Sports Information Director
The Sports Information Director (SID) serves as the chief communications and media relations professional for Winston‑Salem State University Athletics. The SID is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications initiatives that enhance the visibility, reputation, and brand of WSSU Athletics, its student‑athletes, coaches, and programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Athletic Communications & Media Relations
- Serve as the primary media contact for WSSU Athletics.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive athletics communications strategy.
- Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
- Coordinate media interviews, press conferences, and media availability for coaches, student‑athletes, and athletics administrators.
- Prepare and distribute press releases, media advisories, feature stories, and other communications materials.
- Manage crisis communications in collaboration with University Relations and the Director of Athletics.
- Digital Media & Content Creation
- Oversee content development for the athletics website and digital platforms.
- Develop engaging stories highlighting student‑athlete, coach, and program achievements.
- Coordinate photography, videography, graphic design, and multimedia content initiatives.
- Collaborate with University Relations to ensure consistent institutional branding and messaging.
- Monitor and evaluate digital engagement metrics and implement strategies to increase audience growth and engagement.
- Athletic Website Management
- Manage and maintain the official athletics website.
- Ensure timely posting of schedules, rosters, statistics, news releases, and multimedia content.
- Coordinate website updates and ensure accuracy of information.
- Develop content strategies that enhance visibility and user engagement.
- Statistics and Records Management
- Maintain official statistics and records for all varsity sports.
- Ensure accurate reporting of statistics to the NCAA, CIAA, and applicable governing organizations.
- Oversee game statistics operations, including scorekeeping and statistical crews.
- Maintain historical archives and records for all athletic programs.
- Game Operations
- Coordinate all game‑day media operations for home athletic events.
- Prepare game notes, media guides, credentials, and statistical packets.
- Manage media work areas and facilitate media coverage during athletic contests.
- Supervise game‑day communications staff, student workers, and volunteers.
- Coordinate live statistics and support streaming and broadcast operations.
- Publications and Special Projects
- Produce athletics publications including media guides, record books, championship materials, and annual reports.
- Coordinate award nominations and recognition programs for student‑athletes, coaches, and administrators.
- Support special events, championship hosting opportunities, and university initiatives.
- Leadership and Supervision
- Recruit, train, and supervise student workers, interns, and graduate assistants.
- Establish departmental communication standards and operating procedures.
- Collaborate with coaches and athletics staff to promote programs effectively.
- Participate in strategic planning initiatives for the Athletics Department.
- Compliance and Administration
- Maintain compliance with NCAA, CIAA, UNC System, and university regulations.
- Ensure proper use of student‑athlete information and image rights.
- Manage departmental communication budgets and resources.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
Position Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
- 3‑5 years of experience in sports journalism.
- Experience working within collegiate athletics.
- Experience with NCAA statistics and reporting procedures.
- Highly effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to interact and build relationships with administrators, coaches, and student‑athletes.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license.
Work Schedule and Location
Working hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday‑Friday, with evenings and weekends as necessary.
Location: Bowman Gray Stadium Fieldhouse, Room 233, Winston‑Salem, North Carolina.
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Optional Documents
- References List