Social media is no longer an option

With lots of transitions taking place, and some recent talk professionally, about not looking at the past, but only to the future, it seemed relevant to break and create a fresh start on the blog. So with that, and a recent class on social media and leadership, I have been thinking about a comment that I read, and what a powerful impact it had on me.  

I know many people in various industries that are adamant about having NO attachment to social media.  They have seen and read the horror stories a la Anthony Weiner, and they want to stay as far away from the potential of anything remotely similar happening to them.  Understandable.

However, as we discussed in this recent class, in this time, with social media so prevalent, simply choosing not to engage in social media does not mean you are not there.  Whether an individual has an active presence in using twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc., is no longer relevant.  Because leaders are already there, being spoken about by others, regardless of their decision to interact on any level.  

So I implore you, whether you think it is valuable, relevant, useful or not, to minimally become engaged as a listener.  Your reputation could depend on it.

Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance: Armstrong Atlantic State U

Description: The Associate Director of Athletics is responsible for the coordination and maintenance of the Department's comprehensive compliance and academic support system. This person will work closely with the President, Director of Athletics, Director of Sports Communications, Senior Women's Administrator, Head Coaches, and Head Athletic Trainer in establishing and maintaining a program which will insure proper transmission of NCAA, Peach Belt Conference and university rules and interpretations to coaches, other athletic department staff and student-athletes.

The position will be the primary compliance administrator for all AASU varsity sports programs. The position is responsible for the operation of the Department's compliance and rules education program, coordinating and monitoring the certification of student-athletes' eligibility and financial aid, and directing various student-athlete programs (e.g., community outreach, code of conduct, etc.) In addition, the position will act as the liaison with the Compliance Committee, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Academic Support Services.

Responsibilities include developing and maintaining effective operating procedures and administrative systems to insure institutional compliance; developing and directing a comprehensive rules education program; serving as a resource for the university community on athletically-related regulations; maintaining and coordinating procedures for compliance with NCAA, conference and university regulations; monitoring eligibility status and financial aid for student-athletes; coordinating university policy and procedures for responding to rules violations; and serving as a compliance liaison to the NCAA and Peach Belt Conference offices.

Primary duties of this position include: Remain current on SACS criteria and ensure compliance in area of control; serving as a resource for the university regarding athletically related rules and regulations; serves as contact for athletic staff personnel for all compliance and academic issues; managing and coordinating the day-to-day operations of all compliance issues; developing and implementing a comprehensive compliance database in the Athletic Department to assist the monitoring and reporting of compliance-related information.

Responsible to report all possible NCAA violations directly to the Director of Athletics.Responsible to uphold all Peach Belt Conference and NCAA rules in a framework of good ethical conduct; violation may result in disciplinary action and/or termination of employment

Serving as an administrative staff member of the athletics department, attending administrative and departmental staff meetings as appropriate.

Serving as a resource for the university regarding athletically related rules and regulations.

Coordinating the university's policy and procedures for responding to rule violations.

Administer various student-athlete programs (community outreach, Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, etc.).

Additional duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

Qualifications: The successful candidate must possess an advanced degree (minimum of a master's degree) in related field, plus 3-5 years administrative experience with a working knowledge/understanding of applicable NCAA guidelines, federal regulations, and other policies/procedures that define model practice in intercollegiate athletics. Experience in compliance, student academic services, and administration at the collegiate level.Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation.

Salary commensurate with education and experience. Excellent benefits package. Application Process: Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and vita, and arrange for three letters of professional reference to be sent to:Eric Faulconer, Interim Athletic Director Athletics DepartmentArmstrong Atlantic State University11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419-1997Review of applications will begin on June 3, 2009, and continue until position is filled.

Lecturer of Outdoor Recreation: Coastal Carolina U

Coastal Carolina University, Program in Recreation and Sport Management in the School of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Studies announces a full-time, Lecturer position beginning in August, 2009. Coastal Carolina University is seeking an energetic individual to provide quality instruction in the recreation and sport management academic program, plan and implement outdoor recreation trips and instructional clinics for the campus community, and provide leadership for the development of a new challenge/adventure/ropes course.Required

Qualifications include: Master's degree in outdoor recreation or highly related area; demonstrated success in college teaching; supervisory experience in campus recreation; strong communication, organizational, and leadership/management skills; experience in outdoor and trip programming; experience with the management and programming of adventure/challenge/ropes courses; ability to obtain relevant professional credentials (i.e. certifications).

