Director of Athletic Communications

Aquinas College, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizing career preparation focused on leadership, service to others, and a lifelong passion for learning. Aquinas offers an inclusive and welcoming environment. Aquinas College is committed to recruiting talented and diverse faculty and staff who are capable of exposing its students to a wide range of cultures and perspectives and whose presence on the campus will enhance the diversity of the community in which the College resides. Summary and Purpose: This position will work directly with the Associate Athletic Director - External Operations to promote Aquinas athletics, its teams, athletes, and coaches. Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks/Essential Functions: 1. Performing the day-to-day operations of the athletic communications department, including writing game recaps, previews, and news stories. 2. Updating and maintaining AQSaints.com, the official Aquinas athletics website (via SIDEARM Sports). Note: Duties and responsibilities listed above may be prioritized or changed at the position's Supervisor discretion. 3. Producing and creating timely content for AQ's social media outlets (AQSaints on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), while creating graphics through design programs (BoxOut Sports, CANVA, Adobe Suite, etc.). 4. Keeping in-game statistics at home events using PrestoStats. 5. Assisting with game day management and training/oversight of student staff, including scheduling video streaming of home events. 6. Scheduling, taking, and processing headshots annually for the entire athletic department. 7. Assisting the Athletic Director and Associate Athletic Director of External Operations with promotional event planning and execution. 8. Nominating student-athletes for various awards throughout the year and sharing the student-athlete story. 9. Serve as the point of contact for all communications related aspects of hosting or attending NAIA postseason events participated in by assigned teams 10. Travel to conference tournament and other games as necessary Knowledge, Skills and Education Requirements 1. A Bachelor's degree 2. At least two years of experience working in a college sports information/communications department or similar athletics office 3. Knowledge of in-game statistics and website software (PrestoStats, SIDEARM Sports) 4. Strong verbal communication and writing skills 5. Experience with various Adobe Creative Suite programs (Photoshop, InDesign, Premier) 6. A good understanding of social media outlets 7. Knowledge and experience working with video editing systems is helpful. 8. Ability to work evenings and weekends as required. 9. Ability to travel with teams as needed. Work Environment & Physical Demands 1. Business office/outside environment. Prolonged sitting and standing. Use of personal computer and telephone 2. Must be able to travel (schedule may include day, evening and/or weekend availability, overnight stay, and use of own transportation) 3. May be heavy lifting up to 50 lbs.