The Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant or Post Graduate Intern will serve as a key member of the NKU Athletics public relations staff, which includes working with traditional media, website, record and statistical upkeep and the planning and execution of social media, to go with other duties as assigned. The position is perfect for recent graduates looking to gain their first full-time experience in the field at a high-caliber, championship-level NCAA Division I institution. The Norse have had one of the most successful starts in NCAA DI across the nation, which includes three Horizon League Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances over the past two years in men's basketball, baseball and softball.

 

A graduate assistant will receive funding for their studies while a post graduate intern will receive a stipend for their work. The candidate will be able to choose the path that best works for them, with either compensation in the form of tuition (graduate assistant) or monthly stipend (post graduate intern). For the graduate assistant path, admission into a degree program at Northern Kentucky University will be required. Any master’s program can be chosen for the graduate assistant role, and many former graduate assistants have opted for NKU’s online MBA degree.

 

The Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant or Post Graduate Intern will serve as the main contact for the NKU men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s track & field, men’s and women’s swimming and men’s and women’s triathlon programs, along with serving as a secondary contact for select Norse offerings (like men's basketball, basketball or another revenue sport).

 

This person will be responsible for all social media, statistical and website upkeep, graphic design and will have a large say in all marketing and video needs for their programs. This role could also involve some potential travel to big games, which includes Horizon League Championships and NCAA Tournaments. Work on nights and weekends will be required.

 

The Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant or Post Graduate Intern reports to the Associate AD of External Relations, and is responsible for the planning and implementing of the Athletics Department’s communication strategy in accordance with Northern Kentucky University (NKU), Horizon League, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) guidelines. The Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant or Post Graduate Intern is responsible for coordinating the communication efforts – including, but not limited to, news releases, media accommodations, website content, social media content, sport statistics, digital media, athletic publications, etc. – for their sport programs. The Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant or Post Graduate Intern will communicate effectively within the athletic department, as well as campus marketing and communications, to promote the University’s athletics programs. The Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant aids the Associate AD of External Operations and Assistant Director of Athletics Communications in development of programming, promotional activities, public relations and support services.  The Assistant Athletics Communication Director will also work closely with the Director of Creative Media, the Coordinator of Creative Media and student workers.

 

Compliance with NCAA rules is of the utmost importance at Northern Kentucky University. As a member of the athletics department staff, it is expected that the Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant or Post Graduate Intern will have a full understanding of the NCAA rules that pertain to the position. It is also expected that the Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant or Post Graduate Intern will comply with all NCAA rules and if he/she becomes aware or have reasonable cause to believe that a violation of a rule has occurred he/she will immediately report it to the Director of Athletics or his/her designee.

 

Primary Responsibilities:
1. Serve as the primary public relations lead for the NKU men’s and women’s cross country, track & field, swimming and triathlon programs.
2. Prepare, maintain and distribute media information as well as other publicity for assigned programs.
3. Produce content for distribution to media outlets, NKUNorse.com and across Norse Athletics social media accounts, including but not limited to; recaps, previews, press releases, graphics, digital and social media, etc.
4. Coordinate student-athlete media appearances for assigned programs.
5. Pitch story ideals to local, regional and national media.
6. Provide support to the department’s digital (video) efforts, including features and assistant with live broadcast production of home sporting events.
7. Work closely with all broadcast partners to provide accurate information on teams.
8. Nominate and promote honors and awards for student-athletes, coaches and administrators.
9. In coordination with the Associate AD of External Operations and the Assistant Director of Athletics Communications, assist in the daily management of NKUNorse.com.
10. Provide support for select athletics events not part of assigned sports.
11. Serve as the secondary contact for a select NKU revenue sport.
12. Live stating of NKU games and events.
13. Develop a positive relationship with all media outlets and provide services to radio and TV personalities.
14. Comply with all NKU, Horizon League and NCAA regulations.
 
Occasional Duties Performed:
1. Travel to select away contests, which includes all Horizon League Championships and NCAA Tournament games, might be required.
2. Report to NCAA, National Coaches Associations and the Horizon League for weekly updates on statistics and conference awards for each program.
3. Coordinate with marketing, ticketing and promotions to aid in ticket sales.
4. Other duties as assigned.