Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Ann Arbor, MI

Educational Services

About the position

The Assistant Director of Athletic Communications plays a crucial role in managing communication initiatives for assigned sports and department initiatives at the University of Michigan. This position focuses on enhancing the external dialogue about Michigan Athletics through effective media relations, brand management, and communication strategies. The individual will be responsible for a variety of tasks including customer service, writing, editing, graphic design, social media management, and event coordination, while also advising on university messaging and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Proactively communicate and solicit national media coverage for events and feature stories on Michigan athletes and teams.
• Direct game coverage for assigned sports and assist in game coverage for additional sports, supervising game day communications operations.
• Communicate effectively with athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders to educate on media interaction methods.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with local, regional, and national media.
• Maintain current and historical team information including rosters, statistics, and media content.
• Write and edit various communication materials including press releases, feature stories, and game notes.
• Design professional online and printed information guides for sports and special events.
• Contribute to the department website as a key information source.
• Travel with selected sports as directed.
• Promote student-athletes for national and conference awards.

Requirements

• 2-5 years of relevant work experience in collegiate athletic communications or equivalent experience.
• In-depth knowledge of digital and social media landscapes; active social media presence required.
• Familiarity with graphic design technologies, particularly Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with web technologies, including basic HTML and CMS tools.
• Proven success in large, complex organizations and ability to relate to various constituents.
• Outstanding organizational, communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced knowledge of in-game statistical programs and ability to input data during games.
• Bachelor's degree in sport management, communications, sport marketing, journalism, or related field.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• High level of personal integrity and ethics.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree.
• Experience in graphic design and multimedia storytelling.
• Passion for intercollegiate athletics and awareness of market trends.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with high energy and creativity.
• Experience leading staff as a direct supervisor.
• Experience requiring strenuous physical activity.

Benefits

• Generous time off
• Retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions and immediate vesting
• Comprehensive health insurance options
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses