Athletics Communications Assistant

Work Days: Monday – Friday, with weekend availability as needed

Shift Start/End Time: Hours may vary; example weekdays 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Working hours may flex to meet event needs and may include evenings and weekends

Hours Per Week: 25

Weeks Per Year: 44

Position Title: Athletic Communications Assistant

Pay Status and Classification: Non-exempt, Part-time, In-Person. This is a 10-month term position. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.

Supervisor: Assistant Athletic Director for Communications

Position Purpose: Assists the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Assistant Athletic Communications Director with the promoting and publicizing of athletic events, teams, and athletes to enhance the organization's brand and engage with fans, media, and the public.

The position is expected to devote approximately 25 hours per week. Compensation includes an hourly rate plus college housing and a partial student meal plan.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Content Creation:

• Creates engaging and compelling multimedia content, such as videos, graphics, and photos, to enhance storytelling and promote the organization.

• Produces written content for various communication channels, including websites, social media platforms, newsletters, and publications.

• Collaborates with designers, photographers, videographers, and other creative professionals to produce high-quality content.

Social Media Management:

• Develops and implements social media strategies to increase engagement, followership, and brand awareness.

• Monitors social media platforms, responds to comments and messages, and manages online reputation.

• Analyzes social media metrics and generates reports to assess the effectiveness of communication efforts and make data-driven decisions.

Communication Strategy:

• Develops and implements strategic communication plans to promote athletic events, teams, and athletes.

• Identifies target audiences and creates tailored messaging and content to effectively reach them.

• Coordinates with internal stakeholders, such as coaches, athletes, and administrators, to gather information and stories for communication purposes.

Game Operations:

• Provides oversight of press boxes (including media members, broadcasters and student workers) and/or statistical input assistance for select Union sports.

Team Development and Innovation:

• Contributes ideas, input, and support to Union Athletics initiatives, decisions, communications, and other activities.

• Seeks out, applies, and shares knowledge of communications trends and innovations.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field and experience working in a collegiate Athletic Communications or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Knowledge of sports, athletics, and industry trends.

• Proficiency in digital and social media platforms.

• Experience in media relations is preferred.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand, bend and stoop for extended periods of time.

• Able to support, contribute to, and strengthen a vibrant, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community of students, alumni, faculty, and fellow professionals. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite and experience creating and generating new media and video content are highly recommended. 

• Knowledge of NCAA Live Stats and/or Presto Stats software

Compensation:

The expected hourly rate for this position is $16.00. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Exchange

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).