Job Description

Assistant Director, Athletics Communication

Lead and execute all communications and social media strategies and coordinate media coverage for assigned sports.

Duties & Responsibilities

Assigned Sports Communication and Media Management

• Execute athletics communication efforts in the writing of press releases, production of media notes, game previews and recaps, and tracking statistics, records, and performance lists for assigned sports;
• Update FightingIllini.com regularly for assigned sports, covering all written materials and including all biographical and schedule information;
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional and national media for the purpose or promoting the sport programs and Illinois Athletics brand;
• Provide public and media training and preparation for members of the coaching staff and student-athletes to ensure the brand of Illinois Athletics;
• Work with Television and Radio rights holders on preparations of broadcast coverage;
• Administer the media credentialing and game management tasks for assigned sports;
• Support communication efforts for other sport programs as needed;
• Other duties as assigned.

Assigned Sports Social Media Management

• Manage social media efforts (Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) for assigned sports and department, engaging fan base and providing immediate informational updates;
• Leverage digital media platforms to create a comprehensive storytelling program to amplify the department, athletic programs and student-athletes;
• Utilize social media accounts to publicize award candidates

Team Historical Information

• Serve as historian for assigned sports and department as a whole archiving all relevant season information, both digitally and in printed form, consisting of written materials, statistics, records, results, and photos.

Physical Demands

Lifting: Occasionally

Additional Physical Demands

Travel, work nights and weekends

Specialty Factors

Bachelor's degree in journalism, sports communications, sports marketing, sports management, public relations, communications, English, or a related field. One (1) year (12 months) of professional experience working in the athletic communications/sports information field. Demonstrated experience serving as the communications contact for a team and/or managing social media accounts.

Preferred Qualifications

Extensive knowledge and interest in sports; extensive computer/software knowledge and graphics arts skills; Proficiency in desktop publishing software applications such as Adobe InDesign and Creative Suite; Proficiency in social media management and content production, scheduling and planning; Proficiency with statistical programs such as NCAA Live Stats (Genius) and Stat Crew; Familiarity with content management systems such as Sidearm and project management systems such as Basecamp.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required.
• Superior interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines; Mastery of grammar, punctuation, and spelling; a high-degree of error-free clear, effective writing. Working knowledge of AP style guidelines; Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and team-based environment; Must be able to work evenings and weekends.
• Championship Mindset and Expectations Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff; Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience; Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; Commitment to the Athletics Department and University's mission and values; Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5005 - Athletic Communications Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/4/2025. Salary range is $43,888 - $46,000 and commensurate with experience.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 18, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Krissy Doran at kdoran@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1031758 Job Category: Professional and Administrative Apply at:

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