Extra Help Athletics Communication Assistant

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About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu .

Application deadline: 11/5/2026

Minimum Starting Salary: $20 per hour

Summary: The Athletics Communications Assistant will support the day-to-day communications operations of UIS Athletics through in-game coverage, written content, feature storytelling, digital content and athletics communications support. Working closely with the Assistant AD for Strategic Communication and Operations, this position will help provide timely and accurate coverage of Prairie Stars teams and student-athletes while supporting the department's broader communications efforts. This position is designed to provide immediate additional capacity within the Athletics Communications office. The assistant will have opportunities to work across multiple sports and communications functions, gaining hands-on experience while contributing directly to the department's daily operations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Game and Event Coverage - Assist with in-game communications coverage for UIS athletic events, including live updates, scoring information, statistics, social media content and other game-day communications needs. Attend athletic events as assigned to provide timely coverage and collect content for use across UIS Athletics digital platforms. Assist with gathering photos, video, quotes, notes and other information needed for postgame coverage and digital content. Support game-day communications operations, including coordination with coaches, student-athletes, officials, event staff and other athletics personnel. Assist with coverage of home and away events based on departmental needs.
• Writing and Editorial Content - Write game recaps, previews, feature stories, releases and other athletics-related content. Assist with researching, interviewing and developing feature stories highlighting 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 maintaining timely postgame and post-event coverage across assigned sports.
• Digital and Social Media Content - Assist with creating and publishing 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. Help identify opportunities to capture content that can be used across multiple communications platforms. Assist with maintaining consistent messaging and branding across athletics digital channels.
• Communications Operations and Processes -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. Assist with maintaining records, historical information, statistics, rosters and other materials used in athletics communications. Help 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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 while also collaborating 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Physical Demands:

• Talking : Frequently
• Hearing : Frequently

Working Conditions:

• Extreme cold : Occasionally
• Extreme heat : Occasionally
• Humid : Occasionally
• Wet : Occasionally
• Noise : Frequently
• Temperature Change : Occasionally

Employment Policies and other information: The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment .

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility .

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State Universities Retirement System

• You do not pay Social Security taxes and your earnings will not be on your Social Security record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.)
• Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:
• Social Security benefit and
• Social Security benefit as a spouse
• Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***