Director of Communications
Boston, MA, United States
Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) is a men’s and women’s NCAA Division I ice hockey league comprised of 18 programs across 15 member institutions. Member institutions are located in Colorado, Delaware, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The Director of Communications will spearhead all aspects of conference communications (media guides, news releases, digital and print materials), statistical management, archival records, and reports of the conference office. The Director of Communications is responsible for creating media awareness, working to extend the brand and message of Atlantic Hockey America. This role reports directly to the AHA Commissioner, and works closely with various constituencies, including: Supervisor of Officials, Directors of Athletics (or his/her designee), Head Coaches, Institutional Facility Staff and other conference office personnel. This role has oversight and management of the Digital Media Manager. This is a full time, 12-month appointment based remotely. Preference to have the candidate reside within or near the league footprint. The position may require travel and the ability to work a non-traditional schedule, including evenings, weekends and some holidays. Job Expectations: • Direct any and all aspects of AHA media, technology and external communication efforts to develop and grow the conference brands. • Serve as the primary contact for conference media relations and duties, including but not limited to, oversight of media days, maintain conference statistical records, execution of the conference award winner program, creation of league marketing collateral, press releases, increasing national media coverage, and conference tournament media operations. • Oversight and management of broadcasting / streaming operations, social and digital media for the conference, including and serving as the main point of contact between the conference offices and third-party partners (i.e. Streaming partner, Web platform provider, etc.). • Create, develop, and execute communications strategy and content across conference social, digital and print media channels. • Liaise with NCAA Division I communications and media services as needed. • Spearhead the development and execution of marketing campaigns, including the creation of graphics and marketing collateral. • Attend league Championships and assist with post season tournaments by enhancing the student athlete experience, increasing fan interest and exposure amongst local communities. Collaboration with the local visitors and convention bureaus and campus partners to achieve and exceed goals set for the season. • Collaborate with colleagues across Division I to identify best practices and streamline efficiencies. • Support the Commissioner in preparing reports, resources and minutes for any and all league meetings. • Other duties as assigned by the Commissioner.
Required Qualifications:
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in sports management, marketing, communications and/or public
relations either in professional sports or collegiate athletics.
• Understanding and comfort with new and emerging technology and trends in communications and social media.
• Self-starter with excellent communication and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle multiple deadline
driven tasks.
• Awareness and understanding of the NCAA governance, legislative structures and Division I men’s and women’s
ice hockey.
• Knowledge of website management, content creation and statistical software platforms.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Writing, editing and proofreading abilities with experience in preparing press releases.
• Strong administrative and organization skills.
• A self-starter that fosters an environment of collaboration.
• The ability to see projects through completion and meet deadlines.
• Accessible with the ability to return messages within a timely manner.
• Capacity to travel to league games and events throughout the hockey season when necessary.
• Ability to work independently in non-traditional hours and weekends.
• Ability to work remotely in a home office.
• Proficient in Google based tools (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, etc.).
• Bachelor’s Degree required.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Awareness of the everchanging landscape of NCAA Division I college athletics and college hockey.
• Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and/or other graphic platforms.
• Master’s degree or higher preferred.
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