Assistant Director of Public Relations (HR title: Athletics PR Specialist I)

Southern Methodist University

  • Dallas, TX
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 18 days ago
Salary Range:Salary commensurate with experience and qualificationsAbout SMUSMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. The University’s who see opportunities to create something new in the world – and work hard to bring their innovations to life. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers that provide a launch pad for our On the most beautiful college campus in the country, – from teaching, learning and to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.About the Department:SMU will join the Atlantic Coast Conference in the Fall of 2024.SMU has a long and storied history of program-wide success, boasting nine overall national championships, almost 200 team conference championships, over 100 individual national championships, more than 150 NCAA top-10 finishes, nearly 2,000 All-American honors and over 150 Olympic appearances. Over just the past decade, all of SMU's 17 programs have reached the postseason and 15 different programs have won conference championships. SMU is the only NCAA FBS program in Dallas, and, since 2013, has invested over $250 million to develop and enhance championship-caliber facilities.In alignment with the educational mission of the University, SMU Athletics engages the community in meaningful ways and develops the resources necessary to graduate student-leaders and pursue championships. Above all else, SMU Athletics prepares students for life.About the Position:This role is an on-campus, in-person position.Anticipated start date: June 1, 2024The position will pursue media and P.R. opportunities with traditional and non-traditional media outlets.The person in this role will serve as the primary P.R./media contact for specifically assigned men's and/or women's athletic teams; Utilize social media; Produce and design publications including, but not limited to, game notes, fact books, game recaps, award-winner releases and other print and virtual publications.The position is also responsible for promoting SMU's involvement in the community; Maintain historical archives; Assist in the maintenance of the Athletic Department's website, and in the marketing and promotion of SMU Athletics.Essential Functions:Direct public relations efforts and media services for assigned sports.Create and produce print and virtual content including fact books, game notes, press releases, social media content and graphics, game/match recaps, and award nominations for student-athletes and coaches. Update the university's athletics website with created and essential content.Manage event operations and essential staff at events, including games/matches and press conferences. Manage duties including scoreboard operator, public address announcer, stat keepers and photographers. Serve as a liaison for members of the media covering the event. Work both home and road events for assigned sports.Update social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.Complete assigned projects from coaches and staff for assigned sports. * Position requires regular evening and weekend work, as well as travel to road games/matches, media events and is on call to respond to requests from coaches, media members, and athletics staff.QualificationsEducation and Experience:Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in communications, journalism, public relations or similar.A minimum of one year of work experience in the public relations field is required, preferably in collegiate athletics public relations.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential.Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning, and time management skills. A strong focus to attention to detail and strong project management skills are essential.Candidate must demonstrate a strong working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel and Powerpoint). Must also have a strong working knowledge of StatCrew and Adobe Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.).Physical and Environmental Demands:Sit for long periods of timeHandle objects (dexterity)Carry/lift 25 lbs.Exposure to excessive noiseDeadline to Apply:May 3, 2024Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by April 24, 2024.EEO Statement:SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, .Benefits:SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.SMU is committed to providing an array of that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of , including .

Southern Methodist University