Preferred qualifications include: Wide variety of certifications/credentials supporting the planning, programming, and management of outdoor trips, ropes/challenge courses, climbing walls; experience in the development of a new ropes/adventure/challenge course; and experience in academic curriculum development.

Responsibilities include: The lecturer reports directly to and is evaluated by the Director of the School of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Studies. As a position shared with Campus Recreation, the lecturer will also report to the Director of Campus Recreation. The position includes ½ time teaching courses in the recreation management program and ½ time work in campus recreation - outdoor recreation.

Teaching responsibilities include but are not limited to: outdoor recreation, leisure/recreation studies, and outdoor leadership. Student advisement, curriculum development, and related academic responsibilities are required. Campus recreation responsibilities include the organization, administration, and delivery of outdoor recreation programs and trips, leadership in the design, construction, and maintenance of new challenge/adventure/ropes courses (low/high elements); and training and supervising facilitators and interns. Responsibilities include the select programming of outdoor clinics and events, as assigned by the academic program and campus recreation.

Coastal Carolina University is a public mid-sized, comprehensive liberal arts-oriented institution. Coastal Carolina University is located in Conway, South Carolina, just nine miles from the Atlantic coastal resort Myrtle Beach, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation. It has an enrollment of 8,400 students and is expected to have continued growth for the next several years. Coastal Carolina University is a part of the South Carolina system of public education and has close ties with its founder, the Horry County Higher Education Commission.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, a current curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, and names and contact information of at least three (3) professional references electronically at: http://jobs.coastal.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates who interview must provide official transcripts of graduate work. Coastal Carolina University is an EO/AA employer.
Application Information

DIRECTOR - PARKS, RECREATION and TOURISM DEPARTMENT (Aiken, SC)

Salary: 51,364.00 - 59,068.00

Required Education:
4 Year Degree

Description
Aiken County (SC) Government is seeking a dynamic leader to head a department with a diverse park system and award winning leisure programs. The department is responsible for the care of twenty-three parks and offers typical recreation programs such as day camps, softball and baseball, soccer, as well as Senior programs and holiday events. Unique offerings include rowing regattas at the county’s world renowned rowing venue Langley Pond, a Triathlon, and a roving rural summer camp program which has won two state awards for its innovation. The department also operates a staffed Tourism Center in downtown Aiken. The position of Director is responsible for the supervision of all department employees (17 total), including administrative, maintenance and part time summer staff; the care of all park grounds and equipment; the upkeep and use of all maintenance equipment; and vehicles assigned to the department.

Department Web Site: http://www.aikencounty.net/depts/prt/

AREA INFORMATION: Aiken County is located in Western South Carolina across the state line from Augusta, Georgia. It is one hour West of Columbia, South Carolina, three hours Northwest of Charleston, South Carolina and three hours Southeast of Atlanta, Georgia.

Requirements
Candidates should have a Bachelors Degree or higher, with a preference in Parks and Recreation Management or Administrative Management. Candidates should also have experience in financial management, personnel management and facility planning. Other skills such as grant writing, grant administration, contract maintenance and working with citizen groups are desirable.

Interested persons should send a resume and list of references to the attention of Todd Glover, Assistant County Administrator, 828 Richland Avenue West, Aiken, SC 29801 or email to tglover@aikencountysc.gov. This position is open until filled. The first review of resumes will begin on June 15, 2009.

