Associate AD for Athletics Communications and Brand Advancement

The Associate AD of Athletics Communications & Brand Advancement oversees all media relations and digital strategy efforts for the Murray State Department of Athletics and will work closely with the Senior Associate AD for External Relations & Strategic Initiatives to enhance the brand of Murray State Athletics and the University on a national level. The role includes supervision of Athletics Communications, Creative Services, Broadcast Services and Digital Strategy. This individual will serve as the point person for comprehensive integrated communications and marketing strategies for the Racers men’s basketball program, with special attention to media relations, public relations, social media, digital content, and web communications for all of the department’s sports programs.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Work closely with all external departments in both Athletics and the University.

• Oversee Athletics Communications, Creative Services, Broadcast Services and Digital Strategy, while working strategically with other key departments inside Athletics to communicate externally to all Murray State constituents.

• Manage all media relations efforts and digital strategy for Murray State Men’s Basketball on every official athletic department medium (i.e. website, social media, etc.).

• Maintain and oversee strategic relationships with local, regional, and national media, including scouts and other national figures.

• Develop and implement social media and digital content strategies for the Department of Athletics, including the generation of high-quality creative content to engage the Athletics fan base, while improving and adopting new communications and engagement strategies based on current trends.

• Plan, develop, and direct the athletic department creative services including graphics and digital content (e.g., photography and video), in order to amplify Murray State Athletics and engage a broad range of external audiences.

• Oversee traditional Athletics Communications operations, including game summaries, sports media relations and executive communications.

• Regularly evaluate, set goals and identify areas of improvement in the digital strategy space.

• Other duties as assigned.

As a member of the Murray State University Athletic Department, you shall comply with all applicable NCAA rules and regulations as provided in the NCAA Division I Manual. If you are found in violation of NCAA regulations, you shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth in the provisions of the NCAA enforcement procedures, including suspension without pay or termination of employment for significant repetitive violations.

Minimum Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Ability to work well with athletics staff, coaches, media, community, faculty, and student-athletes.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks.

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.

• Ability to work nights and weekends.

• Strong knowledge of desktop publishing applications, specifically Adobe In-Design and Adobe Photoshop.

• Strong web management skills.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in athletics communications or similar field.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications

• Athletics communications experience working with college basketball programs preferred.

Work Hours

• Working nights, weekends, and some holidays may be required.