Organization
University of Oklahoma Athletics is seeking out a talented and progress-driven individual to fulfill the role of The Director of Communications, Digital Strategy. The Director will serve in a lead communications and digital media hybrid role, acting as the primary communications contact for at least one varsity sport while leading the office’s new content idea generation efforts and providing digital/social media and creative content support for other sports and general athletics initiatives. The director will also act as the Communications office’s general feature content lead writer and assist in all aspects of office activity and in coverage of other sports and events as required. They will also serve as the Communications office’s primary liaison to the Digital Strategy office and will also collaborate with other external communications departments (Graphic Design, SoonerVision, Sooner Club, etc.).

Essential Functions: 

• Publicity: manage website and administer social media platforms for assigned sport; develop written content (features and press releases); perform traditional media relations functions such as coordinating media interviews, developing game notes for TV/radio each week, pitching stories to local media; assist with awards nominations for OU student-athletes and athletics staff
• Game management: issue and distribute media credentials for assigned sport; conduct post-game press conferences; manage press box and coordinate with marketing, event management and SoonerVision groups; coordinate live updates to media and fans via live stats and social media platforms
• Statistics: run stats programs for assigned sport; keep stats during competitions and maintain statistical records throughout the season; provide stats to media, coaches and opponents throughout the season
• Publications: develop game programs, media guides, flipcards, etc. for media and fans prior to and throughout assigned sport season; collaborate with Associate AD and Director of Communications on production of annual football media guide 
• Content oversight: lead Communications staff in idea generation for new content development in order to create compelling narratives and enhance the OU Athletics brand; create graphic content for digital platforms using Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, etc.; formulate graphic concepts and templates that can be used by other Communications staff members; provide insights and strategies based on social performance and new trends analysis to keep OU at the forefront of the digital media landscape
• Feature writer: serve as Communications office’s primary in-house feature writer; produce short- and occasional long-form stories as identified; assist with general office news release writing
• Office management: assist Associate AD and Director of Communications in leading staff meetings and hiring searches
• Other: assist with recruiting projects for assigned sport and other sports; help with other sports throughout the department when needed; help supervise and train Communications student interns and research fellow, etc., particularly in the areas of digital media (photography, graphic design, social media, video editing, etc.) 

 

Job Location
Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Graphic Design, Communications, or related field, AND:

• 24 months experience in multi-media, marketing, brand promotions and/or graphic design.

Equivalency/Substitution:  Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the bachelor's degree with a total of 72 months related experience. Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, Advanced editing, proofreading and composition skillsKnowledge of State and Federal regulations for electronic and information technology accessibility, including Section 508, and Web Content Accessibility GuidelinesHighly organized and ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlinesAbility to work well with interdepartmental teams and initiativesGood organizational and interpersonal skillsKnowledge of complex ideas and ability to simplify for a general audience

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift 30-50 pounds
• Ability to engage in repetitive motions 
• Use of computer
• Manual dexterity
Minimum of two years of full-time experience in collegiate/professional athletics communicationsProficient in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, and Microsoft Office
 

Departmental Preferences:

Master's degree in journalism, communications or related fieldDigital photography experienceVideo editing experienceMinimum of two years of full-time experience in collegiate/professional athletics communications

Supervision: Research fellow and student interns. 

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing

 

Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

Organization: Athletic Department
Job Location: Oklahoma-Norman-Norman Campus
Schedule: Full-time
Job Posting: Dec 14, 2022