The Associate Director of Athletics Marketing and Communications is directly responsible for the promotion and publication of VTSU Castleton’s 26 varsity athletic programs, and works to coordinate and administer sports public relations activities and programs for the university. This position will provide leadership and administrative oversight for all aspects of an integrated marketing communication plan for VTSU athletics and recreation that aligns with the university’s marketing and communications plan. The successful candidate will provide support and resources to Sports Information personnel across all VTSU campuses, and is expected to coordinate and create relationships with local, regional and national media to further the mission of VTSU athletics.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all communications and media relations for intercollegiate sports on the VTSU Castleton campus.
• Oversee and manage the production of all VTSU Castleton event broadcasts live streamed to the Little East Conference Network.
• Supervise and coordinate game-day media operations and supervision of game-day staff, including statisticians for assigned sports.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with local, regional and national media covering the Athletics Department.
• Field and direct responses to interview requests from local and national media.
• Design, write and edit various communication materials, including media guides, press releases, game notes and sport-specific content for the department’s website.
• Coordinate, record, and edit videos to be used on the Athletics website, including generating short features and marketing promos.
• In coordination with VTSU Communications and Marketing departments, assist with the development and implementation of integrated marketing communication initiatives for the university
• Monitor, facilitate and provide social media content for the Athletics Department.
• Participate in the planning and executing of social media marketing campaigns.
• Assist with hiring, training, supervising, and mentoring graduate assistants, interns, and student workers.
• Work collaboratively with department of Institutional Advancement staff on various projects and initiatives for all VTSU athletic programs, such as Homecoming and golf tournaments.
• Help to organize, promote, and implement initiatives that foster positive fan experience in collaboration with the Spirit Band, Cheerleaders, Dance Groups and Mascots.
• Oversee the sale and promotion of tickets for ticketed sporting events.
• Oversee licensing and brand compliance for the Athletics Department.
• Work collaboratively with student groups on campus to engage students and increase attendance.
• Assistant every campus as needed with special athletic events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direct supervision is received from the Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Fitness.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY?

General supervision over graduate assistants, student workers, and student interns.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Broad knowledge of a range of sports.
• Broad-based technical knowledge and skills related to all relevant social media platforms and in-game statistical software applications.
• Understanding of the educational goals and objectives of Vermont State University including attention to accessibility and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Understanding of the psychological and cultural characteristics of economically and educationally disadvantaged students, particularly in a rural setting.
• Awareness of developmental, holistic, and proactive approaches to student success.

Skills:

• Successful experience in sports information field, including excellent writing, editorial, research, grammar, and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with (or ability to learn) technologies such as web and microsite management (WordPress, etc.), Microsoft products, and Perceptive Content.
• Proven record of accountability and follow-through with the ability to meet deadlines.

Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to positively influence student skill development, such as communication skills, leadership skills, academic skills, technical skills, non-cognitive or ‘soft’ skills, and social skills.
• Demonstrated ability to foster student development in the attainment of student success goals, such as academic purpose, sense of belonging/identity, agency, career readiness, civic readiness, access & equity.
• Demonstrated positive attitude regarding Vermont State University and a desire to improve student outcomes, including attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to support a diverse community and promote diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals within the University and capacity to work as part of a team to collaborate and choose student success.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with college personnel as well as external stakeholders in carrying out the various coordination, liaison, and other aspects of the job.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings.
• Ability to drive to other campuses to assist in special athletic events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in sports management, business management, marketing, communications, or other appropriate discipline, plus a minimum of 2-4 years of relevant experience in related field or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in appropriate discipline with three or more years relevant progressive experience.

About VTSU Castleton

Vermont State University (VTSU) values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning.  Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community.  VTSU strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations.  VTSU is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant.  Please contact humanresources@vermontstate.edu for assistance with accommodations.

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