Media Relations Coordinator (Contingent II)

Department: BSU Sports and Information, JM
Position Type: Non-Regular Fixed Term

About the Role

This position is responsible for the organization, development, coordination, and dissemination of all information and media for the 14 Bowie State University Intercollegiate Sports programs. Assists with the daily operations of the Athletics Media Relations/Sports Information Office. Serves as the primary media relations contact for specific sports, including dissemination of press releases, development of publications, statistical maintenance, staffing of home contests, and reporting of scores and statistics as per Conference (CIAA) and NCAA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Strong writing skills with working knowledge of Associated Press style.
• Proven accuracy, thoroughness, timeliness, attention to detail, and sense of urgency in meeting responsibilities and established deadlines.
• Demonstrated excellence in sports journalism, media relations, and public relations.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and resolve issues under intense time constraints.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong organizational skills with the ability to supervise student workers, volunteers, and independent vendors.
• Working knowledge of sports and understanding of sport rules.
• Ability to cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and website maintenance.
• Experience managing and creating engaging content for several social media platforms.
• Prepare, coordinate, and pitch news releases and information regarding student-athletes, coaches, team performance, etc., to various news media.
• Write, edit, and design game programs, brochures, schedules, news releases, and graphics.
• Serve as liaison between athletics department and media on local, regional, and national levels.
• Maintain and update the Bowie State University athletics website.
• Monitor, update, analyze, and publish content to electronic/social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, email, etc.
• Coordinate and schedule sports information operations for all home competitions, including managing clock operators, scorekeepers, statisticians, announcers, media, and those involved in pre-game activities.
• Oversee, coordinate, and circulate statistics for all home events.
• Maintain accurate statistics for each sport and submit to member conferences and the NCAA; build and maintain digital historical records of Bowie State University student-athletes and teams.
• Nominate student-athletes for academic and athletics awards and provide complete and accurate support material for all post-season awards.
• Attend conference and NCAA meetings and other professional events as designated by the Vice President of Athletics and Recreation.
• Maintain membership and active participation with CoSIDA and any other approved media relations, journalism, and/or marketing professional organization.
• Interface with faculty, staff, and students through campus activities and events, as well as community events that influence the brand and notoriety of Bowie State Athletics.
• Direct arrangement of press coverage and all necessary equipment for various news and communication media covering all home athletic events, specialty awards, and accomplishments.
• Serve as official source of dissemination for accurate and promote general information highlighting university athletics, teams, student-athletes, coaches, and administrators.
• Coordinate public relations for the athletic department with the University Relations and Marketing (e.g., coaches' announcements, major athletic awards, and accomplishments).
• Manage daily media relations operations; coordinate and provide photographic services for coaches and the department.
• Interview, hire, and supervise student workers or volunteers assigned. Develop a functional internship program for students.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of related experience in intercollegiate sports information, athletics media relations, university media relations, public relations, or communications.
• Experience with PC platform computers and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Experience with Stat Crew statistical software (softball, tennis, golf) and NCAA Live Stats (Genius) Software (football, volleyball, basketball) is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop is strongly preferred.
• Experience with the SIDEARM web platform is preferred.

Conditions of Employment

Eagerness to be present on campus, including extended hours as needed, including evening, early morning, and weekend responsibilities.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance.
• Paid time for sick leave and annual leave.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Tuition remission and supplemental retirement.

Pay

$46,000 - $56,000