Desired start date: August 24 (first day of fall semester)

Ball State University Intercollegiate Athletics is offering a graduate assistantship beginning Summer/Fall 2026, to a person holding a bachelor’s degree who wishes to professionalize her/his athletic communications, sports information and media relations skills. The successful applicant will work with the athletic communications staff to promote and represent Ball State sports teams on website and social media; and be proactive and responsive while managing media requests and making media pitches to promote Ball State Athletics and its 19 sports teams. This position will serve as the primary sports information director (SID) for at least two Ball State sports programs (likely including soccer or softball). 

The successful applicant must be admitted to the Graduate School and is expected to apply to a master’s program. Graduate assistants must meet minimum GPA requirements for admission and maintain good academic standing, including enrollment in at least six graduate credit hours per semester. Tuition remission and a yearly stipend will be provided. This is a two-year master's program and commitment. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Year-round sports information and media relations coverage of two Ball State sports teams (likely including soccer or softball) 
• Work with athletic communications content team to generate year-round oversight of sport-related content on all social media platforms
• Manage all sport-related content on BallStateSports.com, including schedules, rosters, promotions, features, statistics, game previews and recaps 
• Daily compilation of team statistics and online management of sport history and record books
• Seasonal maintenance of all student-athlete and coach biographies for assigned sports teams
• Content creator for assigned sports teams (possibly including photo, video, graphics, story ideas, captions and other promotional items)
• Staff events for other sports on an as-needed basis while the athletic communications unit provides coverage of all 19 Ball State sports teams

Compliance: 
The applicant must make a strong commitment to, and have a responsibility for, adhering to all rules and regulations of Ball State University, the Mid-American Conference and the NCAA. The applicant must also complete required trainings by the NCAA, MAC and institutional policies. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree completed prior to start date
• Admission to a Ball State graduate program and ability to maintain eligibility (information: www.bsu.edu/gradschool) 
• Availability for evenings, weekends and holidays based on event schedules 
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills 
• Excellent written and oral communications skills

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with social media applications and trends
• A proficiency in office software including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; and editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Premiere 
• Experience with web-based statistical programs including NCAA Live Stats, Genius, PrestoSports, StatBroadcast and StatInput 
• Prior experience with SIDEARM Sports and Official Athletics Website 
• Available the entire academic year (August to May) 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Tuition remission per Ball State Graduate School policy (includes up to 30 credit hours; student responsible for applicable fees)
• Yearly stipend, paid bi-weekly (plus hourly compensation during holiday or vacation periods when classes are not in session)

To Apply: 

• Send a cover letter, resume, writing or content portfolio and the names and contact information of three references to: Kevin Messenger, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications: kmessenger@bsu.edu.

Review of applications will begin immediately. 
(www.ballstatesports.com)