Strategic Communications Athletics Consultant - Volleyball and Softball

Intercollegiate Athletics

The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking an Strategic Communications Athletics Consultant - Volleyball and Softball that is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive strategic communications plans that elevate the visibility, brand and engagement of Mizzou Volleyball and Softball. The position serves as the primary communications contact for both programs, working closely with coaches, student-athletes, staff and media to promote program achievements, tell compelling stories and enhance the overall fan experience. The position also serves as the primary communications contact for Mizzou Swimming & Diving while overseeing a student intern responsible for day-to-day coverage. This role requires strong relationship-building, strategic thinking, writing, media relations, content development and event-management skills within a fast-paced Division I athletics environment.

Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Communications and Media Relations (30%)

* Serve as the primary strategic communications contact for Mizzou Volleyball and Softball, developing and implementing comprehensive communications plans for each program.
* Manage media relations, including media requests, interview coordination, press availability and media outreach.
* Develop press releases, game notes, statistical materials, feature stories, talking points and other communications materials.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with coaches, student-athletes, media members and internal stakeholders.
* Serve as the communications lead for assigned programs during significant events, postseason competition and major announcements.

2. Content Development, Storytelling and Brand Promotion (25%)

* Identify and develop compelling stories that highlight student-athletes, coaches, teams and program accomplishments.
* Collaborate with the Creative Directors for Volleyball and Softball to develop innovative and engaging content across digital and social platforms.
* Lead in-season storytelling efforts while supporting off-season initiatives designed to strengthen program brands and fan engagement.
* Develop communications strategies that support recruiting, ticket sales, community engagement and other department priorities.
* Contribute to department-wide storytelling initiatives and provide coverage of additional sports or programs as needed.

3. Sports Coverage and Game Day Operations (20%)

* Travel as needed with Volleyball and Softball teams to serve as the on-site communications lead for media relations, content capture and team communications.
* Oversee communications operations for home competitions, including press box management, media credentials, interviews, statistics and postgame responsibilities.
* Lead and mentor student interns and event staff assisting with communications and game-day operations.
* Ensure timely and accurate distribution of game information, results, statistics and postgame materials.
* Maintain effective communications coverage throughout the regular season, postseason and other high-profile competitions.

4. Swimming and Diving Oversight and Staff Development (15%)

* Serve as the primary communications contact for Mizzou Swimming & Diving.
* Provide strategic direction and oversight to the student intern responsible for the program's day-to-day communications coverage.
* Review and ensure accuracy of communications materials, statistics, releases and digital content produced by the student intern.
* Mentor and develop student staff in media relations, writing, statistics, content development and event operations.
* Coordinate with coaches and staff to ensure appropriate coverage of program achievements, student-athletes and competitive events.

5. Information Management, Compliance and Department Initiatives (10%)

* Maintain accurate and current rosters, bios, statistics, records, historical information and program archives for assigned sports.
* Collaborate with SEC and NCAA offices regarding statistical accuracy, reporting requirements and awards nominations.
* Support department-wide strategic communications initiatives, postseason events and major announcements.
* Ensure communications materials and statistical information are accurate, timely and consistent with NCAA, SEC and University standards.
* Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of Mizzou Athletics.

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm; Nights, Weekends, and Travel as required.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

* Experience as the primary contact for a collegiate volleyball, softball, or other sport program.
* Demonstrated success in media relations, digital content integration, and strategic communications planning.
* Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills with knowledge of AP style.

Salary Range: $54,000.00 - $56,000.00 per year

Grade: GGS 9E

University Title: Strategic Communications Consultant

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.