Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

**📌 Core Information** 🔹 **Job Title:** Assistant Director of Athletic Communications 🔹 **Company:** Florida Institute of Technology 🔹 **Location:** Florida Tech Main Campus Melbourne, Florida 🔹 **Job Type:** Full-Time 🔹 **Category:** Athletics, Communications 🔹 **Date Posted:** April 25, 2025 🔹 **Experience Level:** Mid-Level (2-5 years) 🔹 **Remote Status:** On-site **🚀 Job Overview** The Assistant Director of Athletic Communications plays a pivotal role in developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive public relations strategy for Florida Tech's varsity athletic teams. This key position requires strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with various stakeholders. Key aspects of this role include: - Developing and implementing a public relations strategy for assigned sports - Managing media relations, social media, website content, and live streaming - Coordinating photography and video production for athletic events and community engagement - Overseeing record books and historical data for sports covered - Managing gameday athletic communications operations and part-time/student personnel **ASSUMPTION:** This role requires a proactive, organized individual with a strong background in athletic communications and a passion for sports. Familiarity with NCAA regulations and experience using athletic and university software systems is beneficial. **📋 Key Responsibilities** ✅ **Public Relations Strategy:** Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive public relations strategy for assigned sports, including media outlets, social media, website management, photography, video collection, and live streaming. ✅ **Media Relations:** Establish and maintain positive relationships with local, regional, and national media representatives to secure coverage for Florida Tech's athletic teams. ✅ **Content Management:** Create and manage content for FloridaTechSports.com, social media platforms, and other digital assets, ensuring adherence to athletic and university policies and protocols. ✅ **Photography & Video Production:** Coordinate photography and live event video streaming, including the end-of-year athletic awards event, and assist with video content production. ✅ **Record Books & Historical Data:** Maintain accurate inputting of statistics using approved NCAA software, distribute official stats to coaches, opponents, Sunshine State Conference, NCAA, and other required services, and nominate scholar-athletes, coaches, and teams for awards. ✅ **Gameday Operations:** Assist with all gameday athletic communications operations, setup, and teardown for all home varsity athletic events, including hiring, training, scheduling, and management of part-time and student personnel. **ASSUMPTION:** This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure during gameday events. **🎯 Required Qualifications** **Education:** - Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field required. - Master's degree preferred. **Experience:** - 2-5 years of experience in athletic communications or a related field. - Proven experience in developing and implementing public relations strategies. - Experience with NCAA regulations and athletic software systems. **Required Skills:** - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. - Proficiency in using social media platforms, content management systems, and video editing software. - Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. - Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with various stakeholders. **Preferred Skills:** - Experience with photography and videography. - Familiarity with the Sunshine State Conference and NCAA regulations. - Bilingual or multilingual skills. **ASSUMPTION:** Candidates with experience in college athletics or a related field are strongly encouraged to apply. **💰 Compensation & Benefits** **Salary Range:** $45,000 - $55,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications). The salary range for this position is estimated based on industry standards for mid-level athletic communications roles in the Florida area. **Benefits:** - Health, dental, and vision insurance - Retirement plan with employer contribution - Tuition reimbursement - Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays) - Employee assistance program **Working Hours:** This role requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to cover athletic events. The standard workweek is 40 hours, with overtime compensation for hours worked beyond 40 in a 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:** Florida Institute of Technology is a private research university focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The university is committed to educating global thinkers, resilient problem solvers, and future leaders who can support industry and societal needs. **Company Size:** Florida Tech is a mid-sized university with approximately 6,000 students and 1,000 faculty and staff members. This size provides a supportive and collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth. **Founded:** Florida Institute of Technology was founded in 1958 as Brevard Engineering College and became Florida Tech in 1966. The university has since grown to offer over 200 degree programs through its four colleges and seven schools. **Company Description:** - Florida Tech is a student-centered university that fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. - The university is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for successful careers in their chosen fields. - Florida Tech's athletic program, the Panthers, competes in the NCAA Division II Sunshine State Conference. **Company Specialties:** - Aerospace engineering - Applied psychology - Biomedical engineering - Business administration - Computer science - Cybersecurity - Education - Engineering management - Marine biology - Psychology - Robotics **Company Website:** Florida Institute of Technology **ASSUMPTION:** Florida Tech's commitment to innovation and collaboration creates an environment that encourages professional growth and development. **📊 Role Analysis** **Career Level:** This role is a mid-level position within the athletic communications department, reporting directly to the Associate AD for External Operations. **Reporting Structure:** The Assistant Director of Athletic Communications will work closely with the Director of Athletic Communications, the Assistant Director for Athletic Partnerships & Promotions, and other athletic communications staff members. **Work Arrangement:** This role requires a flexible work arrangement, including on-site work at the Florida Tech Main Campus Melbourne and remote work as needed to cover athletic events and other responsibilities. **Growth Opportunities:** - Opportunities for professional development and training in athletic communications and related fields. - Potential for advancement within the athletic communications department or other areas of the university. - Exposure to various aspects of athletic communications, providing a well-rounded skillset for future career opportunities. **ASSUMPTION:** Florida Tech's commitment to professional development and growth creates opportunities for employees to advance their careers within the university. **🌍 Location & Work Environment** **Office Type:** The primary office for this role is located on the Florida Tech Main Campus Melbourne, with additional work locations as needed to cover athletic events and other responsibilities. **Office Location(s):** - Florida Tech Main Campus Melbourne - Athletic facilities and venues (as needed for gameday operations and other events) **Geographic Context:** - Florida Tech's main campus is located in Melbourne, Florida, on the state's east coast. - The area offers a subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. - Melbourne is part of the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville metropolitan area, which has a population of approximately 550,000 people. - The region is known for its beaches, water sports, and outdoor recreation opportunities. **Work Schedule:** The work schedule for this role is flexible, with a standard workweek of 40 hours and additional hours as needed to cover athletic events and other responsibilities. The role requires evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed. **ASSUMPTION:** The flexible work arrangement and geographic context of this role provide opportunities for a healthy work-life balance while offering access to various recreational and cultural activities. **💼 Interview & Application Insights** **Typical Process:** 1. Submit your application through the provided link. 2. Phone or video screen with the hiring manager. 