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Sports Media Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ice Crew Member

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$16.67/hr

We are looking for individuals that have experience playing hockey and want to work in professional sports. Duties & Responsibilities: * Shovel snow during media timeouts and after periods on and off ...

They will help with the marketing function and work on social media, videos, print marketing ... Sports/Youth/Aquatics/Wellness Programming: The intern will work the Senior Director of Program ...

They will help with the marketing function and work on social media, videos, print marketing ... Sports/Youth/Aquatics/Wellness Programming: The intern will work the Senior Director of Program ...

Sports Media information

See Normal, IL salary details

$55.2K

$117.5K

$126.1K

How much do sports media jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports media in Normal, IL is $117,479.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,300.00 and $125,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sports media?

Sports media refers to the industry and professionals involved in reporting, analyzing, broadcasting, and producing content related to sports. This can include journalists, broadcasters, producers, photographers, and digital content creators who cover sporting events, athletes, and related news for television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. Sports media plays a key role in informing and entertaining the public, shaping sports culture, and providing exposure for athletes and teams.

What are sports media jobs?

Within the sports media (or sports journalism) industry, there are numerous career paths. A candidate may choose a writing role, composing scripts for sports broadcasters or writing columns for printed sports media. On-air broadcasting job opportunities, such as sports announcers or radio personalities, are the faces and voices of sports media. More experienced candidates may choose to direct or produce television or other sports media ventures; this involves managing a team of sports media journalists and often requires travel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in sports media?

To thrive in Sports Media, you need strong writing, reporting, and multimedia storytelling abilities, often supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with digital editing tools, social media platforms, and content management systems is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, quick thinking, and adaptability help professionals build rapport with athletes and audiences while responding to breaking news. These skills ensure engaging, timely, and accurate sports coverage in a highly competitive and fast-paced industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in sports media?

Sports media professionals often encounter tight deadlines and unpredictable work hours, especially during major sporting events or breaking news. Balancing accuracy with speed is crucial, as there is constant pressure to be the first to report updates while ensuring information is verified. Additionally, adapting to rapidly evolving digital platforms and audience preferences requires continuous learning and flexibility. Collaboration with journalists, editors, athletes, and production teams is also key to delivering compelling, timely content.

What is the difference between Sports Media vs Sports Journalism?

AspectSports MediaSports Journalism
CredentialsDegree in media, communications, or related fieldsDegree in journalism, communications, or related fields
Work EnvironmentBroadcast studios, online platforms, social mediaNewsrooms, sports events, interviews
Employer & Industry UsageMedia companies, broadcasters, digital outletsNews organizations, newspapers, sports networks

Sports Media encompasses a broad range of roles including broadcasting, content creation, and digital media related to sports. Sports Journalism specifically focuses on reporting, writing, and analyzing sports news. While both fields require strong communication skills and industry knowledge, Sports Media often involves multimedia production, whereas Sports Journalism emphasizes reporting and storytelling. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path within the sports industry.

Do sports media jobs pay well?

Sports media jobs can offer a wide range of salaries depending on the role, experience, and location. Entry-level positions such as reporters or social media coordinators often have lower pay, while roles like sports broadcasters, producers, or executives tend to pay higher salaries, sometimes exceeding six figures for experienced professionals. Skills in communication, editing, and familiarity with broadcasting tools can influence earning potential.

What are careers in sports media?

Careers in sports media include roles such as sports journalists, broadcasters, commentators, producers, and digital content creators. These positions typically require strong communication skills, knowledge of sports, and proficiency with media production tools, often involving work schedules that include live events and deadlines.

What job categories do people searching Sports Media jobs in Normal, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Media jobs in Normal, IL are:

What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Sports Media jobs?

Cities near Normal, IL with the most Sports Media job openings:

Infographic showing various Sports Media job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 60% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,479 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

Eureka, IL • On-site

Eureka College
Education Programs Administration • 51 - 200 employees

$25K - $28K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Assistant Director of Athletic Communications assists in the planning, implementation, and promotion of Eureka College Athletics through strategic communications, media relations, digital content creation, social media, statistics, and game day operations. The position serves as the primary athletic communications contact for assigned sports while supporting department-wide branding, storytelling, and event management initiatives in accordance with Eureka College, NCAA, and conference policies.
Essential Functions:
  • Serve as the primary sports information contact for assigned athletic programs.
  • Write and publish game previews, recaps, feature stories, student-athlete and coach profiles, and other website content for assigned sports.
  • Create graphics, videos, and other digital content for use on the athletics website and social media platforms.
  • Assist in maintaining the Red Devils' social media accounts, including but not limited to Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.
  • Coordinate media coverage and distribute news releases for assigned sports and special events.
  • Update and maintain assigned team pages on the athletics website, including schedules, rosters, bios, statistics, and records.
  • Provide statistical support for assigned sports, including live statistics, conference reporting, NCAA reporting, and postgame statistical dissemination.
  • Assist with game day operations, including event setup, breakdown, game management, and coordination of game personnel.
  • Hire, train, schedule, and supervise student workers assigned to sports information and game day operations.
  • Operate or oversee live streaming, scoreboard operations, public address, music, and statistical software during assigned contests.
  • Assist with coordinating team, individual, action, and special event photography, including annual media days.
  • Assist with content displayed on athletics monitors throughout the Reagan Athletic Building.
  • Assist in preparing conference, regional, and national award nominations for student-athletes and coaches.
  • Support the Director of Sports Information and Game Day Operations with departmental communications initiatives and special projects.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities through national and regional athletics communications organizations.
  • Assist with maintaining the athletics photo and video library.
  • Support departmental branding initiatives and ensure adherence to Eureka College brand standards.
  • Assist with planning and promoting annual athletics events, including the Hall of Fame and Golden Tornado Awards.
  • Assist the Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications with athletics-related communications as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Sports Information and Game Day Operations.
SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS: Supervision of Game Day and Sports Information Student workers.
EDUCATION:
Essential: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Sports Management, or a related field.
Desirable: Master's degree or progress toward a graduate degree.
EXPERIENCE:
Essential: One to three years of experience in collegiate athletic communications, sports information, or a related field. Graduate assistantship, internship, or relevant student employment in collegiate athletic communications or sports information may be considered toward the experience requirement.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
None required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and InDesign; experience with Premiere Pro and After Effects is preferred.
  • Knowledge of Stat Crew, PrestoSports, Genius Sports, NCAA LiveStats, or comparable statistical software.
  • Knowledge of athletics communications principles, media relations, and journalistic writing.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
  • Ability to work effectively with coaches, student-athletes, officials, media representatives, and campus constituents.
  • Ability to learn and execute live statistical software and game operations procedures.
  • Understanding of NCAA rules and conference policies related to statistics and athletics communications.
  • Demonstrated creativity in digital content creation and social media storytelling.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to operate equipment, reach with hands and arms, and communicate effectively. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The position requires the ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions during athletic events. Noise levels range from quiet office settings to loud athletic venues.
WORK SCHEDULE:
Work schedule varies as this is an athletics position needing to cover contests and other athletic obligations which may require evening, weekend, and Holiday commitments. This is a part-time, stipend position.
TARGET SALARY RANGE: $25,000 – 28,000 annually