Applications are invited for consideration for appointment to the following position:
Department: Athletics, Wellness & Recreation
Budget Title: Senior Staff Assistant
Local Title: Director of Sports Communication
Posting Date: June 17, 2026
Classification: SL-3
Duties: SUNY New Paltz invites applications for the position of Director of Sports Communication, a highly visible leadership role responsible for shaping and elevating the narrative of Hawks Athletics.
This position serves as the department’s chief communications strategist and storyteller, leading efforts to enhance the visibility, reputation, and brand of the institution’s intercollegiate athletics programs. In alignment with NCAA Division III philosophy, the Director will highlight the holistic student athlete experience, with an emphasis on academic success, competitive excellence, and community engagement.
The Director of Sports Communication oversees all facets of athletics communications including media relations, digital strategy, website management, social media, live event coverage, and branding—while also maintaining a hands-on presence in game-day operations, including live statistics and event coverage.
As a member of the department’s senior staff, the Director plays a key role in strategic planning, decision-making, and advancing departmental priorities. This position reports to the Director of Athletics, Wellness, & Recreation.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Communications & Brand Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive athletics communications strategy that advances institutional priorities and supports recruitment and visibility
- Serve as the primary brand steward for Hawks Athletics, ensuring consistency, quality, and innovation across all platforms
- Partner with campus offices (Communications, Enrollment, Advancement, Marketing) to elevate storytelling and institutional alignment
- Contribute as a member of the Department’s senior staff, participating in strategic planning, policy development, and departmental decision-making
Media Relations & Storytelling
- Serve as the primary media contact for the Athletics Department
- Build and sustain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets
- Produce high-quality written content, including press releases, recaps, feature stories, and award nominations
- Manage media operations, credentials, and coverage for athletic events and championships
Digital Strategy & Content Development
- Oversee the athletics website, ensuring accurate and timely updates to rosters, schedules, statistics, and records
- Lead a comprehensive, department-wide social media strategy focused on engagement, growth, and recruiting visibility
- Direct the creation of multimedia content (graphics, video, photography) that promotes student-athletes and programs
- Utilize analytics to assess performance, inform strategy, and enhance digital reach
Game-Day Operations & Live Coverage (Hands-On)
- Provide leadership and direct oversight of game-day communications operations for all home contests
- Serve as, or assign and supervise, the primary live statistics operator and official scorer/statistician as needed
- Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timely dissemination of live stats and postgame reporting
- Manage live coverage elements, including live stats, streaming coordination, and real-time social media updates
- Support conference and NCAA reporting requirements tied to game operations
Supervision & Staff Development
- Supervise interns, and student workers
- Provide training, mentorship, and professional development in writing, content creation, and game operations
- Assign sport coverage responsibilities while ensuring equitable and high-quality support across all programs
Event Operations & Championship Support
- Coordinate communications for special events, postseason competition, and conference championships
- Assist with awards submissions, statistical reporting, and historical recordkeeping
Compliance & Institutional Alignment
- Ensure all communications adhere to NCAA, NJAC , and SUNY New Paltz policies
- Promote accurate, inclusive, and ethical storytelling
- Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through intentional content and coverage
Qualifications: Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, sports management, or related field
- Demonstrated experience in athletic communications, media relations, or digital content strategy
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
- Experience managing athletics websites, social media platforms, and live event coverage
- Demonstrated ability to manage and execute live game-day responsibilities, including statistics and event coverage
- Proficiency with athletics communication tools (e.g., CMS platforms, StatCrew, NCAA LiveStats, PrestoSports, Adobe Creative Suite, video editing tools)
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in a related field
- Experience in intercollegiate athletics, preferably at the NCAA Division III level
- Supervisory experience
- Strong understanding of Division III philosophy and the student athlete experience
Contact Information: Electronic submissions required. Candidates will be required to submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. Please apply by visiting https://jobs.newpaltz.edu/. Individuals with disabilities who need assistance with the application process should call (845) 257-3168.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Other important information about this vacancy: his position offers full New York State benefits which are among the most comprehensive in the country; see them here: https://www.suny.edu/benefits/benefit-summaries/. The State University of New York at New Paltz is a highly selective, public University that is recognized regionally for the strength of its academic programs. It is located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley with easy access to New York City and other nearby recreational and cultural amenities.
SUNY New Paltz recognizes the unique skills, perspective, talents and passion that each employee contributes to its learning community. To work here is to accept an invitation to participate in the growth and development of all campus members—students, faculty and staff. The University’s commitment to inclusive excellence is an important part of our mission of public education and our culture. New Paltz continues to work on building a community that supports freedom, mutual respect, and civility. We seek others who support these values of diversity and inclusiveness and candidates of all diverse backgrounds who wish to participate in our cultural aspirations are welcome and encouraged to apply. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The State University of New York at New Paltz is an AA/EOE/ADA employer.
Federal law and regulations require notice to all prospective employees regarding crimes that have occurred on campus in the current three year period. Please refer to the University Police Web site for the complete Annual Security Report (Clery Report) at SUNY New Paltz | University Police | Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports.
