Media Relations Specialist Jobs in Iowa

SUMMARY

The Coordinator of Creative Media, Marketing, and Fan Engagement will serve as a key member of the Luther College Athletics Department, working collaboratively with the Director of Athletics, athletics administration, head coaches of all 24 varsity sports, and campus partners to elevate the student-athlete experience through intentional storytelling, marketing, and fan engagement. This position will intentionally leverage fan engagement and creative storytelling as tools to support recruiting, retention, community partnerships, and the overall student-athlete experience.

A core component of this role is enhancing fan engagement at athletics events in ways that support recruiting, community connection, and student-athlete pride. In a Division III environment where athletics is deeply integrated into the campus and local community, game-day atmosphere and storytelling play a critical role in shaping prospective student-athletes’ impressions, strengthening alumni and donor relationships, and fostering a sense of belonging for current students. The Coordinator will help create engaging, welcoming, and authentic event experiences that reflect Luther’s values and elevate the visibility of our programs.

This position is designed as a developmental role aligned with the NCAA Division III Pathway to Excellence Grant, providing hands-on experience in creative media, strategic communication, and cross-campus collaboration. The Coordinator will help tell the Luther Athletics story in a way that reflects Division III values and highlights student-athletes as whole people—scholars, musicians, leaders, and competitors—while strengthening community connection and institutional pride.

Wage: $30,000 annually plus free housing.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Coordinator will assist in providing strategic leadership for creative media, marketing, fan engagement, and special events within the athletics department. This is a highly visible role requiring strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to build collaborative relationships across campus and in the community.

The successful candidate will work closely with athletics leadership and campus partners including Admissions, Advancement, Marketing and Communications, and the Provost’s Office to ensure athletics storytelling aligns with institutional priorities and supports recruitment, retention, and student engagement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the planning, development, and execution of creative media and marketing strategies that enhance the student-athlete experience and fan engagement across all 24 varsity sports.

• Support the development and execution of game-day atmosphere and fan engagement initiatives, including promotions, in-game content, special events, and video board execution.

• Create and manage digital content that highlights the holistic Luther student-athlete experience across social media, web, email, and in-venue platforms.

• Collaborate with the Director of Athletics to strengthen Luther Athletics’ digital presence and storytelling through coordinated marketing initiatives.

• Work closely with coaches to support program-specific marketing needs while ensuring consistent department-wide messaging.

• Lead and support fan engagement strategies at home events, including promotions, in-game content, special recognitions, and interactive experiences that enhance atmosphere and student-athlete experience.

• Collaborate with Admissions to align athletics events and digital storytelling with recruiting efforts, including campus visits, prospective student-athlete experiences, and enrollment initiatives.

• Support community partnerships by promoting athletics events and initiatives that strengthen connections with local schools, businesses, alumni, and community organizations.

• Utilize creative media and in-venue content to help prospective student-athletes and their families better understand Luther’s culture, values, and sense of community.

• Assist in building a consistent, fan-centered game-day culture that supports attendance growth, school pride, and long-term engagement.

• Assist with marketing efforts for ticketed events and special athletics initiatives, including creative campaign development and execution.

• Support athletics fundraising and advancement efforts through storytelling, content creation, and event promotion, as directed.

• Engage with campus partners to ensure the Gerdin Fieldhouse and athletics events are welcoming spaces that reflect Luther’s academic, artistic, and athletic identity.

• Participate in departmental meetings, campus collaborations, conference opportunities, and professional development experiences as part of a comprehensive learning experience.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, and SKILLS

Bachelor’s degree required;

Previous experience with intercollegiate athletics preferred;

Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends of the college;

Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT

May require exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as noise and distractions. Substantial interaction with people is required and consistently demonstrating a positive and cooperative attitude is important. May require occasional lifting of equipment or supplies and/or the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects. The position requires travel and work during evenings and weekends.