📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Assistant Director Athletic Media Relations
🔹 Company: Bridgewater College
🔹 Location: Bridgewater, Virginia, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site
🔹 Category: Athletic Media Relations
🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Assisting in daily operations of the Athletic Media Relations office
- Handling primary contact responsibilities for multiple sports
- Providing media and campus promotion groups with information
- Overseeing game day coverage for assigned athletic teams
- Enhancing the department's branding initiatives through social media, graphic design, and video work
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of athletic media relations and a proactive approach to enhancing the department's brand and image.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assist in all daily operations of the Athletic Media Relations office
✅ Handle primary contact responsibilities for multiple sports
✅ Provide media and campus promotion groups with information (pictures, film clips, biographies, updated statistics, game schedules, etc.) on all assigned sports
✅ Provide or oversee game day coverage for all assigned athletic teams (media preparations, announcing, official scoring, game rosters and programs, and reporting scores to media)
✅ Specific priority towards enhancing the department’s branding initiatives through social media, graphic design, and video work
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree required
Experience: At least 1-2 years as a student worker or intern in athletic media relations/sports information at the college level, or suitable experience in a related field
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership skills and effective communication and organizational skills
- Experience with NCAA Live Stats, Presto Stats, or Statcrew
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and website content management systems (Sidearm)
- Valid driver’s license and insurability by the college’s auto insurance carrier
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with graphic design and video work
- Familiarity with the NCAA and college athletics
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in a related field may be considered even if they do not meet the exact experience level requirement.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $35,000 - $45,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for entry-level athletic media relations roles in Virginia)
Benefits:
- Paid tuition at the College for eligible dependents
- Full benefits package
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education, Athletic Media Relations
Company Size: Small (1,400 full-time students)
Founded: 1880
Company Description:
- Bridgewater College is a coeducational liberal arts college located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley
- Home to approximately 1,400 full-time students from 26 states and 19 countries
- Offers 60 majors and minors, four graduate programs, and 10 pre-professional programs
- Member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and NCAA Division III
- Approximately 40% of students participate in intercollegiate athletics on 23 teams
Company Specialties:
- Liberal Arts Education
- Athletic Media Relations
- Student Development
- Community Engagement
Company Website: bridgewater.edu
ASSUMPTION: Bridgewater College offers a close-knit community and a strong focus on student development and success.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level (depending on experience)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Athletic Media Relations
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to Director of Athletic Media Relations
- Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and department needs
- Opportunities to gain experience in other areas of athletic administration
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the athletic department and the college as a whole.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-campus office in a college setting
Office Location(s): Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA
Geographic Context:
- Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, approximately 2 hours from Washington D.C. and Richmond, VA
- Close proximity to Charlottesville, VA
- Rural setting with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for game day coverage)
ASSUMPTION: The rural location offers a peaceful work environment with easy access to outdoor activities and cultural attractions.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- On-campus interview with the Director of Athletic Media Relations and other department staff
- Final interview with the Athletic Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and media relations experience
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Creativity and branding initiatives
- Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience in athletic media relations or a related field
- Demonstrate strong communication skills and attention to detail in your cover letter and resume
- Provide examples of your graphic design and video work, if applicable
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application
ATS Keywords: Athletic Media Relations, Sports Information, NCAA Live Stats, Presto Stats, Statcrew, Adobe Creative Suite, Website Content Management, Graphic Design, Video Work, Game Day Coverage, Media Relations, Promotion, Statistics
ASSUMPTION: The application process may take several weeks, and follow-ups are encouraged to express your interest in the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- NCAA Live Stats, Presto Stats, or Statcrew
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Website content management systems (Sidearm)
- Graphic design and video editing software
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Community
- Diversity
- Innovation
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible, especially for game day coverage
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Creativity and branding-focused mindset
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Bridgewater College's core values?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and how did you handle it?
- How do you approach creative problem-solving and branding initiatives in your current role?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Bridgewater College's values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working irregular hours for game day coverage, including evenings and weekends
- Managing multiple sports and media outlets simultaneously
- Adapting to changes in department priorities and branding initiatives
- Working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment during athletic events
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to an Assistant Sports Information Director or Assistant Athletic Communications Director in a college or university setting
- Industry-specific context: Athletic media relations roles in higher education focus on promoting athletic programs and student-athletes, while also managing media relations and branding initiatives
- Career path comparison: This role can lead to advancement to Director of Athletic Media Relations or other athletic administration positions
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of media relations, branding, and athletic administration responsibilities.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a social media campaign to promote an upcoming athletic event
- Creating a graphic design template for game day programs and posters
- Editing and producing a highlight video for a recent athletic achievement
ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the creative and technical skills required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the department's top priorities for branding and promotion in the upcoming year?
- How does this role fit into the overall structure of the athletic department and the college?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the department?
- How does the college support work-life balance for employees with irregular hours?
- What is the department's approach to innovation and creativity in athletic media relations?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help you better understand the role, the department, and the college's culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the online application portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide examples of your graphic design and video work, if applicable
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application
- Prepare for your interview by researching Bridgewater College, the athletic department, and the role's responsibilities
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
