SAM DEAN
Florida Atlantic University
Boynton Beach
15
years of professional experience
Communications professional with 10+ years of experience across the NHL, MLB, NCAA Division I, and professional baseball. Proven success leading media relations, game-day communications, credentialing, statistics, digital content, and storytelling for nationally recognized athletic programs. Skilled at building relationships with media, coaches, executives, and athletes while delivering accurate, high-quality communications in fast-paced environments.
Work History
Assistant Director, Athletics Communications
4 Years 5 Months- Serve as the primary communications contact for NCAA Division I baseball, men's soccer, and men's and women's golf, overseeing all media relations, interview requests, credentialing, and communications strategy.
- Produce game notes, statistics packets, press releases, feature stories, and media materials for regular-season and championship events.
- Coordinate interviews and media availability between coaches, student-athletes, and local and national media while fostering strong working relationships with broadcast partners and reporters.
- Planned and executed strategic communications campaigns surrounding the MLB Draft and The Open Championship, increasing visibility for Florida Atlantic student-athletes across national media platforms.
- Produce feature content and broadcast storylines for Inside the Owls Burrow, collaborating with television production staff to promote Florida Atlantic Athletics.
- Compile and distribute statistical information, historical records, and game notes to support media coverage and broadcast operations.
Media Relations Intern
1 Year 8 Months- Supported day-to-day media relations operations for an NHL franchise during regular season and Stanley Cup Playoff competition.
- Produced postgame recaps and statistical summaries for distribution to local and national media within one to two hours of game completion.
- Prepared daily media briefing materials, including statistical notes, league updates, game previews, and player milestones.
- Coordinated credential distribution and media check-in for home games, serving reporters, NHL officials, scouts, and team personnel.
- Distributed live statistical updates and media materials throughout games to press row, broadcasters, and hockey operations staff.
Credentials Assistant
4 Months- Managed credential process for pregame on-field events, clubhouse, and broadcast booth guests, ensuring seamless access and event flow
- Oversaw creation and distribution of credentials for vendors and corporate sponsors, facilitating effective partnership engagement
Junior Associate
7 Months- Assisted Lead Broadcaster/Director of Media Relations with the creation and assembly of daily gameday media packets
- Prepared and distributed press releases, including game previews, postgame recaps, and notable player community involvement
Assistant Director, Athletics Communications
4 Years 7 Months- Acted as lead contact for men’s basketball, soccer (M&W), golf (M&W), baseball, tennis (M&W), cheer, dance, and stunt
- Duties included writing game recaps, organizing statistics and record books, producing video highlights, and promoting each respective team through social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
- Balanced lead contact duties for all 11 teams at once in February and March of 2021, when fall sports were moved to the spring
- Executed several simultaneous interviews and appearance requests for the men’s basketball program during program-record 20-game winning streak and National Tournament appearance in 2019
- Coordinated all aspects of event management, including scheduling of photographers, broadcasters, and statisticians
Education
Bachelor of Science - Entertainment Management
Master of Science - Sport Management
Skills
Media Relations
NHL Game Operations
Credentialing
Press Operations
Interview Coordination
Game Notes
Statistical Research
Press Releases
AP Style
Feature Writing
Crisis Communications
Digital Content Strategy
Social Media
Awards
2021 Scott Cummings AMC Sports Information Director of the Year
Social Media
- @1samdean
- Http://bit.ly/LinkedSam
Timeline
Assistant Director, Athletics Communications
Florida Atlantic University
03.2022 - CurrentRead More
Assistant Director, Athletics Communications
Missouri Baptist University
08.2017 - 03.2022Read More
Credentials Assistant
St. Louis Cardinals
04.2017 - 08.2017Read More
Media Relations Intern
St. Louis Blues
09.2012 - 05.2014Read More
Junior Associate
Springfield Cardinals
02.2011 - 09.2011Read More
Missouri Baptist University
Master of Science from Sport Management
Read More
Missouri State University
Bachelor of Science from Entertainment Management
Read More