Assistant Director of External Communications and Public Relations
University of Michigan Athletic Department
Application
Details
Posted: 15-May-23
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Type: Full-time
Sector:
Professional Sports
Internal Number: 234528
The purpose of the External Communications and Public Relations Team is to positively influence the external dialogue about Michigan Athletics through expertise in communication methods, informational flow, media relations and brand management.
The Assistant Director of External Communications and Public Relations is responsible for all communications initiatives for assigned sports and/or department initiatives among a wide variety of external media and stakeholders. Other assignments will be based on applicant's experience, skillsets, interests and department needs - potentially encompassing other sport assignments, digital and social media responsibilities and/or support in other creative design areas. This individual has a range of responsibilities which include: customer service, writing, editing, graphic design, social media, archiving, event management, proactive media pitching and the facilitation of interview requests. The Assistant Director will also be directly responsible for advising and executing the department's university messaging and partnerships initiatives, while assisting in other original content and coverage needs.
The Assistant Director advances the team through execution of goal development, collaboration and adherence to protocol as well as exemplary service and attention to detail in order to ensure that the office is proactively servicing all audiences. The Assistant Director may represent U-M during key internal and external meetings when needed and will serve as a decision-maker for assigned administrative areas.
Required Qualifications*
3-7 years of relevant work experience in collegiate athletic communications or equivalent experience in non-athletic communications with a demonstrated capability to perform all job functions
Proven success in operating within large, complex organizations and to relate with and understand constituents outside the immediate department
Outstanding organizational, communication, writing and interpersonal skills in a fast-paced environment
In-depth knowledge of the digital and social landscapes; must be active in social media
Confidence and familiarity working with graphic design technologies (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
Confidence and familiarity working with web technologies, including basic HTML and CMS tools.
Advanced and demonstrated knowledge of in-game statistical programs (Stat Crew/ Genius) is essential. Candidate must demonstrate in-game inputting capability for selected sports and thorough knowledge of sport rule books.
Bachelors degree in sport management, communications, sport marketing, journalism or related field
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously along difficult timelines
Proven ability to learn quickly, work efficiently in a fast paced environment and to skillfully distill/synthesize emerging information to senior level staff
High level of personal integrity and ethics
Ability to work as a member of a high performing team
Ability to work independently and to exercise judgment and discretion
Ability to work extended stretches, both within a day and over several consecutive days
Ability to manage time and balance consistent regular office hours with special schedules is imperative
Desired Qualifications*
Master's degree
Graphic design and/or multimedia storytelling and editing experience (Premier, Photoshop, mobile solutions)
Passion for intercollegiate athletics and an intuitive sense of trends in marketplace
Exceptional interpersonal skills with a high level of energy, charisma, enthusiasm, creativity and to be professional, yet able to have fun in the work place
Experience leading staff as a direct supervisor
Demonstrated experience in performing job duties that require strenuous physical activity, including the ascending and descending of steps and moving of heavy boxes and equipment
The University of Michigan athletics date back to 1866 when baseball became the school’s first varsity athletic team. Now, 150 years later, the athletic department fully supports 31 varsity athletic teams and annually ranks among the premiere collegiate athletic programs in the nation, both on the competition field and in the classroom.
The Wolverines have accumulated 52 national team titles along the way, with ice hockey and men’s swimming and diving claiming more national championships in their respective sports than any other Division I program. In 2001, the field hockey team won Michigan’s first women’s NCAA title, followed four years later by softball who claimed the first Women’s College World Series title east of the Mississippi in 2005.
At the Big Ten Conference level, Michigan is far and away the preeminent athletic program. Upon the conclusion of the 2007-08 academic year, the Wolverines claimed a Big Ten record 343 conference team titles, 117 more than their closest competitor. One of the original member institutions from 1896, Michigan teams have won more Big Ten titles than any other conference member in nine sports: baseball (35), football (42), women’s gymnas...tics (16), women’s rowing (4), softball (12), men’s swimming and diving (33), women’s swimming and diving (14), men’s tennis (36) and men’s track and field (57).
Dynasties have been developed over the years in sports such as football who boasts more all-time victories, and the highest winning percentage, in the history of collegiate football. The Michigan women’s gymnastics team has won 15 Big Ten titles in the last 17 years. The women’s swimming and diving team, who won a record 11 consecutive conference titles from 1987-1998, and women’s gymnastics also claim more total championships (14) than any other women’s program – in any sport – in the history of the conference.
Academically, Michigan is just as proud of its 71 student-athletes who have combined for 96 Academic All-America honors, including fullback Dick Balzhiser who was initiated into the Academic All-America Hall of Fame in 2002.
Our website – MGoBlue.com – is one of the most unique and heavily visited collegiate sites in the world.