JOB DESCRIPTION 
 

Position: Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications & External Partnerships 

Reports To: Senior Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications & External Partnerships 

Positions Directly Supervises: Graduate Assistant, Intern(s), Assistant Director Coordinator of Creative Services & Digital Content 

 
BASIC FUNCTION 
 

The Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communication & External Partnerships will assist and provide support for the flow of information to and from the association; assist with managing the public, media and community relations of the conference to include branding, marketing/sponsorships, licensing and other areas as requested. In conjunction with senior leadership team, this position will also work to identify and establish strategic relationships with outside partners and work to deliver campaigns and initiatives that are mutually beneficial and help all parties reach their objectives.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Management of Communications Function 

• Oversee plans for accomplishing communications department functions for the conference office, working with institutional sports information directors to analyze the needs of member institutions and provide services as needed (statistical data, event support and historical information). 

• Assist with generating media exposure opportunities. 

• Plan and execute press conferences, football media day, and other special events as assigned. 

• Assist with Communications with CIAA member institutions sports information directors, serving as the primary conference liaison for the communication of the 14 CIAA championships & sponsored sports. 

Television Broadcast & Multi-Media 

• Assist with selection of television and digital broadcast schedules. 

• Assist media rights partner in developing timelines and run of show schedules for broadcasts 

• Assist development of promotional content 

• Communicate broadcast and multi-media information to membership 

Publicity via CIAA Website and other Outlets 

• Assist with writing, editing and updating weekly releases for CIAA sponsored sports. 

• Develop and post up-to-date information regarding statistics, results, standings, etc., assuring currency and accuracy of that information. 

• Oversee and assist with the development and scheduling of sport-specific and special event content (editorial, video and audio) for social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, blogs, etc. 

• Identify, research, write and post feature stories, personalizing student-athletes and conference members to demonstrate the unique goals of the CIAA. 

• Provide pre-and post-event coverage of all CIAA championships and special programming. 

• Manage Hall of Fame inductee pages and application information via website; oversee social and digital campaigns to generate new applicants   
   

• Oversee the media operations at championship events including photography and the usage of digital media (e.g., live stats, web streaming, social media and blogs). 

• Develop and create media opportunities and monitor coverage of CIAA athletics in local, regional and national media outlets. 

• Travel to events involving CIAA teams, assisting media and institutional sports information personnel as needed or requested. 

• Manage and share content via general conference mobile app designed by SIDEARM, including CIAA Basketball Tournament information 

Research and Record Keeping 

• Respond to inquiries from schools, media and the general public. 

• Maintain essential archives and assure that they are accurate, stored and updated at the end of each season. 

Manage All-CIAA Process & Other Awards  

• Work with CIAA Associations to select and publicize All-CIAA teams, including producing nomination materials, ballots, statistics and background information; managing the voting process, writing press releases and feature stories regarding recipients, sending releases to appropriate media outlets. 

• Work with CIAA Associations to propose any changes to CIAA Legislation, All-CIAA team criteria and voting procedures for consideration by CIAA Committees. 

• Assist with the selection of candidates for the CIAA Hall of Fame and its induction program. 
• Manage annual end of the year student-athlete award voting process 

• Work with multimedia rights partner on sponsor driven student-athlete awards programs (e.g. Lowe’s Senior Class Award, Church Mutual Scholarship, etc.)  

Sport Administration and Championships 

• Represent the CIAA Office at conference meetings addressing any specific agenda items related to media relations functions and other items as requested. 

• Serve as primary conference contact for football, women’s basketball, bowling, golf, tennis, and baseball, cross country, volleyball, men’s basketball, track & field, softball and all CIAA Championships and assist Senior Associate Commissioner, including setting agenda with coaches, chair and administrative liaisons; attending meetings, writing meeting minutes, drafting changes in CIAA Legislation, and communicating with SID association on NCAA and CIAA legislative issues. 

• Develop and/or assist event timelines and scripts. 

• Oversee creation of championship publications such as, but not limited to, football, basketball, bowling, volleyball, and softball. 

• Manage and/or assist media relations requests and credential application process. 

• Assist staffing and volunteer management (stats, score keepers, photographers, social media, PA, videographers, etc.). 

• Facilitate media requests and oversee management of pre-tournament and post-game interviews. 

• Ensure the routine updates of social media and website(s) to promote tournament, provide game information throughout the event, and recap. 

• Assist game operations of championship events as needed (media hospitality, game protocols, etc.). 

• Assist in identifying independent contractors for championships and ancillary events. 

Office Operations 

• Represent CIAA Office at other (non-conference) meetings and events as assigned. 

• Actively participate in office activities, including planning sessions, meetings, etc. 

• Assist in the oversight of the office’s computer hardware and software and technology needs. 

• Assist with phone coverage, meeting preparations and other duties as assigned. 

• Serve as primary liaison to marketing partner to develop and executive effective strategies that align with conference goals 

Marketing & Partnerships  

• Serve as primary contact in all partnership related initiatives, including corporate partners, marketing/pr agency, and other digital marketing services 
   
• Oversee the delivery of all digital and social media activity and marketing campaigns; assist with traditional media and digital marketing ad buys 
   

• Identify and cultivate relationships within existing and emerging markets (e.g. esports, gaming, social & digital platforms) 
   
• Oversee esports & gaming initiatives, resulting in new resources for conference and member institutions 
   
• Provide oversight and generate analytical reports as needed for all digital platforms managed by conference (e.g. website, CIAASN, social, etc.)  
   