3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other department members. 4. Final interview with the Associate AD for External Operations. **Key Assessment Areas:** 1. Communication skills and ability to develop and implement a public relations strategy. 2. Organizational skills and attention to detail in managing content and gameday operations. 3. Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 4. Interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain effective relationships with various stakeholders. **Application Tips:** 1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role. 2. Include specific examples of your experience in developing and implementing public relations strategies, managing content, and coordinating events. 3. Demonstrate your familiarity with NCAA regulations and athletic software systems. 4. Showcase your ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. **ATS Keywords:** Public Relations, Media Relations, Social Media Management, Website Management, Photography, Video Production, Live Streaming, Event Management, Feature Writing, Statistical Analysis, Team Coordination, Community Engagement, Training, Scheduling, Communication, Relationship Building, NCAA Regulations, Athletic Software Systems **ASSUMPTION:** Florida Tech's application process is designed to assess the candidate's qualifications and fit for the role, with a focus on communication skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills. **🛠️ Tools & Technologies** - Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) - Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) - Video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro) - Athletic and university software systems (e.g., Stat Crew, PrestoSports) - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) **ASSUMPTION:** Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is preferred but not required. Training will be provided as needed. **👔 Cultural Fit Considerations** **Company Values:** - Innovation - Collaboration - Continuous learning - Student-centered approach - Integrity - Diversity and inclusion **Work Style:** - Collaborative and team-oriented - Results-driven and proactive - Adaptable and flexible - Strong communication and interpersonal skills - Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously **Self-Assessment Questions:** 1. How do your personal values align with Florida Tech's core values? 2. How have you demonstrated your ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in previous roles? 3. How have you contributed to a collaborative and team-oriented work environment in previous roles? **ASSUMPTION:** Florida Tech's culture values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, creating an environment that encourages professional growth and development. **⚠️ Potential Challenges** 1. **Gameday Operations:** The role requires working long hours and managing part-time and student personnel during athletic events, which can be physically demanding and stressful. 2. **Deadlines:** The role involves meeting tight deadlines for content creation, distribution, and other responsibilities, which can be challenging at times. 3. **Budget Constraints:** The role may be subject to budget constraints, requiring creative problem-solving and resource management. 4. **Work-Life Balance:** The flexible work arrangement and on-call nature of the role can make maintaining a healthy work-life balance challenging at times. **ASSUMPTION:** Florida Tech's commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being helps mitigate the challenges associated with this role. **📈 Similar Roles Comparison** 1. **Athletic Communications Director:** This role is a step up from the Assistant Director position, with more strategic decision-making and supervisory responsibilities. 2. **Assistant Athletic Director for Communications:** This role is similar to the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications but may have a broader scope of responsibilities or focus on different aspects of athletic communications. 3. **Sports Information Director:** This role is similar to the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications but may have a more narrow focus on sports information and statistics. **ASSUMPTION:** Florida Tech's athletic communications department offers opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the university. **📝 Sample Projects** 1. **Gameday Operations:** Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for managing all gameday athletic communications operations, including setup, teardown, and personnel management. 2. **Public Relations Strategy:** Create and execute a public relations plan for a specific sport, including media outreach, social media content, and event scripting. 3. **Record Books & Historical Data:** Maintain accurate and up-to-date record books and historical data for assigned sports, including statistical analysis and award nominations. **ASSUMPTION:** These sample projects provide insight into the key responsibilities and required skills for the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications role. **❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview** 1. **Role Responsibilities:** Can you provide more details about the day-to-day responsibilities of the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications role? 2. **Team Structure:** How does the athletic communications department collaborate with other departments within the university, such as marketing and public relations? 3. **Company Culture:** How does Florida Tech's culture support the success of its employees, particularly in the athletic communications department? 4. **Growth Opportunities:** What opportunities exist for professional development and advancement within the athletic communications department and the university as a whole? 5. **Work Environment:** How does the university support work-life balance for employees in the athletic communications department? **ASSUMPTION:** Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and the organization. **📌 Next Steps for Applicants** To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the provided link: Assistant Director of Athletic Communications 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role. 3. Prepare examples of your experience in developing and implementing public relations strategies, managing content, and coordinating events. 4. Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the role. 5. Prepare for your interview by researching Florida Tech's mission, values, and athletic programs, as well as the role's key responsibilities and required skills. **⚠️ Disclaimer** This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions. Florida Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics in its activities and programs. Inquiries concerning the application of the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment policy may be directed to the Equal Opportunity Director and Investigator at 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901, or email kgarrett@fit.edu, or +1 321-674-7153; or to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.