Graduate Assistant, Sports Information

Sports Information Director Graduate Assistant
Department: Sports Information 
Supervisor: Sports Information Director

Cumberland University Sports Information Graduate Assistant
Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn., seeks a graduate assistant for its 31-sport Sports Information Office for the 2025-26 academic year. The successful applicants will start at the end of July/beginning of August or another date thereafter if needed. The position is for two years unless other arrangements are agreed upon between the Sports Information Director and the selected graduate assistants.
 

JOB DESCRIPTION
The graduate assistants will divide responsibilities for men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s cross country in the fall as well as helping with football (mostly game day responsibilities). Women’s basketball along with men’s wrestling and men’s volleyball will be covered during the winter and softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s track will be part of the duties in the spring, with the Director of Sports Information and Assistant Director of Sports Information helping with many of these sports as well. Maintenance of each sport’s web page and preview and game day stories for each sport is also a major responsibility. Design and layout of game notes, game programs, and weekly releases, game management, and statistical upkeep fall under the duties of the candidates. Travel is at the discretion of the coaches for each individual sport. Applicants must be available to work evenings and weekends and some holidays as required.

JOB STATEMENT/SUMMARY

This position is responsible for a variety of of professional tasks related to the planning, organization, operations, and management of the marketing, promotion, and sports information/media relations of the athletic department. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

•  Under the general supervision of the Sports Information Director, plan, organize, coordinate, and manage the media relations and sports information programs for athletics. This shall include, but not be limited to:
  • Coordination of player, team, and game statistics and results.
  • Produce articles to effectively cover individual games, rankings, and other athletic news
  • Graphic design- create graphics and other social media content
  • Broadcast live sporting events- successfully create, produce, and broadcast live sporting events from radio to streaming online.
  • Development and implementation of successful print and electronic media programs.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of successful marketing and promotional programs to businesses and the general public.
  • Development and coordination of internship programs, and work study students in sports information/media relations.
  • Formal and informal instruction in the area of sports information/media relations will also be required.
  • Manage athletic webpage.
     

QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have taken the GRE or GMAT and apply to Cumberland University’s graduate program. A degree in journalism, communications or a related field is preferred. CU offers graduate programs in Arts & Education, Business Administration, and Sports Administration. Must have strong computer skills and be highly organized with the ability to multi-task. A strong writing background and communication skills are a must. Candidates must have knowledge in layout and design using Adobe InDesign or a similar program. Statistical background using StatCrew/PrestoSports is also helpful but not an absolute necessity. Graphic design using Adobe PhotoShop is also a plus. Two years of experience as a sports information student assistant is preferred.
 

COMPENSATION
The successful candidate will receive full tuition, room, and board as well as meals in the cafeteria and other dining areas on campus.
 

CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY
Cumberland University is a 3,000-student private institution located in Lebanon, Tenn., approximately 25 miles east of downtown Nashville. CU was founded in 1842 and has an exceptional academic program steeped in the liberal arts. Past Cumberland University alumni include United States Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, who also was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1945; James Lafayette Bomar, president of Rotary International; Thomas P. Gore, United States Senator; over 80 Congressmen, including Albert Gore, Sr.; two justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, Howell Edmunds Jackson and Horace Harmon Lurton; as well as the “Father of Political Science”, John Burgess.
 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The screening of applicants will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled.  Persons interested should submit resume, references, and publication/writing samples to www.cumberland.edu/jobs Cumberland University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, pregnancy, religion, marital status, national origin, disabilities or status as disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.