the Elmhurst University Athletics Department. 

Position Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $55,000 - $62,000. This is the expected salary range for this position. The actual salary offered will depend on a candidate's experience and education, and departmental budget.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all communications for the Department of Athletics including, but not limited to social media, local and national media, and campus communications.
• Establishes and maintains a positive and consistent working relationship with local media and University Marketing and Communications to maximize exposure for varsity teams, student-athletes and EU Athletics while serving as the department’s official media contact.
• Responsible for maintenance of Elmhurst University Athletics website.
• Oversees all athletics statistical compilation and reporting of all scores and statistics to the Conference Office and the NCAA.
• Produces gameday programs and information guides for applicable home athletic contests as well as game recaps, news releases, videos, and other related content for all NCAA DIII varsity athletic programs.
• Supervises, develops, and trains the Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant.
• Develops, supervises, trains, and manages student employees and interns who support the efforts of the Athletic Communications office.
• Maintains positive public relations with the community through assorted, visible acts of volunteerism.
• Manages nominations for student-athlete of the week recognition and conference, regional, and national end of the year awards.
• Coordinates photography and video content for EU Athletics and solicits freelance or independent contractor coverage when necessary.
• Designs and produces printed and online promotional and recruiting materials that are aligned with EU Athletics and Elmhurst University Marketing and Communications department design standards.
• Travels with athletics teams on an occasional basis, with an emphasis on travelling to postseason contests.
• Manages the operations budget for the Athletic Communications office.
• Manages all print needs of the athletic department.
• Serves as a member on the Blue and White Club Hall of Fame Committee and supports the Blue and White Club through digital media, publications, and assistance with quarterly newsletters.
• Attends and participates in all athletic staff meetings as determined by the Director of Athletics.
• Endorses and supports other areas within the Division of Student Affairs, including attendance at meetings and service on committees.

Other Responsibilities

• Supports the University’s mission, vision and values.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
• Performs other duties and completes special projects as needed and assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in sports management, English, journalism, marketing, communications, public relations or related field.
• Two to three years’ experience in a related role.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, initiative, and motivation.
• Ability to multitask and to manage multiple projects from inception to completion within established deadlines.
• Knowledge of NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics and statistics keeping.
• Strong editing skills, attention to detail, and commitment to high standards.
• Ability to conduct effective interviews.
• Photography, videography, and editing skills strongly preferred.
• Must have strong work ethic and be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Must be proficient with computer word processing skills and either already proficient with or able to learn computer statistics programs.
• Must be willing to work hours in addition to normal business hours, including weekends, as required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
The essential functions of this position are primarily performed in a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities, with regular exposure to varying weather conditions, including extended periods of extreme heat and cold. Work requires frequent districtwide, statewide, and out-of-state travel for recruiting or attending athletic competitions. Required abilities include walking, navigating uneven or slippery surfaces, bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods; may require lifting and transporting equipment in excess of 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally; and using fine motor skills to operate and maneuver a range of athletic or training equipment. Must be able to climb stairs and ladders. Qualified applicants who can perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations will be considered. Must be able to be fitted with and wear a respirator.

Benefits

An overview of Elmhurst University benefits is available here.

Instructions to Applicants

This position is designated by Elmhurst University as being safety sensitive. Per University policy, employment in this position is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment drug test with satisfactory results. Testing is performed at the University’s expense in an approved facility within one week of acceptance of a written offer of employment. Candidates may communicate with the testing facility and with Human Resources to explain any positive test results. For additional information regarding this policy, candidates may email Human Resources at hr@elmhurst.edu for assistance.

Special Notation

Staff members must possess a commitment and responsibility for adhering to all rules and regulations of Elmhurst University, the CCIW and the NCAA. Staff members must cooperate with and furnish the NCAA, the CCIW and/or Elmhurst University with truthful and complete information concerning involvement in or knowledge of rules violations. Any person who is found in violation of NCAA regulations shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective actions as set forth in the provisions of the NCAA enforcement procedures, including suspension without pay or termination of employment for significant or repeated violations.