Job Description

1. Media Relations. Develop and implement a media relations plan for 15 intercollegiate athletics programs based upon national standards and in alignment with WSU's mission. Serve as point person for all media inquiries. Provide media relations advice and training for athletes, coaches, and athletic staff. Develop, direct, and implement a production schedule for all athletic department publications. Develop publications such as game notes programs, game programs and sport media guides. Coordinate all photography needs for department. Work closely with athletics and university administration in crisis situations. Serve as primary coordinator of any necessary crisis communications for the Winona State Athletic department. The position serves on the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame committee and is responsible for collecting the nominations and organizing the list of eligible members.

2. Website and Social Media. Develop, supervise, and maintain the WSU Athletics website and social media activity - using digital storytelling as a way to build the Winona State Athletics brand. Oversee the daily operation of the website, including primary responsibility for writing, editing, and updating all content, as well as writing stories and news releases for other media outlets. Ensure a website contains up-to-date essential information for prospective student-athletes, parents, alumni, and fans. Post press releases on the site and send them via e-mail to regional and national media outlets. Manage all aspects of the department's presence on multiple social media platforms. Utilize desktop publishing programs, including Word, Xcel, InDesign and Photoshop to create publications for distribution to media and fans. Oversee the staff assigned to assist with postings. Oversee the maintenance of the on-line Sports Network weekly and post-game media coverage. Maintain all statistical information and complete timely submission of all required information to the NCAA, regional committees, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference sports information office, and any other necessary media venues.

3. Supervise, schedule, and evaluate all sports information staff. Supervises a graduate assistant and several student interns within the athletic department office, the stats team for home events and several student interns who promote the department through media (video, radio, etc.). Also oversees game workers during home events, including public address announcers, scoreboard operators and other event staff. The position is responsible for the selection and training of student interns for the office, student interns for visual and audio communication, and for the gameday stats team. This individual will develop a daily work plan for the student workers, graduate assistant, and interns.  The work plan will set priorities and indicate work assignments. The work plan will be reviewed and amended on a regular basis.

4. Develop and maintain the sports information budget. Participate in budget planning to effectively utilize funds available for marketing and branding for individual student-athletes, teams, and the overall department, athletic archiving, and website enhancements.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. To ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of Winona State University, additional duties may include but are not limited to professional development and campus committee membership.

Salary Range: $47,607 - $93,342; Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree journalism, mass communications, communication studies or related degree.
• Two (2) years of experience in athletic media relations or sports information.
• Experience using statistical athletics software including Stat-Crew and NCAA Genius.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and maintenance.
• Strong oral, written, interpersonal and electronic communication skills. Must be able to communicate effectively with internal and external university constituencies.
• High degree of creativity and initiative with strong editing and design skills.
• Experience using social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, and others
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and manage staff.

Preferred Qualification 

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with Leadership training and development.
• Experience in training, teaching, or facilitation.
• Conflict resolution experience.
• Knowledge of comprehensive student activities program including programming, student organizations, and leadership development.
• Knowledge of NCAA and Northern Sun Conference rules and policies.
• Excellent PC based computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, desktop publishing, knowledge of applicable HTML (website technology).
   

Other Requirements:

1. The successful candidate must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States by the day employment begins. The University regrets that we are unable to offer H1-B sponsorship at this time

2. A complete online application will include the following:

• A cover letter that addresses the qualifications listed previously
• Current Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
• A list of professional references with contact information
   

Posting Information:

Application Deadline: Review begins June 30, 2026

Appointment Date: As Soon As Possible

Primary Location: Winona, MN

Type of Appointment: Probationary

Telework (Yes/No) No

About Winona State University

Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system. Offering more than 200 majors and programs, Winona State has the #1 Student Success Rate in the Minnesota State System with 96.97 percent of WSU graduates being hired in a field related to their degree. U.S. News recognized Winona State as having top-ranking undergraduate programs in nursing, engineering, psychology, business, and computer science. With campuses in both Winona and Rochester, Winona State offers the best of both worlds. Widely known for its stunning natural setting, the Winona campus is nestled between picturesque bluffs and the Mississippi River - meaning rock climbing, paddle-boarding, hiking, and kayaking are within a mile of campus. WSU's Rochester campus is located in Minnesota's third largest city - a dynamic hub for industry, arts, and culture, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Winona State University's mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic vitality of the people and communities we serve: a community of learners improving our world. For more information, visit winona.edu.

Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for Minnesota State University Association of Administrative & Service Faculty (ASF) which can be found at https://www.minnstate.edu/system/working/relations.html

Notice: In accordance with Minnesota State policy, employees driving on university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a motor vehicle records check. The Winona State University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at https://www.winona.edu/about/safety-security/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security by emailing security@winona.edu.

Winona State University is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. A community of learners improving our world!

About Winona State University

Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a comprehensive public university with close to 8,900 students. The oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, Winona State offers 80 undergraduate, pre-professional, licensure, graduate, and doctorate programs on its three campuses: the original Main Campus in Winona, the West Campus in Winona, and Winona State University-Rochester.

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