Assistant Director, Athletics Communication

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information:

Title:

Assistant Director, Athletics Communication

Classification Title:

5005 - Athletic Communications Associate

Job Location or Region:

Urbana-Champaign - 133

Job Description Reason:

Vacancy

Appointment Type:

Permanent

Position Number:

UC6248

Position Class Code:

5005A-ATHL COMNC ASSOC (LU)

Employee Group:

C - Civil Service Web/Dpt Tm Entry

COA:

1 - Urbana

Organization Code:

336000

Organization Name:

Intercollegiate Athletics

College/Administrative Unit:

NU-Div Intercollegiate Athletics

HR Information:

Full Time Equivalent (FTE):

1

Is this position Security Sensitive?

Is this a Protection of Minors position?

Purchasing Authority of $5,000 or more?

Supervisory Authority of 20 or more?

Organizational Relationship:

Chancellor

Director, Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

Senior Associate Athletic Director, External

Associate Athletics Director, Media Relations

Assistant Director, Athletics Communication

PRIMARY POSITION FUNCTION/SUMMARY

Assist in coverage of nationally-ranked Illinois football program, and lead and execute all communications and social media strategies while coordinating media coverage for the Illini softball, women's golf and swim & dive programs.

•

Assigned Sports Communication and Media Management

• Execute athletics communication efforts in the writing of press releases, production of media notes, game previews and recaps, and tracking statistics, records, and performance lists for assigned sports;

• Update FightingIllini.com regularly for assigned sports, covering all written materials and including all biographical and schedule information;

• Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional and national media for the purpose or promoting the sport programs and Illinois Athletics brand;

• Provide public and media training and preparation for members of the coaching staff and student-athletes to ensure the brand of Illinois Athletics;

• Work with Television and Radio rights holders on preparations of broadcast coverage;

• Administer the media credentialing and game management tasks for assigned sports;

• Support communication efforts for other sport programs as needed;

• Other duties as assigned.

50%

•

Assigned Sports Social Media Management

• Manage social media efforts (Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, et al) for assigned sports and department, engaging fan base and providing immediate informational updates;

• Leverage digital media platforms to create a comprehensive storytelling program to amplify the department, athletic programs and student-athletes;

• Utlilize social media accounts to publicize award candidates

40%

•

Team Historical Information

• Serve as historian for assigned sports and department as a whole archiving all relevant season information, both digitally and in printed form, consisting of written materials, statistics, records, results, and photos.

10%

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Specialty Factors:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, sports communications, sports marketing, sports management, public relations, communications, English, or a related field.

• Two (2) years (24 months) of professional experience working in the athletic communications/sports information field.

• Demonstrated experience serving as the communications contact for a team and/or managing social media accounts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge and interest in sports; extensive computer/software knowledge and graphics arts skills;

• Proficiency in desktop publishing software applications such as Adobe InDesign and Creative Suite;

• Proficiency in social media management and content production, scheduling and planning;

• Proficiency with statistical programs such as NCAA Live Stats (Genius) and Stat Crew;

• Familiarity with content management systems such as Sidearm and project management systems such as Basecamp.

• Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required.

• Superior interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines;

• Mastery of grammar, punctuation, and spelling; a high-degree of error-free clear, effective writing. Working knowledge of AP style guidelines;

• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and team-based environment;

• Must be able to work evenings and weekends.

Championship Mindset and Expectations

Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff;

Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience;

Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations;

Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values;

Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and

Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Providing this information helps ensure that the essential functions of the position are fully documented for the benefit of employees, applicants, and the university.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions Comments:

Travel, work nights and weekends

Manager Approval

Manager Approver

Burson, Derrick

Date Approved/Finalized

8/15/2025