ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OR DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OR DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS
Company: Augustana University
Department: Augustana University Athletics
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
Work Arrangement: On-site
Employment Type: Full-time
Position Level: Director / Assistant Athletic Director

ABOUT AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY
Augustana University is a private university located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With a history spanning more than 150 years, the institution is committed to providing a student-centred educational experience grounded in Christian faith, liberal arts, excellence, community and service.

The university's strategic plan, Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030, provides a framework for institutional growth and academic and athletic excellence.

Augustana Athletics supports a broad collegiate sports programme, including NCAA Division II teams and a Division I men's ice hockey programme. The department is focused on developing competitive athletic programmes, supporting student-athletes and strengthening its regional and national visibility.

The university's athletics department plays an important role in its wider institutional identity, community engagement and public profile.

POSITION OVERVIEW
Augustana University is seeking an experienced and innovative communications professional to serve as Assistant Athletic Director or Director of Athletics Communications, with the final appointment title determined by the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.

The successful candidate will provide leadership across athletic communications, sports information, media relations, digital content development and social media strategy.

This individual will serve as the primary communications contact for Division I men's ice hockey and selected Viking athletic programmes, while contributing to the wider communications strategy for the university's athletic department.

The position requires an experienced communicator who can develop compelling stories, strengthen media relationships, maintain accurate athletic information and enhance the public visibility of student-athletes and university programmes.

The successful candidate will also help modernise communications operations through the effective use of digital platforms, emerging technologies and AI-assisted content tools, including FanWord and Google Gemini Enterprise.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Athletic Communications Leadership

Lead and coordinate communications activities supporting Augustana's athletic programmes.

Develop compelling stories that showcase student-athlete achievements, coaching accomplishments and institutional milestones.

Identify opportunities to strengthen the reputation and visibility of Augustana Athletics.

Contribute to the development and implementation of the department's overall communications strategy.

If appointed as Assistant Athletic Director, lead and supervise the athletics communications team of three full-time employees.

1. Media Relations and Public Engagement

Serve as the primary communications contact for men's ice hockey and selected other athletic programmes.

Build and maintain productive relationships with local, regional and national media organisations.

Coordinate media interviews and respond to media enquiries.

Develop opportunities for event coverage, interviews and feature stories.

Serve as a trusted communications resource for coaches, athletic administrators and university personnel.

Support effective internal and external communications across the athletics department.

1. Strategic Digital and Social Media Communications

Implement and oversee social media and digital communications strategies.

Manage the department's content calendar and annual communications schedule.

Develop engaging digital content that highlights student-athletes, competitions and athletic achievements.

Maintain the accuracy and quality of athletic information published through the university's digital platforms.

Adapt content for different communications channels and audiences.

Explore emerging technologies and AI-assisted tools to improve content development and communications efficiency.

1. Editorial, Writing and Content Development

Write, edit and coordinate news releases, game reports, feature stories and game notes.

Produce accurate and engaging sports-related content under tight deadlines.

Use appropriate AI-assisted tools, including FanWord and Google Gemini Enterprise, in content development.

Maintain accurate athletic rosters, biographies, schedules, statistics, archives, photography and graphics.

Ensure that the university's athletics website, GoAugie.com, remains current and informative.

Maintain high editorial standards across all external communications.

1. Sports Information and Statistical Management

Coordinate daily sports information operations.

Maintain historical athletic records and statistical information.

Prepare game previews, recaps, statistical reports and award nominations.

Coordinate information exchanges with opposing athletic programmes.

Ensure that relevant NCAA, conference and institutional reporting requirements are addressed.

Maintain accurate information for assigned athletic programmes.

1. Broadcast and Event Communications

Provide communications support for radio, television and streaming broadcasts.

Assist broadcast personnel with current statistics, relevant storylines and programme information.

Coordinate press-area operations at home athletic events.

Ensure appropriate communications staffing for competitions and events.

Support communications arrangements for conference, regional and national tournaments.

Coordinate photography and other communications requirements where necessary.

1. Internal Communications and Institutional Collaboration

Establish effective working relationships with coaches, athletic administrators and university staff.

Advise colleagues on appropriate public communications practices.

Serve as an important internal communications resource for the athletics department.

Coordinate communications priorities across different sports programmes.

Contribute to the department's wider institutional and community engagement objectives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates should demonstrate the following:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Previous athletic communications experience at the collegiate or professional level.

NCAA experience preferred.

Understanding of NCAA, Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) regulations.

Proficiency with statistical programmes and social media operations.

Demonstrated ability to develop, curate and adapt content for different communications channels.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong interviewing, editing, proofreading and storytelling capabilities.

Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet demanding deadlines.

Strong organisational skills and consistent follow-through.

Professional judgement, diplomacy and discretion.

Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by collegiate athletics.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Exceptional writing and editorial experience.

Demonstrated ability to build relationships with coaches, administrators and university personnel.

Experience developing social media content and maintaining athletic websites.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Flexibility to travel and work evenings and weekends.

Experience managing and promoting regional and national athletic tournaments.

Established relationships with local and regional media organisations.

Knowledge of journalism, reporting, editing and public relations principles.

Understanding of collegiate communications standards and institutional policies.

LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate:

Strong communications leadership and professional judgement.

A commitment to accuracy, integrity and responsible public communication.

The ability to represent the university professionally.

Respect for academic values and the different backgrounds and perspectives of students, faculty and university leadership.

A student-athlete-centred approach to communications.

The ability to balance institutional priorities with the demands of collegiate athletic communications.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT**

This is a full-time administrative position within Augustana University's athletics department in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The role involves regular collaboration with athletic administrators, coaches, student-athletes, university personnel, media representatives and external partners.

The position requires flexibility around athletic schedules, including evening and weekend competitions, occasional travel and event-related responsibilities.