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Inside Higher Ed · 1 week ago

Assistant Director, Athletic Communications (7462U), Intercollegiate Athletics - 82874

Berkeley, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$83K/yr - $90K/yr

The University of California, Berkeley is a world-leading institution dedicated to academic and research excellence. They are seeking an Assistant Director of Athletic Communications to develop, promote, and support communications for intercollegiate student-athlete programs, handling media requests and producing content for assigned sports teams.

Digital MediaEducationHigher EducationJournalismRecruiting

No H1B

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 for information about the location

Develops positive relationships with external media members to effectively handle news requests. 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

Qualification

Media communicationsSocial media managementContent creationBroadcast news knowledgeInterpersonal communicationJudgmentPolitical acumenBachelor's degreeOrganizational skillsConfidentiality

Required

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

Thorough knowledge of and/or can quickly learn the location, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs and infrastructure

Thorough 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 various publics and will incorporate key location messages

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

Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training