Assistant Director of Sports Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Assistant Director of Sports Communications

🔹 Company: Western Connecticut State University

🔹 Location: Danbury, Connecticut

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Higher Education

🔹 Date Posted: April 29, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing media and public relations for athletic programs
• Overseeing statistical records and graphic design for athletic events
• Coordinating with Communications & Marketing and Media Services for streaming games
• Supervising student employee staff
• Assisting with game day operations and annual athletic awards banquets

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in athletic administration, with a focus on media relations and communication. Proficiency in graphic design and video editing software is also essential.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and oversee media relations for athletic programs, including press releases, feature articles, interviews, and web page updates

✅ Coordinate photo and video shoots, and develop creative content strategies for various outlets

✅ Manage promotional advertising activities associated with athletics

✅ Assist with home game management, including communication with opposing Sports Information Directors and game official assignments

✅ Compile, maintain, and report statistics on all intercollegiate athletic teams, following NCAA, conference, and institutional standards

✅ Maintain photo archives for all intercollegiate athletic programs

✅ Perform other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in athletic administration, preferably at an institution of higher education, with a focus on media relations

Required Skills:

• Proven ability in writing, editing, and media relations
• Management and distribution of Live Stats and StatCrew/Genius files for all events
• Availability to attend evening and weekend athletic events
• Experience with graphic design and video editing software
• Demonstrated working knowledge of NCAA rules & regulations

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific graphic design and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro)
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in higher education and a strong background in media relations are preferred.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $69,669 - $92,356 (commensurate upon candidates' experience)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package (details available at www.wcsu.edu/hr/benefits/)
• Employment contingent upon proof of citizenship or employability under IRCA and successful background check

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the university's hiring salary range and is subject to change based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: 11-50 employees

Founded: 1833 (as a normal school, later becoming a state teachers' college and eventually a university)

Company Description:

• Western Connecticut State University (WestConn) is a public university located in Danbury, Connecticut
• Offers a comprehensive range of academic programs at the bachelor's and master's levels
• Committed to providing a safe and inclusive campus community
• Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer

Company Specialties:

• Higher Education
• Teacher Education
• Liberal Arts
• Science and Mathematics
• Business and Engineering

Company Website: www.wcsu.edu

ASSUMPTION: As a smaller university, WestConn offers a more personal and intimate learning environment, with a strong focus on student success and community engagement.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (Assistant Director)

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Athletics

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to Director of Sports Communications or similar roles within the athletics department
• Opportunities to gain experience in event management, marketing, and public relations
• Possibility to teach or adjunct faculty positions within the university

ASSUMPTION: This role provides an excellent opportunity for career growth and development within the higher education and athletics industries.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-campus office in Danbury, Connecticut

Office Location(s): Western Connecticut State University, 181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810

Geographic Context:

• Danbury is located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, approximately 50 miles northeast of New York City
• Offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and commuter rail services
• Home to a diverse population, with a strong sense of community and cultural heritage

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed for athletic events and game day operations

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screening
• On-campus interview with the Director of Athletics and other department members
• Tour of the athletics facilities and campus
• Final round interview with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Enrollment Management

Key Assessment Areas:

• Demonstrated experience in athletic administration and media relations
• Strong communication and writing skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
• Familiarity with graphic design and video editing software

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the university's mission and values
• Showcase your ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Prepare questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest and engagement with the role

ATS Keywords: Athletic Administration, Media Relations, Graphic Design, Video Editing, NCAA Rules, Sports Communications

ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate's fit for the role, as well as their ability to contribute to the university's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
• Video editing software (e.g., Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Statistical reporting software (e.g., StatCrew, Genius)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence in teaching and learning
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Community engagement and partnerships
• Integrity and ethical decision-making
• Student-centered approach

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with the university's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
• How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration?
• How do you approach managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines in a busy work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with the university's values and work style are more likely to be successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing multiple responsibilities and meeting deadlines
• Working evenings and weekends as needed for athletic events and game day operations
• Managing student employee staff and ensuring high-quality work
• Adapting to changes in university policies, procedures, and priorities
• Navigating the unique dynamics of a smaller university setting

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to the university's mission and values.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Assistant Director of Sports Communications vs. Sports Information Director: Both roles focus on media relations and communication, but the Assistant Director role has additional responsibilities in graphic design, video editing, and event management
• Higher Education vs. Professional Sports: The higher education setting offers a more stable and structured work environment, with a greater emphasis on academic and student affairs
• Assistant Director vs. Director: The Assistant Director role provides an opportunity for career growth and development, with the potential to advance to a Director position

ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and its comparison to similar positions is essential for making an informed career decision.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive social media strategy for the university's athletic programs
• Creating promotional materials for athletic events, including posters, flyers, and digital advertisements
• Managing the university's athletics website, including updates, content creation, and maintenance
• Coordinating with Communications & Marketing and Media Services for live streaming of athletic events
• Assisting with the annual athletic awards banquet, including planning, promotion, and execution

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the breadth and depth of responsibilities for the Assistant Director of Sports Communications role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most pressing challenges facing the athletics department, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does this role fit into the broader strategic plan for the university's athletics programs?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the department and the university?
• How does the university support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I best prepare to address them?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and engaging questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to the university's mission and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest and engagement with the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.