SPORTS INFORMATION SPECIALIST

SUMMARY:

The Sports Information Specialist works is responsible for coordinating media coverage of athletic events, preparing news releases and promotional publications, and maintaining game statistics. This position is governed by state and federal laws and institution policy.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

Directs media activities related to covering athletic events by arranging press passes and press guides, conducting tours, assisting with physical arrangements during game coverage, conducting interviews on road trips, and supplying game information to various organizations.

Prepares and edits news releases to the media concerning sports interviews and sport participants, responds to media inquiries, writes feature and news stories, plans press conferences, recommends sports story ideas for media organizations, and arranges accommodations for visiting media representatives.

Plans and designs athletic programs, promotions, and press publications, gathers information for releases, selects articles, pictures, stories, and column headings, solicits advertisements, and coordinates printing, distribution, and deposits from sales.

Updates and maintains cumulative game statistics, researches statistics for individual athletes, maintains statistical files, files statistics with intercollegiate conference, and distributes statistics to working press during game.

Responds to requests received for information, informs general public of athletic programs to stimulate public interest, and gives talks to groups upon request.

Performs other duties as assigned.

SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS:

Frequent to occasional in-state and out-of-state travel to athletic events is required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of format, design, and layout for publication purposes. Knowledge of language usage for writing and speaking purposes. Knowledge of athletic activities. Ability to arrange and coordinate media activities. Ability to compose news releases related to athletic events. Ability to collect and record statistical data. Ability to produce and publish sports information.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma; plus three years of experience in journalism, public relations or media coodination involving athletic activities or a related field.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess a valid Arkansas driver