Overview and Responsibilities

The sports information director is responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of athletics media relations, brand awareness, recruitment efforts and marketing plans for the university’s athletics programs. These duties include but are not limited to social media, web and streaming content, video stories, press releases, press conferences, statistics, and overall communication efforts for the university’s 17 intercollegiate sports. In addition to supporting the staff and student-athletes within the athletics department, the sports information director works closely with members of the University Marketing and Communication department to promote the mission, news, and accomplishments of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota athletics programs.  This position requires working numerous nights and weekends and possible holidays in covering Saint Mary’s athletic events.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the athletics communications office.
• Manage coverage of all sporting events.
• Recruit, train and supervise student staff, photographers (student and freelance), student interns and work-study students.
• Develop and implement the Athletics Department strategic digital communications plan.
• Oversee maintenance of Athletics Department social media accounts and develop social media strategies to increase engagement across a variety of platforms.
• Maintain the Athletics Department website including game results and stories, statistics, student-athlete profiles, rosters, schedules, photo galleries and all photos, staff updates, archive and history, and video content.
• Oversee all aspects of pre-game, in-game and post-game communications, including game previews, press releases, game stories and statistical coverage.
• Oversee athletics publications, such as game programs and brochures as well as senior honors and team camp information.
• Implement an engaging live video broadcast production as part of the MIAC Sports Network by coordinating hardware/software needs with Information Technology staff.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for communication and reporting requirements with the MIAC, NCAA, CSC, local Winona and surrounding media, and intercollegiate opponents.
• Promote and improve Cardinal athletic brand through distribution and promotion of events, achievements and schedules in athletics. Emphasis to be placed on distribution of content to local, county, regional and national media outlets.
• Develop and oversee athletics communication budget.
• Assist with promotion and implementation of the Athletics Department fundraising initiatives, including annual Hall of Fame fundraising event, golf outing, and corporate sponsorship and giving aspects.
• Other duties and attending meetings as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong written, editorial, and verbal skills.
• Leadership in managing others.
• Time management and prioritization of tasks.
• Strong organization skills and able to multi-task.
• Maintain and meet deadlines.
• Ability to receive phone calls and emails, respond to inquiries and communicate with others in an efficient manner.
• Working knowledge of athletic website management and upkeep, all social media and digital platforms, digital photography, and streaming of athletic contests.
• Ability to set up, manage and coordinate and troubleshoot audio visual equipment for live streaming events.
• Need to be able to lift equipment at times, climb a lift for video and streaming, and make visual distinctions regarding photographic elements.
• Strong internal and external communicator who is comfortable working with multiple constituents.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in journalism, communications, sports management or a related field, master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum four years of post-college experience in an athletics communication or sports information position involving media relations, streaming of athletic events, basic layout and design, printed materials development and production, athletics event reporting, project management and statistical information development, relevant experience at an institution of higher education preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Familiarity with InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, image-editing and web-editing software.
• Experience with Sidearm or Presto web platforms, NCAA LiveStats, Stat Crew Automated Scorebook and other statistical software.

Application Requirements

Apply online at https://www.smumn.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

Saint Mary’s offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.