Athletics Communications Specialist

This position has been filled - Job#: 453399328

Job Summary

Job Description Summary

The Athletics Communications Specialist serves as a spokesperson for GW Athletics and is a public relations strategist, developing and executing plans to elevate the profile of GW Athletics. The position provides daily communications support to a variety of constituents and stakeholders of GW Athletics to elevate the profile and brand of the Department of Athletics and Recreation. This position is the primary point of contact for no fewer than six intercollegiate sports.

Responsibilities of the Athletics Communications Specialist include:

• Provides professional writing in the promotion and publicizing of GW Athletics, including game previews and recaps, press releases, advisories, game program material and postseason information. Acts as primary contact for external and internal constituents on a minimum of six varsity, intercollegiate sports and serves as media coordinator for those sports.
• Oversees statistical information for assigned sports, including compiling and maintaining records on each sport, distribution of statistics and information, and maintaining and updating information files on student-athletes and staff. Prepares game programs for all home events for sports for which they are the official contact. Promotes individual athletes for All-Conference, All-America, and other honors as appropriate. Travels to championship competitions with all assigned sports.
• Develops and maintains contact with external media to pitch story opportunities. Identifies and establishes contact with specialized media. Conducts research, interviews and writes copy for external media and university publications. Is the primary contact and author of sport-specific Twitter accounts for the promotion of assigned sports on social media.
• Assists in the preparation of coaches and student-athletes for media interviews. Identifies and implements online and social media strategies. Coordinates with Sports Marketing to further GW Athletics and university strategic goals.
• Assists in obtaining general information on GW Athletics and maintaining and providing content for GWsprts.com. Prepares relevant reports and other information necessary for general efficiency of the department. Prepares post-game recaps and report results of all games and events to media, Atlantic 10 Conference and/or NCAA Offices.
• Edits and proofreads copy. Responds promptly to media inquiries. Uses creativity to brainstorm, conceptualize and execute unique ways of promoting student-athletes and GW Athletics on social media and through video storytelling. Assists with special events as required. Manages press operation at home events for assigned sports and assists the director and assistant director at home men's and women's basketball.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Desired qualifications

• Previous experience in intercollegiate athletics communications
• Experience coordinating communications and public relations with sports marketing efforts
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Creative problem-solver with outstanding interpersonal skills
• Basic graphic design (Adobe Creative Suite) skills are strongly preferred
• Social media and online experience
• Highly organized and attentive to detail