Extra Help Athletics Communication Assistant

About the role

The Athletics Communications Assistant will support the day-to-day communications operations of UIS Athletics through in-game coverage, written content, feature storytelling, digital content and athletics communications support. Working closely with the Assistant AD for Strategic Communication and Operations, this position will help provide timely and accurate coverage of Prairie Stars teams and student-athletes while supporting the department's broader communications efforts. This position is designed to provide immediate additional capacity within the Athletics Communications office. The assistant will have opportunities to work across multiple sports and communications functions, gaining hands-on experience while contributing directly to the department's daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Game and Event Coverage: Assist with in-game communications coverage for UIS athletic events, including live updates, scoring information, statistics, social media content and other game-day communications needs.
• Attend athletic events as assigned to provide timely coverage and collect content for use across UIS Athletics digital platforms.
• Assist with gathering photos, video, quotes, notes and other information needed for postgame coverage and digital content.
• Support game-day communications operations, including coordination with coaches, student-athletes, officials, event staff and other athletics personnel.
• Assist with coverage of home and away events based on departmental needs.
• Writing and Editorial Content: Write game recaps, previews, feature stories, releases and other athletics-related content.
• Assist with researching, interviewing and developing feature stories highlighting UIS student-athletes, coaches, teams and programs.
• Gather information from coaches, student-athletes and staff to support accurate and timely storytelling.
• Proofread and edit athletics communications materials for accuracy, clarity, AP style and consistency with UIS Athletics standards.
• Assist with maintaining timely postgame and post-event coverage across assigned sports.
• Digital and Social Media Content: Assist with creating and publishing social media content during and around athletic events.
• Develop short-form written content, game updates, highlights and other material for UIS Athletics social media platforms.
• Help identify opportunities to capture content that can be used across multiple communications platforms.
• Assist with maintaining consistent messaging and branding across athletics digital channels.
• Communications Operations and Processes: Assist the Assistant AD for Strategic Communication and Operations with daily athletics communications responsibilities and departmental projects.
• Support the development, organization and improvement of communications processes, workflows and resources.
• Assist with maintaining records, historical information, statistics, rosters and other materials used in athletics communications.
• Help identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, consistency and quality of the Athletics Communications operation.
• Assist with special projects and department-wide communications initiatives as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong writing, editing and communication skills.
• Ability to produce accurate, timely content in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to gather information through interviews, research and event observation.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with coaches, staff and student-athletes.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital content creation.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and athletic events as required.

Qualifications

• Experience covering collegiate athletics.
• Experience writing game stories, recaps, previews or feature stories.
• Experience with live social media coverage of sporting events.
• Familiarity with athletics statistics, game management or sports information systems.
• Experience with photography, videography or other digital content creation.
• Familiarity with AP style and sports writing conventions.
• Enrollment in or completion of a degree program in communications, journalism, public relations, sports management, marketing or a related field.

Physical Demands

• Talking: Frequently
• Hearing: Frequently

Working Conditions

• Extreme cold: Occasionally
• Extreme heat: Occasionally
• Humid: Occasionally
• Wet: Occasionally
• Noise: Frequently
• Temperature Change: Occasionally

Pay

Minimum Starting Salary: $20 per hour

Schedule

Willingness to work evenings, weekends and athletic events as required.

Benefits

This position is not eligible for benefits.