Reporting to the Director of Athletics for Communications, the Athletic Communications Specialist assists with developing and executing the department’s strategic digital communications and social media plans to meet the goals and objectives of Cornell’s 37-sport Division I athletics program. The Communications Specialist works to maintain the branding and visual standards pertaining to the creation of graphics, photography, and video projects for content creation/branding on digital and social platforms. By developing compelling content for social media, the Communications Specialist shapes the narrative of student athletes at Cornell and highlights the positive achievements of Cornell student athletes, teams, and coaches. This role is integral to the operation of Cornell Athletic Communications as the Communications Specialist acts as the frontline spokespeople for various teams, producing online team record books, news releases and feature stories, responding to media requests, staffing home and select away events, supervising student assistants as well as statistical crews and other event support personnel. In addition, they will serve as a liaison between coaching staff, student-athletes, and oversee media relations to coordinate interviews, record, and provide timely, accurate information, and handle media needs to enhance their experience at the home events.

Success Factors
• Interest and passion for athletics with a drive to promote Cornell's varsity student-athletes, possessing a deep knowledge of sports and intercollegiate athletics
• Demonstrated success in using advanced communication skills and digital management tools, including experience in web and social media strategy
• Regularly exhibit a proactive, personable and service oriented approach, enthusiastically working independently as well as contributing successfully as part of a team

Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education  and experience
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to proficiently use social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube) and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, Bridge, Illustrator, Light Room or After Effects)
• Knowledge of Division I Athletics and NCAA regulations
• Familiarity with StatCrew and NCAA LiveStats statistical packages
• Knowledge of social media strategy, live event production (video streaming hardware and software), statistics, sports writing, graphic design, and video editing
• Ability to work under deadline pressure
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends 

Please direct any questions about the position to Jeremy Hartigan, Associate Director of Athletics for Communications (jh295@cornell.edu).