Job Description

Sports Communication Specialist

The Sports Communication Specialist role is designed to develop and implement communication strategies for external audiences using social media, public relations, and the Northland Pioneers athletics website. This position is intermittent with an anticipated ten hours per week. This position collaborates closely with all athletic programs to create and disseminate digital content, photography, stories, and press releases that effectively promote the athletic program, athletics department, and the institution. Furthermore, this individual will assume the responsibilities of the social media lead for Pioneers Athletics and aid with various communication-related tasks. Additionally, the position entails the compilation and publication of game statistics.

Effective collaboration with all members of the communications team is essential to meet the objectives associated with this role. The primary goal is to produce high-quality, timely, and consistent written content that is tailored to diverse audiences and formats. This position is primarily located at the Thief River Falls campus and requires a flexible schedule, which may include evening and weekend hours to accommodate special projects and the coverage of athletic events.

Responsibilities

• Communications and Social Media Support - Create engaging communications, integrating key messaging strategies, and day-to-day content creation of our social media platforms.
• Media Production - Through photography and video create compelling and engaging content to enhance the Pioneers Athletics brand and image with key stakeholders and target audiences.
• Communications Activities and Research - Perform other duties as assigned, including event planning and support, participating in special projects, and market research.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of para-professional experience, OR combination of post-secondary training, education, and/or experience, that demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities in marketing, communications, advertising, business, management or related field.
• Creative experience working across diverse mediums such as print, electronic, social networking, video or other emerging media.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively, solve problems and make sound decisions.
• Able to use varying styles, approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding and acceptance of the role of culture in a diverse multicultural workplace.
• Video and photography production skills sufficient to provide visual content for publications and the web.
• Working knowledge of social media including Instagram, Facebook, etc.
• Understanding of basic principles of marketing and ability to design and produce creative, original, compelling, brand-compliant marketing materials that are audience-appropriate.
• Ability to have grace under pressure and work efficiently under time constraints while producing high quality work.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, organization skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional experience in communications, social media, marketing, or journalism
• Ability to learn or have current knowledge of Canva or Adobe software (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premier Pro)
• Familiarity with higher education, OR college athletics marketing trends, strategies, and tactics.

Benefits Information

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

Desired Start Date: 08-20-2025

Open Date: 07-10-2025

Close Date:

Posting Contact Name: Kari Beito

Posting Contact Email: kari.beito@northlandcollege.edu

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