Associate Director for Communications and Creative Content
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Application
Details
Posted: 12-Sep-24
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Type: Full-time
Sector:
Collegiate Sports
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
Internal Number: 20007821
The Associate Director for Communications and Creative Content will serve as the lead storyteller and media contact for Carolina Volleyball, Softball and one other Olympic Sport. This position will strategically promote these programs, North Carolina Athletics and the University both externally and internally across multiple platforms, including social media and websites. This position will serve as the primary media contact for assigned sports and be responsible for planning and creating digital content (graphics, videos, photos) and written content (game notes, news releases and feature stories) to be sent to news organizations and published on goheels.com and other Carolina websites. It will collaborate daily with others External Relations Units – including Marketing, GoHeels Productions, Athletics Communications/Media Relations and Creative Services – to manage the brand of the programs and the department. This position will coordinate communications activities for the assigned programs, including serving as the media relations liaison and updating a content calendar with weekly plans. We are looking for someone who can cover games but also strategically search beyond the games to tell and pitch the great stories of our Carolina student-athletes, coaches and staff, and Department.
Experience in generating creative content (i.e., graphics, motion graphics, videos, photos) and implementing a content strategy at the Division I level. Experience working with members of the media and pitching stories. Demonstrated competencies and experience with desktop publishing and writing and creating content on deadline. Thorough knowledge of StatCrew/NCAA Live Stats statistical software for Volleyball and Softball. Proficiency in using a variety of programs within the Adobe Creative Suite (i.e., Photoshop, After Effects, Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, InDesign). Knowledge of social media best practices and emerging platforms as well as knowledge of graphic design, video, digital media and written media in athletics. Demonstrated and proficient oral and written communication competencies; ability to write game stories and features stories; ability to conduct media training with coaches and student-athletes and advise in interactions with the media; experience designing/editing media guides and/or game programs in an intercollegiate sports information environment is preferred. Must be able to adapt to flexible work schedule due to the high volume/sport season schedules. Experience and knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations as they pertain to the sports of volleyball and softball as well as other assigned sports and college athletics. Must demonstrate exceptional customer service as this position will have extensive inter-personal dealing with student-athletes, coaches and administrators from within the University and with a number of external audiences, primarily media outlets. Accuracy and attention to detail are key as this position deals with facts, historical relevance, records, statistics to promote student-athletes for awards, put events in historical context, compare teams to other teams from the past and present, etc. An emphasis on brainstorming, writing, creating content and an overall ability to communicate is a priority. Must demonstrate the ability to deal with stressful and changing situations. Much time is spent at the computer, attending games, requiring possible out-of-town travel.
The Department of Athletics exists to provide educational and athletic opportunities to young men and women, to provide an environment for student-athletes to learn, advance and excel both academically and athletically, and to serve the interests of the University by complimenting and enhancing its diversity and quality of life. Through its athletic programs, the University seeks to unite alumni, faculty, administration and students in a common shared experience. The governing unit within the Department of Athletics is the Director’s Office, which is the administrative office and clearinghouse for the entire Department of Athletics, and promotes the department’s guiding principle of educating and inspiring through athletics. This unit provides support to administrators, coaches, staff members and student-athletes in order to provide and promote a premier intercollegiate athletic program for The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Department of Athletics is a highly visible public relations arm of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with statewide, national and international recognition.