• Negotiate contract terms with esports and gaming partners and other digital content providers (e.g. photographers, videographers, streaming providers, etc.)  
   
• Manage budget for CIAA media days (football and basketball) and other special media events 

• Oversee streaming production for championships and special events; working with contractors to deliver successful coverage  
   
• Develop crisis management communications response plan for conference and member institutions 
   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

 Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred  

 A minimum of seven years of professional experience with a priority in experience directly administering media operations/sports information major sports at a conference office or member institution; cultivating relationships and overseeing marketing campaigns 

Outstanding communication, organizational, interpersonal and written skills; 

 Must be able to multi-task in a moderate to fast-paced work environment and have the ability to manage and prioritize several ongoing projects; 

Knowledge of multimedia production and negotiations; 

 Computer literacy with relevant software: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.), website content management tools (i.e. Sidearm), working knowledge of StatCrew Genius and other NCAA approved statistical software; Comfortable with Mac and PC devices 

Demonstrated Graphic Design experience 

Demonstrated ability to adapt to emerging technologies 

Demonstrated ability to manage social media accounts 

Knowledge of video production and photography 

Experience in Radio and/or Television Broadcast will be considered 

Demonstrated ability to show initiative and work with limited direction and supervision. 

Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse groups of individuals; 

Flexibility to travel extensively (60 days per year); and continuous availability (after hours, weekends) on a year-round basis. 
 

Desired: 

Working knowledge of athletics business management; 

Demonstrated ability to activate better business practices with tangible operational results; 

Knowledge of the philosophy, function, structure and operation of the CIAA; 

Research skills and experience. 

Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. 

1. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred 
2. A minimum of seven years of professional experience with a priority in experience directly administering media operations/sports information major sports at a conference office or member institution; cultivating relationships and overseeing marketing campaigns
3. Outstanding communication, organizational, interpersonal and written skills; 

About Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association

THE HISTORY OF THE CIAA The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) was founded and incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1912 as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization as the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association; adopting its current name in December 1950. The conference is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina and is governed by a Board of twelve (12) Presidents and Chancellors representing institutions from Pennsylvania to South Carolina; comprised of both private and public colleges and universities with enrollments ranging from 750 to over 8,000 students. The CIAA is one of America’s oldest athletic conferences; producing championships annually in the following sports: Men’s and Women’s Cross Country; Volleyball; Football; Men’s and Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track; Men’s and Women’s Basketball; Women’s Bowling; Women’s Tennis; Golf; and Softball. Of the 14 championships produced by the CIAA, its annual basketball tournament has evolved from a 2,000 seat sell out in Washington, D.C. during the inaugural tournament, into one of the nation’s premier sporting events attracting over 190,000 fans during the course of the week, and now touted as... the third highest attended basketball tournament among all NCAA divisions. The CIAA tournament is the quintessential cultural experience offering official events appealing to a diverse demographic of alumni and fans, to include educational programming, community engagement, Fan Fest, Super Saturday, step-shows, and most importantly, 22 action-packed basketball games. It’s also one of few basketball tournaments in the nation that features men and women competitions in the same facility, during the same week. During its 15-year run in Charlotte, N.C., the CIAA generated over $656 million in economic impact and produced over $402 million in direct spending for the host city. With the support of the City of Charlotte and CIAA corporate partners such as Coca-Cola USA, Nationwide, Food Lion, Toyota and BSN/Under Armour, the conference has secured over $22 million in scholarships for its member institutions over the past 15 years, averaging $1.5 million annually. The CIAA Tournament moves to its new host city in Baltimore, Maryland in 2021. Academic success is a staple of the conference. The CIAA recognizes the academic achievements of its student-athletes annually by naming its top student-athletes to the Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. The conference also recognizes the Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year for student-athletes who have excelled on the field and in the classroom. A brand synonymous to none, the CIAA is a crown jewel within college sports. Its annual tournament drives the distinct familiarity of the conference, generating national exposure with media and major corporations who acknowledge the athletic association’s exceptional value. Powered by vision and innovation, the CIAA continues to pursue brand prominence in all avenues that will strengthen the foundation of this historic conference. CIAA Mission Statement and Strategic Vision Mission Statement: The CIAA is committed to excellence in everything we do in DII to support the total student-athlete well-being and experience on and off the court through meaningful relationships and strategic partnerships to make the world a better place. Vision: To foster an environment that celebrates athletics and education while honoring the traditions of the past, acknowledging leadership in the present, and ensuring communities are positively impacted by the CIAA and its members. Strategic Plan Components Building the Value: Maintain the fiscal matters of the conference with transparency including annual audits and broad-based participation in the budget process and create additional innovative streams of revenue to include sports championships, membership, and corporate partnerships. Champions of Character: To promote and support the growth and development of the student-athlete and the mission of NCAA Division II. Our Identity With a Great Story to Tell: To be the most recognized Division II conference through its licensing, media rights and branding initiatives and to promote visible athletic and academic successes among the membership to enhance the public’s knowledge and appreciation of the rich legacy, leadership and community of the CIAA. Virtue of Competitive Success: Identify educational resources for improved academic success, compliance and governance while promoting and supporting the development of the conference membership in alignment of NCAA Division II Integrity, Respect, Passion & Excellence: To lead strategic partnerships and development opportunities to make an impact in the communities the CIAA serves.

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