Director of Communications (Athletics)

Position Function:

Mississippi State University Athletics is seeking a Director of Communications to join its communications and external team. The successful candidate must be highly organized and driven with exceptional multi-tasking and communication skills. This position will work closely with the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Communications and Content and Mississippi State’s multimedia rights holder, Bulldog Sports Properties (Learfield), as well as the creative and marketing teams. Travel will be required as well as working long hours and weekends.

Salary Grade: 16

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Serve as lead play-by-play role for Mississippi State baseball radio broadcasts including live pre-game and post-game duties for home, road, and postseason competitions.
2. Plan and perform pre-production work, secure guests for shows as needed, and host and manage the production of a weekly radio show.
3. Conduct weekly interviews with coaches and players to be used during broadcasts and on digital applications.
4. Work with broadcast engineers and Bulldog Sports Properties to identify equipment needs, repairs, and logistics when executing multiple broadcasts.
5. Produce content for the official athletic department website, digital applications, and television broadcasts including but not limited to voiceovers, post-practice interviews, featured stories, community service, NIL activations, student-athlete brand management, commercials, and ticket sales and fundraising promotions.
6. Host weekly podcast and support overall strategy and direction of Mississippi State Athletics podcast network.
7. Support student-athlete media training and appearances.
8. Attend weekly meetings involving content creation, storytelling, and revenue generation with representatives from Mississippi State Athletics and Bulldog Sports Properties.
9. Serve as host at various Mississippi State Athletics events and public appearances including but not limited to the M-Club Hall of Fame, Ron Polk Ring of Honor, Cristil Society, and donor/partner kickoff events.
10. Complete other departmental tasks as assigned by the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Communications and Content.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism

Experience: Five years of experience in radio broadcast, athletic communications, storytelling, and content creation.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Ability to travel with the team.
2. Ability to work long hours, including nights and weekends.
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
4. Advanced knowledge of communications/storytelling concepts and principles.
5. Comprehensive mastery of NCAA rules and knowledge of the Southeastern Conference.
6. Understanding of how to stay ahead of trends in the profession.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dirt, chemicals, etc.
Job frequently requires walking, standing, lifting, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and handling objects with hands.

Instructions for Applying:

Please apply online and submit a resume and cover letter.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or [email protected].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or [email protected]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.