Assistant Commissioner of Strategic Communications

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Summit League seeks an experienced external communicator, storyteller, and brand builder to serve as the Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications. This role serves as the conference storyteller, creating and executing a strategic approach to amplifying a conference message through communication mediums and technology. The Assistant Commissioner will provide leadership and guidance to staff responsible for carrying out the strategies.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in sports communication, content creation, social media, marketing, or sports information to grow into a leadership position within an NCAA Division I conference. The ideal candidate will bring strong team-building skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, a proactive approach to communication strategy, and a true passion for building a brand through storytelling.

DETAILS OF RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership and oversight for all matters related to the Summit League’s strategic communications, media, technology, and sports information responsibilities

• Build and execute strategies to effectively advance the League’s brand and overall messaging through earned media, digital content, and storytelling initiatives

• Supervise and lead the Strategic Communications team to execute functional unit priorities and help team members grow professionally

• Collaborate closely with other staff on the planning and execution of all League championships to ensure pre-championship promotion, on-site communications coverage, media operations, broadcast/streaming, statistics, awards, storytelling and post-event evaluation are aligned and equitable with the overall championships experience.

• Directly oversee the media operations duties at the Basketball Championships

• Develop and execute storytelling strategies and assign operational responsibilities across all League championships

• Serve as the primary conference liaison and work closely with all institutional sports information, media, broadcast, and streaming technology contacts

• Monitor and manage various analytics/data from various sources (social, digital network, general media coverage) to expand brand and improve conference storytelling

• Work closely with others to support revenue-generating opportunities and ensure brand identity consistency across all communications platforms and mediums

• Serve as the public relations authority, providing guidance and recommendations to staff or member institutions on PR related matters impacting the League

• Build relationships with traditional media outlets, communication professionals, and any external stakeholders to enhance the League message and brand

• Oversee all aspects of athletic award selections and announcements throughout the season

• Oversee the ongoing development and maintenance of the website and digital network with technology partners

• Oversee and manage relationships with linear TV, production, and digital streaming partners

• Serve as the liaison and work closely with the League digital network provider and member schools to manage the operations of the Summit League Network

• Oversee the publication and preservation of record books, archives, and championship records

• Build and oversee the Summit League Hall of Fame

• Represent the League at NCAA or other industry-related events or meetings

• Take on other duties, as assigned by the Commissioner or designee

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working in sports communication, marketing, media, or another related field

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to develop relationships and build consensus with multiple stakeholders, particularly media partners and institutional constituents

• Ability to distill a message through creative content and storytelling

• Knowledge of trends in sports communication, content creation, and media landscape

• Ability to use sound judgment and handle sensitive/confidential information

• Experience working in various software programs, including video & audio editing, graphic design/illustration, document management, or any other content creation programs

• The position requires flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as well as travel for championships, events, and League-related activities

• This position is based at the Summit League offices in Sioux Falls, SD

JOB CLASSIFICATION & COMPENSATION

Full-time, exempt employment with a salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. A robust benefits package that includes medical & dental insurance, life insurance, cell phone stipend, travel reimbursement, and an employer contribution to a retirement plan. The candidate may be appointed to a different title depending on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies.

APPLICATIONS OF INTEREST

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references by July 14 to ensure priority consideration. Application materials can be emailed to hr@thesummitleague.org. The position may remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.