Assistant Athletic Director, Football Communications

MEDIA COMM SUPV 2 (006877)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_1868

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

8/26/2024 2:18:32 PM

Date Last Edited:

8/26/2024 2:18:28 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

6000O

Organization:

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS              

Division Code:

5501D

Division:

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS              

Department:

374500 - INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_1868

Position Description ID

216940

UC Payroll Title:

MEDIA COMM SUPV 2 (006877)

Business Title:

Assistant Athletic Director, Football Communications

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 24

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

A: Manager - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40043377

Reports to Payroll Title:

COMM MGR 1

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40713754

Department Head Payroll Title:

ATH MGR 4 PAC12

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

7462

MEDIA COMM SPEC 3

3

POSITION SUMMARY

The Athletic Communications office is the public relations arm of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA), as well as the information gathering and distribution office for the DIA in its dealing with the media. Its purpose is to publicize and promote the student-athletes, coaches and events of the DIA. The Assistant Athletics Director, Football Communications is responsible for leading and executing the comprehensive public relations and communication strategies for the football program.  This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the program's public image, managing media relations, and enhancing the brand presence of the football team.  The Assistant AD will oversee all aspects of football communications, including press releases, media guides, and interactions with local and national media outlets.  Collaboration with the coaching staff, student-athletes, and the athletics department leadership is key to promoting the program's values, achievements and story.  The Assistant AD will have direct supervision of assigned communications directors and will serve on the Athletic Communications Leadership Team. Travel and ability to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, particularly during football season, is required.

Strategic Communications and Branding

 • In conjunction with the Senior Associate Athletics Director, Communications and Head Football Coach, develop and execute a strategic communications plan that aligns with the overall goals of the DIA, university and football program.

 • Ensure consistent messaging that enhances the reputation of the football program and reflects its values and culture.

 • Work closely with the marketing and branding teams to promote football-related campaigns and initiatives.

 • Assist the Senior Associate Athletics Director, Communications with crisis communication efforts involving the football program, including responding to sensitive or breaking news situations.

 • Act as a spokesperson when necessary and work closely with the athletics department leadership and university to address issues appropriately.

25%

Media Relations

 • Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries related to the football program.

 • Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, regional and national media outlets.

 • Coordinate press conferences, media availabilities, interviews, and feature stories with coaches and student-athletes.

 • Build relationships with game broadcasters and provide regular updates.

 • Proactive media outreach to sports and non-sports outlets.

25%

Team Liaison and Internal Collaboration

 • Work directly with the Head Football Coach, coaching staff, and student-athletes to coordinate all media activities, including facilitating preparation meetings, notes, and post-interview reflections and evaluations.

 • Provide media training for coaches and student-athletes to prepare them for interviews and public speaking engagements.

 • Coordinate communications for special events, such as bowl games, signing days and award ceremonies, and prepare Head Football Coach, coaching staff, and student-athletes as needed.

 • Collaborate with DIA staff, including marketing, video production and ticketing teams, to support the football program’s initiatives. 

20%

Staff Management / Supervision

 • Supervise and mentor assigned communications staff who assist with football communications; Provide leadership, guidance and supervision of daily activities as needed.

 • Provide strategic direction and goal setting for direct reports.

 • Conduct annual performance reviews and provide regular feedback on employee’s performance, addressing issues and providing appropriate training to enable success.

15%

Content Creation and Storytelling

 • Oversee the creation and distribution of all football-related content, including press releases, feature stories, game/previews/recaps, media guides, and statistics. 

 • Develop compelling narratives around the football team’s accomplishments, student-athletes, and coaching staff to elevate the program’s profile.

 • Collaborate with the Assistant Athletics Director, Creative Content and Social Media to produce engaging video, graphic, and written content for the website and social media platforms.

10%

Rules Compliance

 • Comply with all Federal, State, University and Department requirements established pursuant to Title IX, including the mandatory reporting requirements for a “Responsible Employee.”

 • The DIA is governed by the NCAA, Big Ten Conference, Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and University of California.  The incumbent is required to comply with the applicable rules, regulations and policies of those organizations.

    ◦ Review and retain all rules compliance disseminated by the DIA Compliance office.

    ◦ Report all NCAA and conference violations.

    ◦ Sign the annual NCAA Certification of Compliance form.

    ◦ Complete the Athletically-Related Income form annually.

    ◦ Comply with California State Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) Law and adhere to mandatory reporting guidelines.

5%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education and work experience.

Required

Minimum five (5) years full-time experience in a professional or university's athletic communications department.

Preferred

Demonstrated management skills, including ability to hire, train, direct, and motivate staff to meet stated goals and objectives and the ability to monitor and evaluate performance.

Required

Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and implement decisions in pressure situations.

Required

Ability to speak in public, as well as effective written, phone, and interpersonal communication skills.

Required

Ability to plan and organize a press conference, including skill in dealing with radio/television networks at events.

Required

Skill in proofreading copy and printed materials, as well as strong news judgement.

Required

Skills in effective and organized research, as well as ability to prioritize work assignments and media value.

Required

Knowledge of crisis communications, including ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

Required

Skill in and knowledge of social media tactics and ability to implement strategies on all current platforms.

Required

Ability to plan and execute specific public relations campaigns.

Required

Ability to adhere to and comply with NCAA rules and regulations.

Required

Knowledge of event procedures and guidelines.

Required

Working knowledge of related computer programs, including InDesign, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook. Typing skills to quickly and accurately prepare materials, including skill in editing for spelling, punctuation grammar.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

20%

Ability to travel for team/event related activities as needed.

Ability to work non-traditional hours.

Required

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Wasserman Football Facility. Los Angeles, CA 90095

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.