Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES The Summit League is seeking a creative, detail-oriented communications professional to help tell the stories of its student-athletes, coaches and member institutions. Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner of Strategic Communications, this position serves as the primary communications contact for assigned sports while supporting content creation across the League's digital platforms, supporting championship communications and contributing to the continued growth of the Summit League Network. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, possess exceptional writing and organizational skills, and demonstrate a passion for collegiate athletics and storytelling. DETAILS OF RESPONSIBILITIES Communications & Sport Administration Serve as the primary communications contact for assigned sports, while assisting with men's and women's basketball communications during the regular season and postseason. Sport assignments will be determined based on departmental needs and the successful candidate's experience and strengths. Develop and execute communications plans that promote student-athletes, coaches, institutions and championship events across League platforms. Manage conference awards processes for assigned sports, including weekly, preseason, postseason and academic honors, along with applicable nomination and voting responsibilities. Maintain accurate statistics, records, historical archives and other sport-specific information. Prepare and distribute information, rankings and supporting materials for NCAA selection committees to assist member institutions under postseason consideration. Build and maintain positive working relationships with local, regional and national media while responding to media inquiries for assigned sports. Content Creation & Storytelling Write, edit and publish a variety of communications materials, including press releases, feature stories, recaps, previews, notebooks, digital programs, year-in-review content and other editorial pieces. Ensure all written, digital and social media content reflects The Summit League's brand standards, editorial style and strategic messaging. Collaborate with the League's communications, creative and digital staff to produce engaging multimedia content that increases fan engagement and promotes conference initiatives. Assist in creating sponsored content and branded assets that fulfill corporate partnership agreements. Digital Platforms & Technology Manage and maintain The Summit League website and mobile app through routine updates, quality assurance and content management using the SIDEARM platform. Support the Summit League Network through platform maintenance, broadcast auditing, content organization and other digital operations. Identify opportunities to improve the League's digital presence through emerging platforms, creative storytelling and innovative content strategies. Championships & League Events Assist in the planning, coordination and execution of League events, including championship communications, digital preview shows, Basketball Media Day and Hall of Fame announcements. Serve as part of the League's on-site communications team for assigned championships and marquee events. Assist with League-wide initiatives and special projects involving student-athlete welfare, diversity and inclusion, NIL, mental health, Title IX and other strategic priorities. Perform additional communications, administrative and event-related responsibilities as assigned by the Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner of Strategic Communications. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE A bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e., communications, journalism, marketing or public relations) is required and 1-3 years of experience working within a similar field in a collegiate or professional sports setting is preferred. Possession of strong written and oral communication skills, along with strong interpersonal, and organizational skills, resulting in the ability to thrive in a team environment and work efficiently with a variety of constituents, including conference staff, and administrators and staff at member institutions. Experience creating engaging digital, video and social media content for collegiate athletics or a comparable environment. Proficient in using social media and video platforms including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Experience with NCAA LiveStats, StatCrew, Genius Sports, SIDEARM, Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva is preferred. Experience managing athletics websites using the SIDEARM content management system. The position requires flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as well as travel for championships, events, and League-related activities This position is based at the Summit League offices in Sioux Falls, SD. JOB CLASSIFICATION & COMPENSATION Full-time, exempt employment with a salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. A robust benefits package that includes medical & dental insurance, life insurance, cell phone stipend, travel reimbursement, and an employer contribution to a retirement plan. This is a 12-month, full-time position with an annual salary range based on previous work experience plus a benefits package that includes medical and dental plans along with a retirement plan through TIAA-CREF. APPLICATIONS OF INTEREST Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references prior to August 1 to ensure priority consideration. Submission of video, graphic design and/or other work samples is strongly encouraged, but not required. Application materials can be emailed to hr@thesummitleague.org. The position may remain open until filled. The Summit League is committed to equal opportunity employment and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. All recruitment and hiring materials and practices should comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidate(s). The Summit League is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse work environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr