Director of Social Strategy - Athletics

West Virginia University•West Virginia, WV

About The Position

The Director of Social Strategy leads the planning, execution, and growth of West Virginia University Athletics’ social media presence. The role develops digital content strategies to strengthen the WVU brand, increase fan engagement, and support departmental objectives. Reporting to the Assistant Athletic Director for Creative/Digital, the Director oversees content planning and publishing across athletics social media platforms, manages digital media staff and student content creators, and serves as a strategist and account contact for major athletics accounts. The position works with creative, marketing, communications, video production, sponsorship, and external partners to develop campaigns and storytelling for student-athletes, fans, alumni, and donors, while complying with University, Big 12 Conference, and NCAA rules. The Director manages content schedules and assignments, oversees social publishing and content production, and leads video and digital projects such as recruiting materials, promotional campaigns, web features, and hype videos. The position also supervises graduate assistants and student workers, coordinates project teams and equipment needs, supports staff training and development, and contributes to the effective operation of the Athletics Department’s creative and digital services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in digital media, television production, communication arts, or a related occupational field.
At least five years of experience publishing to main team accounts, with an emphasis on strategy for producing engaging content across social platforms.
Any equivalent combination of related education and experience will be considered.
Qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Leadership skills to develop a content team and support high levels of creativity.
Operational knowledge of computers and computer-based video editing and graphic systems.
Knowledge of sports, rules of play, and basic strategies.
Knowledge of new media, digital media, and internet distribution opportunities.
Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.
Strong familiarity with popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Knowledge of and ability to monitor social media trends.
Familiarity with analytics tools such as Facebook Insights and Twitter Analytics and ability to interpret data.
Oral and written communication skills, including strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to organize resources and establish priorities.
Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people in a diverse community.
Effective time-management skills.
Ability to communicate clear directions to a crew.
Ability to take initiative and meet project deadlines.
Ability to formulate concepts and plan, develop, and implement prerecorded video programs.
Ability to critically analyze video elements and create and edit written materials.
Ability to understand the technical and aesthetic aspects of studio or field video production.
Ability to lead projects and make independent decisions.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally.

Responsibilities

Develop a comprehensive digital media content plan, emphasizing strategic management of content creators to advance and grow the WVU Athletics brand.
Direct publishing on WVU Athletics social media accounts, including creating schedules, assigning work to content creators, and timing posts.
Assist the Assistant Athletic Director for Creative/Digital with oversight, production, and management of social media content and digital information strategies.
Oversee the Digital Media Graduate Assistant and student assistant program.
Develop innovative digital and social media strategies to increase national fan engagement.
Serve as the primary point of contact for @WVUHoops and @WVUsports and as a primary contact for sport-specific social accounts.
Serve as a secondary point of contact for WVU Football accounts and manage social media on game days.
Assist with social strategy for WVU Gold and Blue Enterprise social accounts.
Coordinate with the Learfield Social+ employee to ensure sponsorship requirements are met and scheduled for the athletic year.
Serve as a liaison among creative/digital, marketing, and communications departments.
Lead and manage content creators on major video projects, including recruiting materials, promotional campaigns, web features, hype videos, and new media efforts.
Develop project concepts and scripts, schedule work, and coordinate staff and equipment needs.
Guide staff and student workers assigned to projects.
Hold regular project meetings with Digital Media, Athletic Marketing, Athletics Communications, and Video Productions staff to monitor progress and schedules.
Participate in staff training and development related to digital media marketing, video quality, and the Athletics Department’s image.
Assist management with recruiting and training graduate assistants, student workers, and interns, and provide leadership to production specialists and other staff.
Perform other assigned duties, which may include purchasing or researching equipment, serving on committees, archiving digital files, completing activity reports, coordinating equipment maintenance, assisting with special projects, and delivering or picking up supplies and production materials.
Report directly to the Assistant Athletic Director for Creative/Digital and work closely with others involved in the intercollegiate athletics program.
Comply with University, Big 12 Conference, and NCAA rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines, including NCAA Bylaw 11.1.
Represent the University professionally and ethically, with respect for individuals and sensitivity to differences.
Work additional hours or a flexible schedule, including evenings, early mornings, or weekends, as needed for client schedules, events, or equipment demands.