Director of Athletic Communications & Marketing

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. 

You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY

This full-time position oversees all communications, media relations, and digital media efforts for the Department of Athletics, supporting 11 NCAA varsity sports and club programs. The Director of Athletic Communications & Marketing will serve as the primary storyteller and media contact for Simmons Athletics, managing the website, social media channels, live streaming, statistical reporting, and day-to-day coverage of the NCAA athletic programs. This role plays a key part in shaping the visibility and brand of Simmons University Athletics while supporting the University’s mission to be a community of higher learning that unites passion with purpose.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Serve as lead media contact for all NCAA teams and the Department of Athletics & Recreation

• Manage and update the official athletics website (athletics.simmons.edu)

• Oversee social media strategy and content creation across multiple platforms

• Write and distribute game recaps, press releases, and feature stories

• Coordinate game day operations: live stats, public address, and live streaming

• Maintain and report accurate team statistics to the NCAA, GNAC, NAC, NEWMAC and other partners

• Hire, train, and supervise student workers, interns and/or grad assistants

• Collaborate with university communications, marketing, admissions, and advancement to elevate athletic storytelling and outreach

• Coordinate with external constituents such as photographer, videographer, etc. as needed to meet the goals of the Department

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement, monitor, and update comprehensive social media content for the athletic department with new video/photo content including, but not limited to infographics, highlights, recaps, and other pertinent content

• Maintain all archives and historical records: rosters, schedules/results, photos, statistics, rankings, awards, press releases, etc.

• Actively pursue and execute nominations of student-athletes, staff, and coaches for conference, regional, and national and coach association awards/recognition

• Support athletic related special events including but not limited to the Hall of Fame, athletic awards ceremonies, alumnae games, recruiting clinics, etc.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Unwavering passion for working in collegiate athletics and promoting student athletic and academic success

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, sport management, or related field.

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in athletic communications or sports information.

• A high level of computer literacy including Macintosh and PC; familiar with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, Google Suite

• Knowledge of Simmons University and NCAA guidelines regarding publications and promotions

• Extensive experience with LiveStats and other similar statistics software

• Basic knowledge of HTML and web content management systems (specifically Sidearm Sports)

• Experience in developing social media strategy and live streaming platforms

• Experience with video editing, creative content production, and graphic design

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as necessary

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in a related field is preferred

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to manage multiple projects

• Problem Solving

• Analytical and Strategic

• Customer Service Oriented

• Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills

• Commitment to Inclusive Excellence and Social Justice

• Teamwork

• Leadership

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• On-campus position, with flexibility for remote work 1-2 days/week with supervisor approval

• 12-month position.

• Average of 40 hours/week

• Work environment includes office setting, indoor and outdoor sport venues

• Ability to lift/carry equipment - up to 25 pounds

• This position requires work on weekends, nights, and schedules may change quickly

• Overnight Travel for coverage of Softball Spring Break is expected for one week in March

Salary Grade

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.