Northern Illinois University (NIU) is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Athletic Director/Strategic Communications. This is a full-time, 12-month position with benefits. This position will coordinate media relations/communications and manage public relations aspects for the NIU Football program.

This position will work closely with the Sr. Associate AD/Collegiate Advancement & External Affairs, the Head Football Coach, and the Assistant Athletic Director of Football Operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Public Relations – 55%
  • Manage all publicity and public relations for NIU Athletics football program, including developing strategies, advising coaches and administrators.
  • Coordinate all media events, including press conferences, and set up procedures for media relations coverage of game operations for NIU Football program as well as promote football student-athletes, coaches and the football program for national and conference awards
• Crisis Communications – 10%
  • Handle any NIU football program crisis communications with Senior Associate AD for Collegiate Advancement & External Affairs in conjunction with Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics and University Media representatives.
• Promotions & Fan Engagement – 10%
  • Coordinate with other leaders within the External Areas to create opportunities to promote NIU Football to media, fans and community, using new media and traditional methods.
• Radio & TV Network – 10%
  • Produce radio network and NIU television broadcasts with multimedia partners, including weekly shows for NIU Football program.
• Social Media – 10%
  • Oversee editorial content (written and video) for NIUHuskies.com as well as NIU Athletics social media efforts, including but not limited to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter for the NIU Football program.
• Other Related Duties – 5%
  • Cover other sports programs and special projects as assigned.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Sports Communications, Sports Marketing, Sports Management, Public Relations, Communications, English, or a related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional experience working in the athletic communications/sports information field.
• Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

About Northern Illinois University

Chartered in 1895, NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a student enrollment of approximately 17,000. Located in one of the most dynamic regions of the country, DeKalb is 65 miles west of Chicago, Illinois. NIU is included in the Doctoral/Research Universities-Extensive category of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and is a member of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. NIU has a diverse student population with 735 international students representing 118 nations. Approximately 3,500 students live on campus in residence halls and apartments. Northern Illinois University is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. The Constitution and Bylaws of Northern Illinois University afford equal treatment regardless of political views or affiliation, and sexual orientation. NIU recognizes Dual Career issues.

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