Associate Director, Athletic Communications
College Sports Communicators - Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
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Overview
Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates. At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan. At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley. Departmental Overview The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consists of more than 275 staff members and coaches and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs. These 30 programs include more than 850 student-athletes who participate in the various sports programs annually within the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). We are currently seeking an Associate Director, Athletics Communications. The Cal Athletic Department is seeking to fill a crucial Athletic Communications position as the primary contact for football. Essential duties include cultivating strong relationships with local, regional, and national media to tell the story of Cal football to an expansive audience; working collaboratively across the department, with an emphasis on integrating with creative services, marketing, and fan experience, Cal Athletics Fund and senior leadership. Successful candidates must also have the ability to be strong storytellers themselves and produce quality communications content, including feature stories and news releases, for a variety of audiences and platforms (print, web, social media, video) consistent with department and university mission and goals. Persons in these positions will also develop and implement annual media plans; manage sport-specific social media accounts; arrange and conduct interviews; maintain and compile records and statistics; act as team historians; and handle other duties as assigned. Responsibilities
Under minimal supervision, provides analysis and information on complex results or activities, searches out and writes stories, conducts interviews, sets up press conferences, and arranges for photography, video, or graphics to accompany news releases. As assigned, handles breaking news situations, including developing strategies for dealing with sensitive and/or controversial issues. Works collaboratively with upper management and, if necessary, across units and campus to develop communication plans that serve the best interest of the department and university. Produces quality work under deadlines. Performs well under pressure. Takes necessary steps in non-deadline situations to optimize performance when working under deadline. As assigned, handles news requests from reporters and develops positive relationships with external media members. Prepares coaches, student-athletes and staff with appropriate media training, talking points, etc. to ensure proper messaging. Maintains strict confidentiality. Understands when confidentiality is necessary. Makes decisions with the reputation of the brand of the department and university in mind. Provides general assistance as needed to facilitate requests for information of a general nature and assists with major institutional news conferences and public announcements. Maintains good communication with campus communicators to effectively assist with announcements and information distribution when the scope goes beyond the department. Builds and maintains good working relationships at all organizational levels and with external media representatives. Proactively reaches out to external media members on a consistent basis to maintain positive interactions. Develops relationships with media members to a point where they can have hard conversations about coverage, if necessary. Required Qualifications
Thorough knowledge of the concepts and principles of news, media communications and media relations. Thorough skills in understanding and effectively utilizing all news/media mediums including broadcast news, the internet, social media and other emerging technologies. Previous experience in athletic communications/media relations. Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including a strong sense of a good story and understanding of the topics that may be of interest to the public. Good judgment, political acumen, and thorough organizational skills. Skill to maintain confidentiality. May require knowledge of specialty areas such as broadcast news including TV/radio, internet and other emerging technologies. Familiarity with appropriate software (Microsoft Word, Adobe Creative Suite, NCAA statistics software, etc.). Understanding of the strategic use of social media related to promoting teams and Intercollegiate Athletics. Working knowledge of concepts and principles of news, media communications, and media relations. Previous experience using Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to provide social media coverage for an athletics team. Must be flexible to travel with assigned teams as required and work non-traditional hours. Must maintain current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), as well as other associations and agencies to which the Berkeley campus of the University of California adheres, and, at all times avoid any and all violations of these rules and standards. Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience as a football contact for an FBS-level program. Working knowledge of the campus and Intercollegiate Athletics, including achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs and infrastructure. Salary & Benefits For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website. Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $85,000 - $90,000. This is a 100% full-time (40 hours per week), career position that is eligible for full UC benefits. This position is exempt and paid monthly. How to Apply To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter. Conviction History Background This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received
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