Extra Help Athletics Communication Assistant

University of Illinois Springfield•Springfield, IL

About The Position

The Athletics Communications Assistant supports the day-to-day communications operations of UIS Athletics through in-game coverage, written content, feature storytelling, digital content, and other athletics communications support. Working closely with the Assistant AD for Strategic Communication and Operations, the assistant helps provide timely and accurate coverage of Prairie Stars teams and student-athletes and contributes to broader departmental communications efforts. The role adds immediate capacity to the Athletics Communications office and offers hands-on experience across multiple sports and communications functions.

Requirements

Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
Ability to produce accurate, timely content in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to gather information through interviews, research, and event observation.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with coaches, staff, and student-athletes.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
Familiarity with social media platforms and digital content creation.
Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and athletic events as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience covering collegiate athletics.
Experience writing game stories, recaps, previews, or feature stories.
Experience with live social media coverage of sporting events.
Familiarity with athletics statistics, game management, or sports information systems.
Experience with photography, videography, or other digital content creation.
Familiarity with AP style and sports writing conventions.
Enrollment in or completion of a degree program in communications, journalism, public relations, sports management, marketing, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Assist with in-game communications coverage at UIS athletic events, including live updates, scoring information, statistics, social media content, and other game-day communications needs.
Attend assigned athletic events to provide timely coverage and collect content for UIS Athletics digital platforms.
Gather photos, video, quotes, notes, and other information for postgame coverage and digital content.
Support game-day communications coordination with coaches, student-athletes, officials, event staff, and other athletics personnel.
Assist with coverage of home and away events based on departmental needs.
Write game recaps, previews, feature stories, releases, and other athletics-related content.
Research, interview, and develop feature stories about UIS student-athletes, coaches, teams, and programs.
Gather information from coaches, student-athletes, and staff to support accurate and timely storytelling.
Proofread and edit athletics communications materials for accuracy, clarity, AP style, and consistency with UIS Athletics standards.
Assist with timely postgame and post-event coverage across assigned sports.
Create and publish social media content during and around athletic events.
Develop short-form written content, game updates, highlights, and other material for UIS Athletics social media platforms.
Identify opportunities to capture content for use across multiple communications platforms.
Help maintain consistent messaging and branding across athletics digital channels.
Assist the Assistant AD for Strategic Communication and Operations with daily athletics communications responsibilities and departmental projects.
Support the development, organization, and improvement of communications processes, workflows, and resources.
Maintain records, historical information, statistics, rosters, and other athletics communications materials.
Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, consistency, and quality of the Athletics Communications operation.
Assist with special projects and department-wide communications initiatives as assigned.