Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Media Relations (55296)

## Position Summary The Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations serves as a key communications and public relations leader within Claflin University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategic communications plan that promotes Claflin’s athletic programs, student-athletes, coaches, and the institution. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of sports information, media relations, digital content, and brand storytelling across multiple platforms. ## Essential Duties and Responsibilities **Media & Public Relations** - Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson for assigned Claflin University athletic programs and department initiatives. - Develop and maintain strong working relationships with local, regional, and national media representatives. - Write, edit, and distribute press releases, game notes, feature stories, bios, and other communications materials. - Coordinate and manage all media credentials, press box operations, and post-game interview sessions. - Respond to media inquiries in a timely and professional manner, providing accurate information and facilitating access. **Digital Content & Brand Management** - Manage and maintain the Claflin University Athletics website, ensuring all content is accurate, current, and engaging. - Oversee social media strategy and execution across all department and sport-specific platforms (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube). - Produce and distribute multimedia content including video features, photo galleries, podcasts, and live game coverage. - Uphold and enforce Claflin University brand standards and style guidelines across all communications and publications. - Monitor analytics and engagement metrics to optimize content strategies and report performance to leadership. **Sports Information & Statistical Management** - Oversee accurate and timely compilation, maintenance, and distribution of athletic statistics for assigned sports. - Submit game results and statistics to appropriate governing bodies, conference offices, and national associations (e.g., NCAA, SIDEARM). - Maintain comprehensive historical records, media guides, and reference materials for all assigned Claflin University sports. - Coordinate awards and honors nominations for student-athletes and coaches at conference and national levels. **Leadership & Administration** - Supervise, mentor, and evaluate communications staff, graduate assistants, and student workers within the Claflin University Athletics department. - Collaborate with athletics administration, coaches, and Claflin University communications on crisis communications and reputation management. - Ensure compliance with NCAA, conference, and Claflin University policies related to media relations and communications. - Represent Claflin University Athletics at conference meetings, NCAA events, and professional association functions. **Game Day Management** - Plan, coordinate, and execute all media relations operations on game days, including press row/box setup, and credential distribution.. - Serve as the primary on-site liaison for visiting media, broadcast partners, and credentialed photographers during all Claflin University home athletic events. - Manage live game coverage including real-time social media updates, live statistics, and play-by-play distribution to media outlets. - Coordinate pre-game, halftime, and post-game interview availability for coaches and student-athletes in compliance with conference and NCAA protocols. - Oversee public address scripts, video board content, and in-game promotional scripts in collaboration with the game operations team. - Supervise game day operations staff and student workers, ensuring smooth and professional execution of all responsibilities. - Prepare and distribute official box scores, game recaps, and statistical summaries to media and conference offices immediately following competition…