Athletics Programs Specialist for External Relations, Penn State Berks
Penn State University
Spring Township, Pennsylvania
Full-Time
$46,522
RemoteSenior
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Athletics Program Specialist for External Relations provides leadership for the external operations of Penn State Berks Athletics, including athletic communications, digital media, video production, live streaming, corporate partnerships, marketing, and sport administration. The position serves as the department's primary athletic communications professional while overseeing Hudl webcasting, Daktronics video board operations, and sponsorship activation to enhance the visibility and reputation of Penn State Berks Athletics.
The Athletics Program Specialist serves as the sport administrator for assigned varsity programs, supervises student employees and part-time game day staff, and collaborates with campus partners to advance departmental goals. This position provides significant opportunities for leadership, strategic planning, and professional growth within an NCAA Division III athletics department. Evening and weekend work is required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Athletic Communications
Serve as the primary athletics communications contact for varsity sports.
Write and distribute news releases, feature stories, game recaps, and promotional content.
Maintain the athletics website, statistics, records, and historical archives.
Coordinate conference and NCAA statistical reporting.
Manage media relations and nominate student-athletes and coaches for awards.
Video Production, Broadcasting & Digital Media
Produce video, photography, and digital content for recruiting, marketing, and fan engagement.
Oversee Hudl webcasting and supervise student broadcast crews.
Manage Daktronics video board content and game-day programming.
Support social media and enhance the digital game-day experience.
Corporate Partnerships & External Engagement
Assist in developing and activating corporate partnerships.
Coordinate sponsor recognition across digital, broadcast, venue, and video board platforms.
Develop sponsorship inventory and fulfill partnership agreements.
Collaborate with University Development and campus partners on external engagement initiatives.
Support marketing, fan engagement, donor recognition, and community outreach efforts.
Sport Administration
Serve as the administrative liaison for assigned sport programs.
Support coaches with scheduling, budgeting, travel, and program operations.
Conduct coach evaluations in collaboration with the Director of Athletics.
Assist with hiring, compliance, game management, and strategic initiatives.
Department Leadership
Assist with departmental planning, special events, and NCAA/conference reporting.
Supervise student employees and part-time game day staff.
Foster collaborative relationships across campus and perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Student employees
Student broadcast and communications staff
Part-time game day staff
Administrative oversight of assigned varsity sport programs
QUALIFICATIONS
Degree in communications, journalism, sports management, marketing, or a related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in collegiate athletics communications or a related field.
Experience with video editing, digital content creation, and live streaming platforms (Hudl preferred).
Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, supervise student employees, and work independently.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required.
Knowledge of NCAA and conference rules.
Strong writing, storytelling, and digital communication skills.
Proficiency in video editing, photography, and social media.
Excellent organizational, leadership, and project management abilities.
Ability to build positive relationships with coaches, student-athletes, campus partners, sponsors, alumni, and the media.
Commitment to student-athlete success and exceptional customer service.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree.
Five (5) or more years of collegiate athletics experience.
NCAA Division III experience.
Experience with Sidearm Sports, NCAA statistics software, Daktronics video boards, corporate sponsorship activation, and sport administration.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and limited travel.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds of broadcast and event equipment.
Ability to work outdoors during athletic events.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: NoneBACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.