Cabrini College (PA) Dixon Center Coordinator

Location: Radnor, Pennsylvania

Part Time - Entry Level

Preferred Education: High School

Description
The Evening and Weekend Coordinator will act as the on-site facility and staff supervisor of the Dixon Center evening and weekend hours of operations, as well as during special events. A high level of customer service will be provided by the Evening and Weekend Coordinator for all Dixon Center users and for ongoing activities. The Coordinator will also support all Dixon Center professional staff as needed, and supervise intramural and fitness activities. He/She will oversee and enforce front desk operations, building access, and safety procedures and regulations, and monitor recreation equipment check-out, maintenance, and storage. The Coordinator will perform clerical duties and general clean-up as needed, including maintaining facility usage logs and other data collection.

Requirements

The ideal candidate must be flexible, customer service oriented, and willing to enforce facility regulations. He/She should have experience in student activities, recreation events and/or community recreation. Applicant must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to complete certification within three months of employment. The Evening and Weekend Coordinator must be willing to work varying hours of operation without on-site supervision. Academic year hours available for this position will be covering Monday through Thursday 6pm to 11pm, Friday 6pm to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 11am to 10pm, and will be divided between two individuals. Summer Hours vary. Interested candidates can apply by submitting a resume and a cover letter to Cabrini College, Human Resources Department, 610 King of Prussia Rd., Radnor, PA 19087. Fax: 610-902-8404. E-mail: jobs@cabrini.edu.

Why does every student want to be an agent? or General Manager?

Let's face it. Those of us in the "industry" know this is not a likely outcome, and yet, so many of my students are convinced this will be where they are working in a year or maybe 3. I hate to think I might be disillusioned before 40, and I certainly would never want to rain on any one's dreams. After all, I had mine too, and there were many memorable folks who helped me realize them, with some realistic modifications!

And that is what I try to do with students. Education is about creating opportunity and choices, no? Through awareness, understanding, empowerment, and the like. And so, I like to help students have those options, by pursuing dreams with absolute abandon, but being realistic and ready for any opportunity.

Personally, I have never worked for a professional sports team, but I have been "around" them my entire career, working as an editor for a few publications, a brand manager for a trading card manufacturer, and as a marketing consultant with sports agents and other companies in sports and recreation, in addition to owning two sports marketing firms. I always try to encourage my students to be versatile, thereby making themselves more marketable, so a new feature I plan to introduce here are going to be listings of jobs in sports, but outside the mainstream.

Enjoy!

More great advice for students

The Sports PR Blog has a GREAT interview with Jim Loria, of the Sioux Falls Stampede today. Jim provides some GREAT advice for students aspiring to enter the sports industry job market, and be successful. Some of my favorite quotes:

"During my time in Washington, my Caps’ boss used to always preach to me that “I wouldn’t become ‘someone’ in my life until I totally understood how sales, marketing, community, promotions, special events, etc. , all intertwined and rely on each other to succeed!“"

"Spend time honing your writing and speaking skills without question. Learn how to get in front of larger groups, especially your peers, and speak. Communications is vital."

"On the flip side, you can have the most decorated resume in the world but if you can’t “smile”… “look someone in the eyes”… “effectively communicate”, than the resume is wasted. I don’t think I am off base by saying that with most employers today, your resume (or referral contact) can get you the interview, but it’s that first glimpse of you & the employer when you first meet that probably cinches half of the door opening up for you or staying closed. How you dress matters! Just like a meal at a restaurant. First time your eyes gaze on the look of the meal delivered by the wait staff member will make your taste buds ramp up or turn off."

What amazes me is that this advice is what SO many industry professionals share with up-and-comers, and yet, so many students seem to think they are above it, or that it's just a bunch of garbage.

A great quote from Jack Nicholas, that I usually put on my class syllabus: "I always practice as I intend to play." The point is, use your classes as a way to hone your skills for the real world. This means demonstrate a professional appearance and demeanor. Body language says a lot more than students realize, and when they sit in the classroom and look apathetic, doze, sit cross armed, those are subliminal messages that tell me they think they are better than this. They always say that in an interview or on the job, where it really "matters" they turn their game on. What they fail to realize is that behaviors frequently become habit, and you never know who might see you. In other words, there are some students I would gladly recommend for a job or internship, and others for which I would hesitate, based largely on their behavior in my classroom. How you practice translates to the big game. And in this industry, in this job market, students need to be more prepared than ever.