Graduate Assistant, Athletic Communications

Job Description Summary

This is a 2 year, 10-month position to assist the athletic communications department in all aspects of covering a highly-successful, championship level athletics program. The goal of the graduate assistant program is for graduate students to be trained and gain work experience in the field of college athletics and college athletic communications. This position will report directly to the Director of Athletic Communications.

Job Description

Duties and Tasks:

• Support the University’s mission and core values as a contributing member of the University’s community.
• Serve as the primary media contact for select teams.
• Work in an official capacity at home athletic events (i.e. operating scoreboards, compiling statistics, public address, live streaming, etc.)
• Assist in maintaining an accurate athletic website, timely game updates, game recaps, human interest features, accurate bios, etc.
• Film and edit highlight clips and interviews with coaches and student-athletes to provide video content for website and social media
• Create content for social media outlets on a daily basis (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) to promote Saint Leo University athletic events
• Assist in preparing all printed material for all Saint Leo University sports; including, but not limited to game programs, media guides, and schedule cards.
• Develop new ideas and research best practices for public relations and social media initiatives useful to Athletic Communications
• Assist in the publicity of all 15 Saint Leo varsity sports. Supervise student assistants for game operations at home events.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, sports management or related field

• Acceptance into a graduate program at Saint Leo University
• Prior experience in communications field (NCAA athletics) preferred
• Ability to create post game recaps
• Working knowledge of stat software Genius, Statcrew/Presto Sports required
• Knowledge of computer applications and software including After Effects and Adobe Premiere (preferred) and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign), Final Cut and Microsoft Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate with athletic department, University community and media outlets
• Ability to work under deadline pressure and collaboratively with internal and external constituencies
• Team oriented and willing to multitask efficiently and effectively
• Must be willing to work weekends, evenings and travel if needed to off campus events

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Must be eligible and accepted into a graduate program at Saint Leo University
• Excellent communication and writing skills

Physical Demands: 

• Some lifting will be required
• Ability to perform physical work outdoors in various weather conditions

ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are a representation of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office and University, handle various types of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe, and assess. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description.

NOTICE:

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position.  Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Saint Leo University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student, and graduate success.

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world.  Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period