Career Center

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Oversee athletics communications, media relations and marketing department in a way that reflects the University's values.
• Serve as the Athletics Department spokesperson for national, regional, and local media.
• Responsible for implementing communications, media relations, marketing and branding strategies within the department to promote the University athletic teams, student-athletes, coaches and facilities.
• Provide leadership in all aspects of the gameday and non-gameday fan experiences ? including, but not limited to non-gameday digital and grassroots engagement strategies, gameday traditional and innovative fan experiences, and traditional or non-traditional engagement efforts for all athletic events.
• Research, analyze, and execute new and creative marketing and fan experience strategies and tactics to advance WKU's efforts for the cutting edge of college sports.
• Meets, consults with, and advises student-athletes, coaches, and staff regarding marketing, social media, video, and communications strategies.
• Manages creative consistency of all internal and external athletics communications.
• Oversee athletic communications and marketing budget and annual spending.
• Oversee the production and dissemination of departmental press releases, media guides, publications, and all promotional materials.
• Supervise game day press operations.
• Explores new, innovative communication vehicles that promote the Division of Athletics and its programs.
• Assist in the execution of agreed upon contracts signed with IMG Learfield.
• Collaborates with multi-media rights holder Learfield on the development of multi-dimensional sponsorship packages that may involve elements to drive ticket sales and/or enhance the game day experience.
• Ensures updated, accurate information is available on the website. Develops and implements initiatives to make the website user-friendly and engaging.
• Serves as a member of the Director of Athletics senior leadership team.
• All other duties as assigned by Director of Athletics.

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Prior experience working in college athletics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Must be self-motivated and team-oriented.
• Excellent organization, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Computer proficiency and knowledge of Adobe's PageMaker, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Experience with StatCrew software and Jump TV website administration.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree. 
• Minimum four years' experience in the field of communications and marketing.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours, including team travel.

About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 17,500 students (32% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and nearly 2,900 faculty and staff employees. Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities. Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. With an ethnically and diverse population, more than 85 languages are spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our c...ommunity home. Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

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