We're Hiring!

Position Function:

Perform the day-to-day communications duties for the Bulldog football program, including monitoring and shaping public perception of the football program through proactive communications and messaging strategies. This position also works directly with football student-athletes, providing guidance and preparation for media availabilities as well as development of their public image. This position reports directly to the Assistant AD for Brand Advancement & Content Strategy. This position will also work alongside the Executive Associate A.D./Brand Advancement & External Engagement, Directors for Communications, Assistant Directors for Communications, Football Creative unit, and other staff members throughout the department.

Salary Grade:  15

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct day-to-day communications duties for the football program, coordinating and executing media relations activities for the sport in conjunction with the Assistant AD for Brand Advancement & Content Strategy.
2. Collaborate closely with the Assistant AD for Football Creative Strategy and all members of the Football Creative unit to align storytelling, content and messaging across communications and creative platforms.
3. Continuously and actively pitch and promote student-athlete centered social media content to the Football Creative unit to be published from the HailStateFB social channels and HailState.com.
4. Regularly track social media analytics for HailStateFB compared to peer programs as well as trends in the college football social media landscape in order to assist the Football Creative unit in aggressively improving the promotion of the MSU Football brand.
5. Monitor traditional and social media coverage of the football program on an ongoing basis, proactively identifying storylines and reputational risks in order to help shape and safeguard public perception of the program.
6. Prepare, write, edit and distribute press releases, weekly game notes, statistical notes and other publicity materials for football.
7. Produce and design the annual football media guide, record book and game-day program materials using desktop publishing tools including Adobe Creative Suite.
8. Coordinate, schedule and oversee all football student-athlete and coaching staff media appearances, including press conferences, one-on-one interviews, podcasts and other public appearances in conjunction with the Assistant AD for Brand Advancement & Content Strategy.
9. Provide direct guidance, training and preparation to student-athletes on media availability, interview readiness and messaging in order to represent themselves and the program effectively.
10. Provide guidance and support to student-athletes in developing and maintaining a healthy, positive personal social media brand, in partnership with the Football Creative unit and communications staff.
11. Pitch original story ideas and cultivate earned media opportunities with local, state and national media to elevate the football program's national profile.
12. Travel with the football team to all competitions, managing media logistics, interview coordination and statistical crew operations on the road.
13. Oversee football press box operations on game day, including media credentialing, interview room logistics, and coordination with visiting team communications staff and conference media representatives.
14. Serve as a liaison to the SEC's broadcast partners as well as radio and television personnel, providing timely and accurate information to support game broadcasts and coverage.
15. Supervise, train and mentor student assistants supporting football communications.
16. Oversee communications and social media efforts for other Olympic sports as assigned that would be handled on a daily basis by student assistants.
17. Attend Mississippi State Athletics related competitions and events.
18. Perform related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position will oversee student assistants supporting football and other Olympic sports as assigned.

The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Content Strategy, Digital Strategy, Creative Strategy, Communication or Public Relations, or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Must ensure compliance with NCAA, SEC and University policies and procedures.
- Excellent communication and team management skills.
- Ability to travel with the team.
- Required to work quickly, efficiently, and with adaptability under strict deadlines.
- Ability to work long hours including nights, weekends and holidays.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Knowledge of communications, content, creative and digital media.
- Knowledge and experience with Adobe Creative Suite required.
- Work experience and knowledge of content production and storytelling.
- Proven success producing creative and innovative multi-media content.
- Experience in other multi-media production platforms.
- Knowledge of a collegiate athletics department and the NCAA structure desired.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

- Occasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., but none to the point of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards where likely result would be cuts, bruises, etc.
- Work hours are unpredictable and may require including nights and weekends; frequent interruptions based on changing priorities; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.
- Job frequently requires sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
- Job occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
- Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Please attach your Resume and cover letter to the Application.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.