Sports Communication Specialist - Athletics (Fixed-Term for 3 Years)

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Sports Communications Specialist reporting to the Associate Director of Athletics.

The Sports Communications Specialist will help tell the NYUAD Athletics’ story by developing, creating, implementing, and overseeing Athletics communications internally and externally. The role will also lead the department’s relationship and collaboration with the NYUAD External Relations department. This position will coordinate the development of a content strategy through working with departmental stakeholders to ensure regular, consistent and ongoing positive messaging to the community that is aligned with internal expectations and aims to increase overall engagement and participation. The position will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive NYUAD Athletics communications plan for electronic and digital media (websites and social media), printed materials, statistical reports, monthly campaigns, editorial features, game day reports and other multi-media output (photo and video). The Sports Communication Specialist will also be responsible for writing program proposals, managing the communications of NYUAD Athletics branded events (invitation letters, press releases, media inquiries) along with the creation and implementation of department branding initiatives.  The incumbent will supervise a team of student assistants in delivering the aforementioned goals and content outputs.

On occasion the specialist will be required to support the functions of the broader Student Affairs division also. The position will require evening and weekends commitments during the academic year.

The duties of this role may at times involve being exposed to data that may be sensitive in nature and require confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, design, and maintain content for the NYUAD Athletics website, intranet, student portal and social media channels in line with the attributes associated with the NYUAD brand identity
• Increase the visibility of NYUAD Athletics through strategic marketing of all content that is published to external stakeholders and outward facing media including local media companies, NYUAD intranet, NYUAD student portal, Athletics social media channels and press releases
• Encourage student participation through assistantships and volunteer opportunities as well as increasing overall NYUAD Community engagement at department events through spectator engagement initiatives
• Oversee user experience of the department’s communication channels by optimizing design and functionality making navigation pleasurable
• Coordinate external and student assistant photographers and videographer’s employment within the department including; contracts, managing task assignment and scheduling to ensure there is sufficient coverage of all NYUAD Athletics programming while transferring, organizing, and archiving content efficiently
• Produce media publications and press releases representing NYUAD Athletics and manage all PR related to Athletics programming
• Promote NYUAD Athletics and students through the creation of short and long-term social media campaigns

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or a related field

Preferred Education:

• Master’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations or a related field
• Current CPR/First AID certification 

Required Experience:

• Experience in a media / communications related role
• Experience working in a fast paced environment with the ability to meet multiple deadlines
• Experience writing press releases, articles and other media content
• Experience using content management systems (CMS) and/or management of website
• Experience managing social media accounts and developing successful promotional campaigns
• Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
• Knowledge of sports information/media relations and the ability to write press releases
• Excellent oral and written communications skills 
• Ability to manage and update websites
• Ability to use and manage various social media platforms effectively and efficiently
• Graphic design 
• Adobe Suite competency (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign)
• Ability to work a flexible schedule

Preferred Experience:

• At least three (3) years’ experience in a media / communications role within a sports organization
• Knowledge of existing and emerging online social media platforms
• Possess a high level of motivation
• Ability to work well in a team and in an unsupervised environment
• Advanced MS Excel

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion.

About NYUAD & Student Affairs:

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is a central part of NYUAD’s global network, marked by a uniquely international student population (100+ nationalities); a rigorous, liberal arts and science academic program; and a location at the crossroads of the Arab world. We are a highly diverse community that shapes and examines issues of common humanity through multicultural perspectives; recognizes that the breadth of an education here extends far beyond the classroom and the campus; sees students themselves as educators; and recognizes that true engagement with the breadth of our diversity requires curiosity, humility, and engagement with contrasting views and values.

NYUAD’s Division of Student Affairs focuses on the out-of-classroom student experience, cultivating belonging, catalyzing development, and fostering engagement for a campus community of 1800+ students. The division brings together multiple functional areas – including cultural engagement, spiritual life, student engagement, community outreach, career development, athletics, residential education, health, wellness and more – to provide students with the structure, resources, and support to maximize their educational experience and reach their full potential.

Student Affairs Leader Profile:

We look for inclusive leaders that nurture collaboration and pursue diversity in people, thought and perspective. They model candor, transparency, vulnerability, and good judgment. They are willing to receive feedback, accept ambiguity, take risks, acknowledge mistakes, and engage in conflict constructively. We want culture setters and strategic thinkers, who actively seek to align processes and programs with our values and institutional context. We seek those who are able to empower, inspire and motivate others to do and to be their best. Cultural humility undergirds our work, so our leaders need to be able to engage in the process of self-reflection and self-critique to both learn about others and to examine their own beliefs and cultural identities.

About the Department of Athletics:

NYU Abu Dhabi’s Department of Athletics, positively impacts student wellbeing through the delivery of intercollegiate sports, recreational and intramural sporting and fitness opportunities along with a holistic Physical & Health Education program. These programs are also community developing and thrive through building relationships that foster a lifelong commitment to physical and intellectual well-being. By providing innovative programming that encourages collaboration, enhances the educational experience, creates overall balance and develops character in the pursuit of excellence, the Department promotes and complements the University’s liberal arts mission.