Assistant Director of Communications

Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Assistant Director of Communications

Posting Number
NFE03077P

Department
SDSU-Intercollegiate Athletics

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

South Dakota State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Communications to join our Intercollegiate Athletics team. In this role you will be responsible for providing accurate and timely information about SDSU Athletics to a variety of constituent groups, including media, fans, and the general public. This position is located in

Brookings , South Dakota. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

At South Dakota State University, Jackrabbit Athletics is built on tradition, excellence, and passion. Competing at the NCAA Division I level, our 19 sports programs push boundaries in The Summit League, the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Pac 12 Conference (wrestling), and the National Collegiate Equestrian Association. Behind the competition is a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for student-athletes, fans, and the community. Learn more about Jackrabbit Athletics on the

Jackrabbit Athletics website .

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Assistant Director of Communications will support the promotion and coverage of South Dakota State University Athletics through strategic communications, media relations, digital content management, and game day operations. Responsibilities include writing and editing athletics publications and news releases, maintaining GoJacks.com, managing media and press box operations during home events, enhancing social media presence for assigned sports, maintaining historical records and statistics, and promoting student-athletes and coaches through award nominations and storytelling initiatives.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits

including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
An earned Bachelor's degree in Journalism or related field completed by start date
At least one year of experience working in collegiate athletics communications
Experience in sports reporting and feature writing
Proficiency in website management including content editing and updates
Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and other nontraditional hours as needed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree in Journalism, Sports Management or related field
Experience covering the sport of wrestling
Background in media relations and game/event management
NCAA Division I experience

APPLICATION PROCESS:

This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date
05/22/2026

Closing Date
05/29/2026

Open Until Filled
No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary
The minimum starting salary is $46,421 commensurate with experience.

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours

M-F, 8am-5pm with various other hours pending athletic events.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires
Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState

is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a

dynamic community

for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing

HR@sdstate.edu . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Megan Glover, at 605-688-5625 or via email

Megan.Glover@sdstate.edu .