The Department of Athletics, utilizing the services of over 150 employees, is responsible for the intercollegiate athletics program at San Diego State University.  Currently, there are 18 sport programs, approximately 550 student-athletes, and 17 offices in the department.  The offices include the following:  The Aztec Club/Development, Administration, Athletic Medicine, Business Office, Compliance, External Corporate Sales, Equipment, Event Management/Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Media Relations, Strength and Conditioning, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Ticket Office, and Video.

The San Diego State University Athletic Media Relations Office has the primary responsibility for publicity of the Athletic Department’s varsity sports programs.  It serves as a liaison between the Athletic Department and the media. In line with those duties, the office publishes weekly press releases, coordinates press conferences for major announcements, maintains historical records and data, maintains up-to-date photo files, handles social media accounts for respective teams, maintains current team statistics, oversees department’s on-line Website, publishes the department’s printed materials, handles staging as it relates to media needs for home athletic events, arranges interviews for athletes and department personnel with local and national media representatives, seeks to procure publicity for athletic teams, coaches, staff, and student-athletes, and prepares information contained in game-day programs.

The incumbent will be the primary contact for a variety of varsity sports as assigned by the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Communications and Media Relations. The individual will develop and manage publicity for various teams, serving as a primary contact for Football, and an Olympic Sport. The incumbent will coordinate and prepare editorial for media guides and game programs; coordinate game press operations for assigned sports; prepare weekly news releases; coordinate photographic needs for assigned sports; maintain and update statistical records; assist with social media, and maintain a website for assigned programs with accurate and current information. In addition, the individual will oversee the department’s media relations efforts for all Olympic sports as well as serving as the lead athletic department communicator with SIDEARM, the website provider for athletics. This individual will also be involved with strategic planning initiatives for the department.

For more information regarding Athletics, click here.

This is a full-time benefits eligible, temporary position anticipated, with the possibility of reappointment and/or permanency. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

The individual hired into this role will work on-campus at SDSU in San Diego.

The position will remain open until filled.

Specialized Skills

• Minimum of Five years’ experience in an NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics media relations office or professional sports team at a high level (e.g. MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL).  
• At least one year of experience as a primary contact for a revenue (men’s basketball or football) sport.  
• Able to advise high-profile coaches and student-athletes with interview techniques and utilize the media option(s) to best highlight his/her positives. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign/QuarkXpress and website maintenance.  
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.  
• Knowledge of statistical programs. 
• Experience overseeing the media efforts of a football team.
• Experience in building a network of members of the national media and have the ability to utilize these contacts for the benefit of the university.
• General working knowledge of applicable university infrastructure, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge and experience with NCAA rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to keep informed of Athletic Department events and to identify and capitalize on media opportunities that will promote the Athletic Department and increase positive media coverage.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication vehicles.  
• Knowledge of the Athletics program and applicable communications techniques.  
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in the completion of assignments and projects.
• Ability to project a professional attitude and appearance.  Demonstration of ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and communicate successfully with media, student-athletes, co-workers, administrators, staff, coaches, university personnel, and various community constituencies.
• Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved, prioritizing, and completing projects accurately and timely, and making reliable decisions under pressure.
• Ability to apply a high degree of judgment, discretion, and initiative in coordinating activities associated with the Media Relations office.

About San Diego State

San Diego State University is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego. Since its founding in 1897, the university has grown to become a leading public research university. Each year, SDSU provides more than 35,000 students with the opportunity to participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. The Department of Athletics, utilizing the services of over 150 employees, is responsible for the intercollegiate athletics program at San Diego State University. Currently, there are 18 sport programs, approximately 550 student-athletes, and 17 offices in the department. The offices include the following: The Aztec Club, Administration, Athletic Medicine, Business Office, Compliance, Corporate Sales, Development, Equipment, Event Management/Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Media Relations, Strength and Conditioning, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Ticket Office, and Video.

Connections working at San Diego State