Extra Help Athletics Communication Assistant

About the Role

The Athletics Communications Assistant will support the day-to-day communications operations of UIS Athletics. This position is designed to provide immediate additional capacity within the Athletics Communications office, with opportunities to work across multiple sports and communications functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Game and Event Coverage
• Assist with in-game communications coverage for UIS athletic events, including live updates, scoring information, statistics, social media content, and other game-day needs.
• Attend athletic events as assigned to provide timely coverage and collect content for UIS Athletics digital platforms.
• Assist with gathering photos, video, quotes, notes, and other information for postgame coverage and digital content.
• Support game-day communications operations, coordinating with coaches, student-athletes, officials, event staff, and other athletics personnel.
• Assist with coverage of home and away events based on departmental needs.
• Writing and Editorial Content
• Write game recaps, previews, feature stories, releases, and other athletics-related content.
• Assist with researching, interviewing, and developing feature stories highlighting UIS student-athletes, coaches, teams, and programs.
• Gather information from coaches, student-athletes, and staff for accurate and timely storytelling.
• Proofread and edit athletics communications materials for accuracy, clarity, AP style, and consistency with UIS Athletics standards.
• Assist with maintaining timely postgame and post-event coverage across assigned sports.
• Digital and Social Media Content
• Assist with creating and publishing social media content during and around athletic events.
• Develop short-form written content, game updates, highlights, and other material for UIS Athletics social media platforms.
• Identify opportunities to capture content for multiple communications platforms.
• Assist with maintaining consistent messaging and branding across athletics digital channels.
• Communications Operations and Processes
• Assist the Assistant AD for Strategic Communication and Operations with daily athletics communications responsibilities and departmental projects.
• Support the development, organization, and improvement of communications processes, workflows, and resources.
• Assist with maintaining records, historical information, statistics, rosters, and other materials used in athletics communications.
• Help identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, consistency, and quality of the Athletics Communications operation.
• Assist with special projects and department-wide communications initiatives.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Ability to produce accurate, timely content in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to gather information through interviews, research, and event observation.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with coaches, staff, and student-athletes.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital content creation.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and athletic events as required.

Qualifications

• Experience covering collegiate athletics.
• Experience writing game stories, recaps, previews, or feature stories.
• Experience with live social media coverage of sporting events.
• Familiarity with athletics statistics, game management, or sports information systems.
• Experience with photography, videography, or other digital content creation.
• Familiarity with AP style and sports writing conventions.
• Enrollment in or completion of a degree program in communications, journalism, public relations, sports management, marketing, or a related field.

Note: This position is not eligible for benefits and is covered by the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) instead of Social Security.