Details
Open Date 11/18/2024
Requisition Number PRN40360B
Job Title Public Relations Specialist
Working Title Assist Athletics Dir - Strategic Comm (Football)
Job Grade E
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
M-F, varied schedule including nights and weekends.
VP Area President
Department 00327 - Athletics Department
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range DOE
Close Date 02/18/2025
Priority Review Date
Job Summary
The University of Utah is now accepting applications in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics for the position of Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Communications to serve as the lead communications contact for the football program. Utah is a NCAA Division I school and a member of the Big 12 Conference.
The Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Communications will serve as the primary media contact for Utah’s football program, and possibly another sport. Responsibilities include managing all aspects of media relations, access to the program, head coach, staff and student-athletes, as well shaping the strategy around image, messaging and storytelling. The position also will collaborate with key internal stakeholders to contribute heavily to the development and execution of content creation strategies to promote a positive image for Utah Football, Utah Athletics and the University of Utah, under the direction of the Senior Associate A.D. for Strategic Communications.
Responsibilities
Publicity, message development and storytelling strategy for the Utah Football program and support for Utah’s intercollegiate athletic programs; establishing and maintaining positive relations with local and national media through strong interpersonal communication skills and regular outreach; producing or collaborating in the creation of content for website and digital and creative media through innovative platforms that align with the changing landscape of college athletics; collaborating with internal departments to further the priorities of the football program and athletics department; co-managing social media accounts and/or planning content calendars to promote the program in alignment with top-level recruiting priorities; online team record books/media guides, game notes, news releases, statistics compilation and graphic design; generating feature content and other unique coverage for UtahUtes.com, staffing home and away events; supervising student workers and statistical crews; other duties as assigned.
Work Environment And Level Of Frequency Typically Required
Nearly Continuously: Office environment.
Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, sport management or a related field equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience);
- three years relevant experience required.
- Demonstrated human relations and effective communications skills.
- Significant experience working with news media in collegiate or professional sports
- Strong interpersonal skills and excellent internal and external communication abilities
- Elite oral and written communication skills
- High emotional intelligence, strong work ethic and strategic thinking abilities
- Ability to problem-solve and make critical decisions in high-pressure situations
- Demonstrated organizational skills, preparation and accountability
- Experience in social media and creative content strategy
- Knowledge of NCAA and Big 12 Conference rules and compliance related to this position
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop), Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.), StatCrew and NCAA Live Stats statistical software, and digital asset management programs
- Proficiency with website content management systems, preferably SIDEARM
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
- Familiarity with conference and national awards programs, basic knowledge of various social media platforms as well as; considerable initiative, creativity, collaboration and love of sports.
- Minimum of five years in a college athletics or professional sports communications office.
- Experience in public relations work or the print/digital/electronic news media also preferred.
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
