Augustana University is located in the growing and vibrant city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota with a metro area of over 265,000 people. Augustana University has, for more than 150 years, provided a strong student-centric education based on its five core values: Christian faith, liberal arts, excellence, community and service. Guided by Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030, the comprehensive strategic plan for Augustana University, Augustana Athletics' vision for the foreseeable future is twofold: 1. Build a nationally competitive men's hockey program that competes at the Division I level 2. Win the Division II Learfield Director's Cup celebrating broad based excellence.
With the addition of the $70 million Midco Arena, Augustana Athletics launched the first collegiate hockey program in South Dakota in 2023 and is also the first athletics program to compete at Division I that calls Sioux Falls home. Currently with 21 NCAA Division II sports programs, Augustana Athletics is focused on building champions in the classroom, in competition and in the community, highlighted by three team national championships since 2016. Viking Athletics finished #7 nationally in the Division II Learfield Director’s Cup in 2021-22 and also won the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) All Sports Award.
Director of Athletics Communications
Augustana University (SD) invites applications for the position of Director of Athletic Communications. With 22 NCAA sports programs, including men’s hockey competing at the Division I level, Augustana Athletics serves as a crucial pillar in the university’s strategic plan; Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030. The Director of Athletics Communications will support and enhance the mission of Augustana University / Augustana Athletics through all aspects of digital media, social media, sports information, and media relations.
The Director of Athletics Communications will serve as the point of contact for multiple Viking sport programs and will play a crucial role in sharing the excellence of Augustana student-athletes. The Director will embrace the Augustana Athletics philosophy statement; We provide a student-athlete centered experience committed to distinction in the classroom, excellence in competition with faithful service to community.
Every effort has been made to make the job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties that will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related to, or is a logical assignment to the position.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Ensure that the athletic website—Goaugie.com—is updated regularly with results, stories and statistics.
Respond to statistical and other report requirements for the NCAA, NSIC, etc.
Ensure all programs have proper headshots and updated roster information on the website. Update all other pages of GoAugie.com website (staff directory, summer camps, spirit squads, prospective student-athlete questionnaires, coach and player bio’s, facilities, SAAC, athletic training, etc.). Create photo galleries.
Maintain all statistical information, historical data, and photo files for assigned athletic programs.
Work with media to solicit event coverage and feature stories for assigned sports.
Serve as the primary media contact for select sports.
Write and/or coordinate news releases, game stories, feature stories, and game notes.
Coordinate photography of select home athletics events
Work with communications teammates to establish a “working calendar” outlining the necessary annual updates/tasks that need to be accomplished within the communications office.
Serve as part of the athletic administration team for event planning. Offer ideas, manage details, and implement plans as necessary.
Develop and maintain quality relationships with coaching staff and other athletic staff members by creating solid communication channels with each sport.
Promote and nominate on a timely basis student-athletes and coaches for proper recognition at the conference, regional, and national levels.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
Previous experience in athletics communications at either the college or professional level. NCAA experience preferred.
Adherence to established NCAA, NSIC and CCHA regulations.
Proficient with statistical programs and and social media operations.
Demonstrated ability to curate and adapt content for designated communications channels.
Ability to work on deadline and manage several tasks simultaneously with consistent follow-through.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including interviewing, editing and proof-reading.
Creative self-starter with ability to exhibit diplomacy and tact while protecting confidentiality.
Ability to work nights and weekends as typical in collegiate athletics.
Preferred Qualifications:
Exceptional writing skills and experience.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with administrative, coaching and College administrative staff.
Develop and post social media content that engages the Viking fan base and maintain web pages for assigned sports.
Be able to work alone, one-on-one, or as part of a larger team.
Flexibility to travel and work nights and weekends as needed.
Experience in management and promotion of regional and national tournaments preferred.
Proven experience and expertise in developing and maintaining positive relationships with the media on the local and regional level.
Knowledge of news, reporting, and editing principles, practices, and techniques.
Knowledge of public relations principles, practices, and techniques.
Strict adherence to established NCAA, conference, and University rules and regulations.
Interacting with students, faculty and leadership with different backgrounds and points of view and a deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture must be a top value of the candidate.
Application Procedure:
The position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants are asked to submit the below application materials via our Career Center Portal. If assistance is needed during the application process, please reach out to
[email protected].
Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.
