Assistant Athletic Director Communications

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

JOB SUMMARY

Position is responsible for statistical information management, website maintenance, social media coordination, video webcasting services, photo/video editing, media relations oversight, event management, award nominations, staff/student-athlete profiles, and special event coordination.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

• Maintaining statistical records, knowledge of DakStats and Stat Crew required
• Responsible for writing, editing, and the distribution of all athletic press releases, media guides and game statistics. Manage staff/student-athletic profiles as well as student-athlete award nominations within conference and NAIA requirements and protocol.
• Provides leadership and direction to the design and maintenance of the OUAZ athletic website. Assure site is maintained in a timely, accurate, and approved format.
• Oversee social media platforms.
• Responsible for all aspects involved in the design, production, and distribution of all programs and publications including but not limited to photo and video editing, photographing, productions of department publications and video content.
• Supervise, hire and train staff for all regular season and post season home sports events and selected road sport events to cover statistical recording and documentation of information through student work study staff, graduate assistantships, and/or other contract related assignments.
• Recruiting, training, and supervising a staff of student and non-student workers who serve as game-day support staff
• Responsible for leadership in athletic communications programming and public relations strategies as the primary point of contact between the Ottawa University athletic department and various media outlets.
• Establishing and maintain effective relationships with local, regional and national media; develop and maintain strong relationship with the community, media, conference and NAIA contacts, the coaching staff, as well as other institutions (including sports information personnel, coaches and administration).
• Represent the University as a member and report to the NAIA, GSAC, SAC or other affiliated conferences. Attend all meetings; participate and take leadership within these groups including holding applicable offices. Comply with all conference and NAIA guidelines governing sports information. Coordinate with coaches the nominations for conference and NAIA player honors.
• Overseeing external development
• Understand the University’s policies and procedures and exercise judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is handled in a confidential and ethical manner within the guidelines and expectations of the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership to those with whom you work through your conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Assist with the planning and execution of promotion strategies for home athletics events.
• Other duties as assigned

STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:

• Manage your staff consistent with university personnel policies. Encourage collaboration among the staff, provide regular evaluation and feedback, and facilitate developmental opportunities.
• Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
• Understand the University’s policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
• Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the University’s Diversity Statement.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

REQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity): Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field of study and or 5 years of progressive experience in athletics communication, Master’s degree preferred. Previous experience in a collegiate athletics communications office is highly desirable.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity) Extensive experience working with media in broadcasting, print, and web-based communications outlets.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification, industry specific requirements, required or preferred use of equipment, and all necessary job skills, abilities, and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:

• Strong skills in web design and website management, videography, and Adobe Creative Suite programs
• Demonstrated supervisory skills, including the ability to provide leadership and direction, to effectively motivate, delegate, train, supervise and evaluate.
• Experience directing the management of home athletic events, including broadcast staffing, scoring, statistics, media and press conferences.
• Knowledge and ability to direct the management of national television/streaming live events and broadcasts
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse client group. Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted professional behavior, etiquette and standards of protocol that are appropriate within a collegiate athletic setting.
• Commitment to directing the communication component of the Athletics mission and willingness to collaborate with other staff members to effectively handle department-wide initiatives that cross over intra-departmental boundaries (special events, campus projects, NAIA Championships, etc.).

WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting #, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions). Provide a list of items below:

• May require evening and weekend activities for certain events and meetings.
• Prolonged periods of sitting must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at times.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Yes - Travel Required

• If YES, list type and approximate percentage: Regular part of the position
• Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties (YES/NO): No