Extra Help Athletics Communications and Operations

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About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu.

Application deadline: 5/22/2023

Hourly Rate: $20 per hour

Summary:

The primary function of this position is to direct strategic communication efforts and event presentation for the University of Illinois Springfield's 17 NCAA Division II athletic programs. All duties must be performed in full support of the University's brand, understanding that the positive and effective execution of these duties are instrumental to UIS Athletics mission. This position reports to the Director of Athletics and assumes the responsibility for oversight & supervision of athletics communication, including social media, and home event management.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Develops, implements, and directs comprehensive communications strategies designed to enhance overall campus support of Athletics as well as positively position UIS Athletics to the public. Responsible for creating communications strategic plan annual goals and objectives. Develops and updates brand standards and media communications policy and procedures. Reviews and revises structure and procedures of the communications unit.

Oversee & direct game day operations, including staffing, ticket sales, game day media functions, and concessions. Supervise, develop, and mentor graduate assistant, student staff, and intern staff associated with game day operations. Responsible for the recruitment and administration of game-day statistics crew and staff. Coordinates all live streaming and radio broadcast activities for the Department of Athletics. Direct point of contact to the GLVC, NCAA, internal PR staff, and other collegiate sports information offices.

Administers management, guidance, training, and evaluation to department staff. Supervise daily operations of Athletics Communication staff by developing work requirements, monitoring the completion of assigned responsibilities, and evaluating progress toward achievement of established goals and objectives.

Creates and manages budget for strategic communications & operations.

Educating and supervise head coaches in areas of maintaining brand standards. Strategically direct all intercollegiate athletic programs with fundamental direction of public relations and brand management. Final approval on promotional items and communications.

Collaborates with the UIS Marketing staff to ensure consistent use of University identity and brand identity. Maintains awareness of trends in communication and social media. Assumes responsibility for the maintenance of the Department of Athletics multimedia, ensuring compliance with departmental and University web policies as well as the accuracy of the data posted. Designs & maintains all media platform including www.uispriairiestars.com. Includes annual updates and scheduled redesign. Also insures that messaging on www.uis.edu is consistent with athletic .com site and university & athletic social media platforms are collaborating.

Directs the research, development, and upkeep of career/season records and statistics for the sports programs and student-athletes to identify and verify the accomplishments of teams and individuals. Ensures the care of archival information on UIS Athletics.

Responsible for adherence to rules and regulations governing University, GLVC, and the NCAA, including assisting in the education process extended to alumni and the community.

Represents the Director of Athletics and/or the department at meetings and conventions as required. Serves as a spokesperson for the University on Athletics related matters when appropriate.

Contributes to the overall success of UIS Athletics by performing all other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics and Senior Associate Director of Athletics.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communication, journalism, sports management or a related field. Two years or more of related experiences in athletic communications at the collegiate level required. Advanced education may be considered in lieu of one (1) of the years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree preferred. Two years or more of related experiences in athletic communications at the collegiate level preferred. Advanced education may be considered in lieu of one (1) of the years of experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Must have a comprehensive understanding of athletic media relations with outstanding writing, communication and interpersonal skills, a working knowledge of in-game statistical program(s)
Proficient in desktop publishing and website management with accompanying software
Proficient with social media design & execution
Ability to travel and work nights and weekends required
High degree of integrity; demonstration of good, independent judgment and the ability to respond quickly and work successfully under pressure and in a very open and public environment
Must be able to meet deadlines and coordinate multiple tasks while working under minimal supervision

Employment Policies and other information:

UIS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to recruitment and retention of a diverse and inclusive campus community. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

UIS employees are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with the most recent COVID-19 vaccination available as a barrier to serious illness.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.

UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State Universities Retirement System

• Social Security benefit and
• Social Security benefit as a spouse