Works with internal and external constituents to heighten Wake Forest University’s visibility and brand awareness with an emphasis on select teams within the athletic department, along with additional responsibilities as assigned. Public and media liaison for those select programs. Develops content for GoDeacs.com and is responsible for working hand in hand with all departments and sport programs support staff on social content strategy and overall planning.
Specific sport assignments will be determined based off skillset, prior experience and recommendation from the hiring committee.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. Job Description
Essential Functions:
Works with internal and external constituents to develop long-term planning and major PR initiatives for assigned Wake Forest athletic programs and ensures that the overall strategic PR program and accompanying messaging are fully integrated with all athletic department initiatives and activities. Works closely with all departments to explore, implement and integrate emerging technologies and ideas on social media. Works closely with all internal departments (i.e. Communications, Marketing, Video, Ticketing, Boosters, Operations) and team support staff to develop and execute internal and external fan messages for assigned programs. Manages and executes the day-to-day and game press operations for assigned sports. Oversee recruitment and management of game administration personnel. Public and media liaison for the head coach, student-athletes and assistant coaches of assigned sport. Promotes student-athletes to local and hometown media to further positive publicity opportunities. Advises student-athletes and coaches in dealing with media representatives. Maintains statistics for the assigned sports, ensuring proper distribution of statistics to the media. Collects opponent statistical information to assist coaches' scouting efforts. Travels with sports teams, as assigned, to handle all media requests and assist in all social content coverage. Provides media and opponents' Athletic Communications Sports Information Directors with statistics and other pertinent information. Reports results and event information back to local media. Coordinates all publicity (press releases, game notes, programs, statistics, and records) for assigned sports. Includes writing feature stories for GoDeacs.com & WFU publications. Responsible for the production of sport-specific media guide & record books. Additional research projects for football, men’s basketball, etc. will be required. Maintains files of news clippings and photos pertaining to various sports events and projects relating to the intercollegiate athletics program. Fulfills background and historical requests concerning former student-athletes. Assists the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Communications on football, men's basketball and other sports as needed. Serves as part of the official statistics crew for a number of sports. Includes the setup of the computer statistics program and monitors throughout the press row. Works within the budgetary guidelines set up by the Communications office. Assists the Directors of Athletic Communications with supervision of student assistants staff and postgraduate intern staff. Works a variety of athletic events held on campus, including ACC and NCAA championship events as required. Maintains a working knowledge of NCAA and ACC rules and regulations and is in compliance with these rules in the course of his or her daily work routine.
Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Bachelor's degree with at least one year of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Medium work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally. Limited amount of lifting (boxes, monitors, etc.) and assembling required. Full range of physical activities. Close visual acuity. Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
Good working knowledge of the Athletic Communications/sports information profession.
Knowledge of ACC and NCAA rules as they pertain to Athletic Communications/sports information.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Must be proficient in social media platforms promoting the athletic department and its individual sports programs.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including experience working with members of the media.
Experience working with computer statistics software, such as Stat Crew and Automated Scorebook. Writing, editing, and proofreading skills with experience in preparing press releases.
Proficiency in computer skills, including desktop publishing experience using Adobe Creative Suite or other relevant software packages; and Adobe Premiere Pro.
Ability to work evenings and weekends.
Ability to travel as required.
Valid driver license with good driving record; must be insurable.
Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a private university located in Winston-Salem, N.C., with over 8,000 students from 48 states and 46 countries. We are a vibrant and diverse academic community where our students study in one or more of the 42 majors and program we offer within our six colleges and schools.In September 2017, U.S. News ranked Wake Forest #27 in the country in their “Best Colleges” listings. From the same report, we were also ranked #12 in “Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching” and #23 in “Best Value”.
