POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Athletic Communications is a key member of the Mercyhurst Athletics team and is responsible for

overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Athletics Communications department that includes full-time staff,

graduate assistants, and student employees. This position develops and implements a comprehensive public

relations program to help the University achieve the goals established for Intercollegiate Athletics. The Director of

Athletic Communications oversees all social media, branding and video efforts, which are core components to

recruiting students and student-athletes. He or she provides information to electronic and print media outlets,

develops publications for all sports programs, maintains statistical data, records, and history on current and past

University student athletes and teams, and develops and maintains an effective presence on the web and with the

most appropriate forms of new media including broadcasts of competitions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversight of Athletic Communications office staff, including the director of digital and creative media, assistant director of athletic communications, graduate assistants and student employees.

• Oversee the athletics department website and all social media platforms, with content type ranging from written, graphic design and multimedia/video.

• Provide strategic insights into the value of the Athletic Communications office on overall marketing and recruiting for the University.

• Oversee all publicity efforts including writing, editing and distributing all press releases; social media management for multiple accounts across a variety of platforms; editing videos (season previews, game highlights, etc.); and designing flyers and similar materials.

• Oversee setup, live production and breakdown of webcast equipment.

• Proficient with Adobe programs and familiar with designing graphics for all relevant media platforms.

• Oversight of student budget and game-day event staff for all home games.

• Assign and supervise student staff to assist with in-game responsibilities (play by play, public address, statistics, in-game updating of social media platforms and score reporting etc.).

• Communicate with and solicit media for event coverage and feature stories on student-athletes, teams, and other department milestones and accomplishments.

• Plan and implement historical archiving, as well as maintenance of photography database.

• Complete conference, regional and national award applications to recognize coaches and student-athletes from assigned teams and programs.

• Compile, disseminate, and maintain sports statistics for assigned teams.

• Travel with teams as necessary, primarily for postseason contests.

• Work collaboratively with the University’s marketing and communications office on all athletic-related news stories and events.

• Responsible for oversight and management of athletic communications budget.

• Promote a positive image of the University through participation in community and professional organizations, representing the University at professional meetings and on community committees, and establishing and maintaining credible relations with various news media and other collegiate sports information offices.

• Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Director of Athletics.

• Other duties as assigned.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled or until date

indicated above. Send cover letter, resume and 3 work-related references to:

Human Resources

Mercyhurst

University 501 East

38th Street Erie, PA

16546

hrinfo@mercyhurst.edu

Mercyhurst University values diversity and is committed to the goal of achieving equal opportunity for all. For that reason, Mercyhurst abides by federal, state and local law in admissions, employment and all services and programs provided.

Mercyhurst does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, citizenship status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, age, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic or because of any individual’s legally protected activities.

Mercyhurst complies with federal, state and local legislation and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. This policy applies to faculty, administration and staff, applicants for employment, students and applicants for educational programs and activities.

Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States.

Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in communication, journalism, sports management or a related field; master’s degree is preferred with two years or more of related experience in athletic communications at the collegiate level.

About Mercyhurst University

The Office for Mission Integration, established in 2008, assists the President of Mercyhurst University in promoting and integrating the university’s educational mission, and the beliefs and values of the Catholic identity and legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, as represented in the mission statement and core values of the institution. The work of the office is many faceted, but essentially directed to educating and encouraging all members of the university community from students to trustees to advance the mission of Mercyhurst. As such, it has particular care for the Catholic and sponsoring Sisters of Mercy traditions and service."The joy and the hope, the grief and the anguish of the women and men of our time, especially of those who are poor or afflicted in any way, are the joy and hope, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well. Nothing genuinely human fails to find an echo in their hearts…That is why Christians cherish a feeling of deep solidarity with the human race and its history." (Gaudium et Spes, Preface 1)Such dreams and realities engage every Catholic university. They make a particular appeal to Mercy universities founded by the Sisters of Mercy, who have ...committed their lives and works to serving those who are poor, sick and uneducated. The inspiration expressed in Gaudium et Spes, therefore, lies at the heart of our identity and mission. A Mercyhurst education aims at engaging students for life and at creating leaders in justice and service. In a time of much social change and challenge, this inspiration clarifies our vision of the specific character of our Catholic Mercy University.Our inspiration leads us to topics of study and engages our perspectives in learning, research and scholarly endeavors. Such inspiration provides the basis of the social-justice dimension of many of our academic and service programs. Indeed, such inspiration directs the goals of our university. We desire to share this inspiration with those who come through our gates, seeking academic excellence, professional expertise, and a future full of hope.Rooted in our Mercy Catholic liberal arts identity, we educate and inspire diverse learners in an environment where faith and reason flourish together for meaningful lives, dignified work, and leadership in service toward a just and loving world.We will be known as a dynamic university that builds community and advances the common good as we promote wisdom, mercy, and respect in all our engagements.

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