Job Function: The assistant director of external engagement works with the External Engagement group to effectively and strategically communicate the NCAA’s mission and goals. The successful candidate will help communicate the NCAA's role as the voice of an association that plays a positive part in the lives of student-athletes. Audiences include the media, public, member schools, and student-athletes and their families. Applicants must be flexible, organized and collaborative. Experience in public relations, particularly in high-interest, low-trust settings, is recommended.

Job Responsibilities:

• Work with supervisor and others within the department to write press releases, news stories, talking points and strategic communications plans.
• Work with supervisor and Director of External Engagement to assist with issues management, including responding to inquiries from local, regional and national media. Special areas of focus will be NCAA Research, Finances, Recruiting and General NCAA inquiries.
• Work with supervisor and Director of External Engagement to assist with events, projects or initiatives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for NCAA media service, including daily clip service management, contract management, and reporting.
• Provide support to external engagement staff at the annual NCAA Convention, including media management.
• Oversee annual reporting of academic metrics and data for Divisions II and III, and public recognition in Division I.
• Provide some governance support as needed.
• Provide communications support at select NCAA championships.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and director of external engagement.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations or related field.
• At least 2-5 years of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage a high volume of job assignments with various deadlines.
• Excellent writing skills and proven ability to produce materials targeted toward specific audiences.
• Demonstrated ability/willingness to collaborate in a high-pressure environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of social media.
• Demonstrated understanding of media relations.
• Proven ability to work with members of the media.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of higher education and collegiate athletics, including current issues.
• Understanding of the overall branding and messaging goals of the NCAA.
• Strong computer skills.
• Critical thinking skills.
• This position will require up to 10% travel.
• This position will be based in Indianapolis.
• All national office staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.  As a new hire, you will be required to be fully vaccinated within 8 weeks from acceptance of offer and you will be required to show proof of that vaccination. New hires may submit a request for a medical or religious exemption to the vaccine requirement 1-week post offer if they cannot comply with this mandate.