Specialist, Sports Information & Media Relations

Department: Athletics, Wellness, Rec - Administ

Location: Metropolitan Campus

Reports To: Executive Director of Athletics, Recreation, and Wellness

Recruitment Type: External/Internal

Requisition ID: req6588

Employment Type: Administration and Professionals

Union Position: Non-Union

Work Schedule: Weekdays and weekends

Number of Openings: 1

Job Description:

SUMMARY

Manages all aspects of Cuyahoga Community College athletics sports information, including updating the website, National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) reporting, official scoring, and managing media relations, in collaboration with Marketing, for the College's athletic programs. Responsible for promoting athletic programs through various media channels, maintaining statistical records, coordinating media coverage, and serving as the primary liaison between the athletics department and media outlets.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops and implements comprehensive media relations strategies for all athletic programs in conjunction with Marketing
• Manages athletic department website content, social media accounts, and digital marketing initiatives in collaboration with Marketing
• Attends athletics events that take place in the afternoons, evenings and weekends
• Reports all scores in accordance with NJCAA rules and deadlines
• Assists with compliance reporting and NJCAA statistical submissions
• Writes, edits, and distributes press releases, media guides, game notes, recaps, and other promotional materials
• Maintains official College statistics and records for all athletic teams and individual athletes
• Coordinates media coverage of athletic events, including press conferences, interviews, photos, and game day media operations
• Manages securing official scorers and statisticians for home athletic events
• Produces game programs, roster cards, and other printed materials for athletic events
• Maintains historical records and archives of athletic achievements, records, and milestones
• Coordinates photography and videography services for athletic events and promotional purposes
• Develops relationships with local, regional, and national media representatives
• Supports student-athlete recognition programs and awards ceremonies
• Supports College admissions and engagement activities, Marketing recruitment, and promotional events that support athletes
• Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, sports management, or related field
• Significant related experience may substitute for education
• Minimum of three (3) years of cumulative experience in:
• Sports information, media relations, or journalism
• Writing, editing, and proofreading
• Content management systems and website maintenance
• Experience with social media platforms and digital marketing strategies
• Photography and basic graphic design
• Demonstrated experience making sound decisions that affect a work unit or team
• Demonstrated experience in a role requiring diverse problem-solving methods in a variety of situations

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Possess working knowledge of athletic programs, rules, and procedural concepts, practices and procedures with the ability to use in varied situations as it pertains to the departmental focus
• Possess basic knowledge of fundamental NJCAA rules and regulatory concepts, practices and procedures with the ability to apply in varied situations as it pertains to the departmental focus
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with key contacts to enhance work flow and quality
• Demonstrated ability to utilize sound judgment
• Possess excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

• Possess excellent proofreading and editing skills

• Possess strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work a variety of hours including nights and weekends
• Ability to foster a team environment and work collaboratively
• Ability to research and analyze issues and develop solutions
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment
• Ability to work accurately with great attention to detail
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, etc.
• Ability to effectively complete work assignments independently
• Possess sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of the community

COMPETENCIES

CRITICAL COMPETE

• Service Focus
• Communication
• Quality of Work

VERY IMPORTANT COMPETENCIES

• Collaboration

• Adaptability

IMPORTANT COMPETENCIES

• Time Utilization
• Continuous Improvement

PREFERRED

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or sports management
• Demonstrated experience in:
• Statistical software and database management
• Advanced photography, videography and graphic design
• Live streaming and broadcast production
• Student information systems and athletic management software

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

(The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• The work is performed in a normal, professional office environment;
• The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated;
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the duties of the job and will perform repetitive motions with hands/fingers using a computer mouse and keyboard to type. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, files, pamphlets, books, etc.;
• Work may also require walking and standing in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the worksite

Special Note: Target Starting Salary Range: $55,500 - $57,500
The final offer for the successful candidate is targeted to fall within this range but will be based upon an assessment of internal equity, the unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications in relation to the minimum and/or preferred job requirement(s).

Special Note: If hired, you must reside in the state of Ohio and be within commuting distance of this work location/campus to respond to onsite work demands upon the employment start date and throughout the duration of your employment with the College, as outlined in 3354:1-40-01.1 Recruitment and Selection Procedure.

Special Instructions to Applicants: During the application process, you may be required to attach a cover letter and/or resume. It is recommended that you have these documents ready to be attached electronically to the online application. This system accepts only MS Word or PDF attachments. Any employment with the College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Cuyahoga Community College is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a qualified workforce. Cuyahoga Community College is an equal employment/educational opportunity institution.