Job Description

Missouri Western State University, located in St. Joseph, Missouri, just 45 minutes north of Kansas City, is seeking candidates for our Athletics department to serve as the Director of Communications. Missouri Western is an NCAA Division II institution, which successfully competes in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) in 16 sports and Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) in 1 sport.

Job Summary
The Director of Communications serves as the liaison between the Athletics Department and MIAA/NCAA, and oversees media relations for all Griffon Athletics sports. The Director of Communications will manage the athletics website, gogriffons.com and produce regular content (press releases, season outlooks, digital programs etc.) in order to enhance the brand and promote student-athletes and coaches. The Director of Communications will also perform/assign game day operations related to media, press box, and game statistics. The Director of Communications will work in tandem with the Director of Creative Content to recognize and promote the accomplishments of student-athletes and coaches via social media channels, media interviews, and broadcast streaming. The Director of Communications will supervise a part-time communications coordinator position and hire/supervise student workers to assist on game day and/or in the office, and manage the budget for the department.

Essential Job Duties

Serve as the primary media contact for all sports.
Oversee and perform/assign game-day operations related to media, press box, scorer's table, game statistics, game programs, and pre/postgame press conferences.
Oversee maintenance of the athletic website, gogriffons.com, including but not limited to posting/updating schedules, rosters, student-athlete and staff bios, and keeping the record books up-to- date.
Produce regular press releases (event previews, recaps, and other news) in order to enhance the brand and tell the stories of Griffon Athletics.
Nominate student-athletes and coaches for MIAA/NCAA/Coaches Associations awards.
Communicate and coordinate graphic/content needs with creative staff for season.
Use social media to promote individual teams and Griffons Athletics.
Handle requests from outside media sources for interviews, statements, and credential distribution.
Work collaboratively with the University's public relations office when required on athletic-related news stories and events.
Supervise a part-time communications coordinator and student workers, and maintain the department budget.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level .

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent communication skills, both verbal, writing, and editing.
Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
Proven ability to handle high stress situations, meet deadlines, manage multiple responsibilities, and make sound administrative decisions.
Organized thinker with exceptional attention to detail.
Effective management skills, and the ability to oversee students and student workers.
Ability to effectively collaborate with entities outside of athletics.
Knowledge of statistical software including NCAA live stats/Genius and/or Stat Crew.
Proficiency in various software programs, including but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and Sidearm Sports.
Familiarity with photography and basic understanding to properly utilize in-game coverage.
Basic knowledge of social media and content creation.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, sport management or related field.
Three to five (3-5) years of experience in sports information/public relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential job duties of the position.
A valid driver's license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education

Physical Demands

Light Work
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

FLSA: Exempt

Additional Demands

Nights and Weekends Required
Travel Required

Hours of Work

Monday-Friday
8:00am - 4:30pm

Posting Number: S782P

Priority Deadline: 06/20/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Missouri Western State University

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Director of Athletic Communications