What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sports Information Director position at Cincinnati Country Day School?
Position Summary:
The sports information director (SID) is responsible for overseeing all communication and media relations for the CCDS athletic programs, which serve students in grades 7-12. The SID will manage publicity efforts for athletic events, coordinate media coverage, maintain athletic records, and enhance the visibility of the school’s sports teams through various platforms, including websites and social media. Working closely with coaches, athletes, and school administrators, the SID will promote athletic accomplishments while ensuring that the school’s mission and values are reflected in all communications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Media Relations and Publicity:
- Serve as the primary contact for all media inquiries related to the school’s athletic programs.
- Write, distribute, and pitch press releases, game recaps, and feature stories about student-athletes and teams to local media outlets.
- Organize media days, press conferences, and interviews with student-athletes and coaches.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local media, sports reporters, and community partners to increase coverage of school athletics.
- Content Creation and Digital Media Management:
- Manage and regularly update the athletic department’s section of the school’s website with schedules, rosters, statistics, and game results.
- Develop and curate content for the school’s athletic social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Facebook), including live game updates, player highlights, and event promotions.
- Capture and manage photography and videography for athletic events, coordinating with professional photographers or student volunteers as needed.
- Game Day Operations:
- Oversee media coverage and communication efforts for home and away games, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of live stats, scores, and updates.
- Prepare and distribute post-game reports to coaches, players, and media.
- Record Keeping and Historical Documentation:
- Maintain comprehensive records for all athletic teams, including game results, player statistics, and notable achievements.
- Create and manage databases of athletic accomplishments for use in yearbooks, graduation ceremonies, and alumni communications.
- Promotional Activities and Community Engagement:
- Plan and promote special events such as senior nights, middle school appreciation games, and alumni sports events.
- Foster positive relationships with parents, students, and alumni by highlighting the athletic achievements of current students and teams.
- Collaboration with Coaches and Administration:
- Work closely with coaches to ensure accurate and timely communication regarding game results and player news.
- Collaborate with the athletic director and school administration to align media and communication efforts with the school’s mission and values.
- Assist in developing strategies to increase student and community involvement in athletic events and activities.
- Branding:
- Ensure that all communication and promotional materials align with the school’s branding guidelines and values. Oversee the proper use of logos, mascots, and school colors in all athletic communications and materials.
- Student Involvement and Mentorship:
- Encourage student participation in the school’s sports journalism or media programs by providing mentorship and opportunities for students to contribute to coverage (e.g., writing articles, taking photos, running social media).
- Coordinate student volunteers to assist with game day operations, including live statistics and multimedia production.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, sports management, journalism, or a related field.
- Experience in sports media, public relations, or sports marketing, preferably in a school or collegiate setting.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to create engaging content for various platforms.
- Knowledge of sports statistics, scorekeeping, and athletic terminology.
- Proficiency in digital platforms, including social media management, website updates, and multimedia production.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends for athletic events.
Skills and Attributes:
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills to manage multiple teams and events simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, coaches, and media.
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in reporting and record-keeping.
- Creative and proactive approach to promoting school athletics and engaging the school community.
To Apply:
If interested, please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3-5 references to Dennis Coyle, athletic director, at coyled@countryday.net.