Director of Athletics Communications Strategy

Purpose

To develop and execute the strategic communications goals of Dartmouth’s Department of Athletics and Recreation (DCARD) to promote the Department’s ongoing strategic initiatives and priorities to internal and external constituents. Serve as the chief storyteller for the Director of Athletics and Recreation, managing and responding to all inbound communication the office receives.

Qualifications

• At least seven years of experience in a communications or public relations department, preferably in a college/university environment, or the equivalent.

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related area.

• Ability to identify business and strategy goals and execute high-quality projects on time.

• Excellent writing and editing skills.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently and with initiative, creativity, and sound judgment.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Key Accountabilities

Communications Strategy 60%

• Develop and execute communications strategies for external and internal constituent communication that align with DCARD’s strategic priorities, as defined by the Director of Athletics and Recreation.

• Manage Director of Athletics and Recreations media and brand presence and strategic messaging and create and/or direct the creation of innovative and captivating content to drive strategic narratives.

• Work alongside the communications team to help guide strategic messaging for DCARD.

• Monitor and track communication efforts, compiling data and analytics reports and insights to support continuous improvement, including weekly media reports for senior leadership.

• Serve as departmental liaison with all college publication & communication offices and supports broader communications initiatives that advance Dartmouth’s reputation and showcase its impact on health, wellbeing and performance.

• Create media plans with defined communications goals and success metrics, create and/or oversee the creation of engaging social media content, write news releases, media pitches, statements, talking points, and FAQs.

• Responsible for the development, editing, and distribution of all media releases, feature stories, and new hire announcements. Developing concepts and assigning material to staff and freelancers as appropriate.

• Proactively identify and secure opportunities for DCARD coaches and staff to share their expertise on timely issues and topics relevant to the institution’s key audiences and the public, including media interviews, op-eds, guest appearances, and speaking engagements.

• Enhance regional and national media exposure.

Issues Management 20%

• At the direction of the Director of Athletics and Recreation and/or Office of Communications leadership, support DCARD-related issues management, crisis and emergency communications.

• Draft social media content, media statements, FAQs, talking points, and/or community messages.

• Monitor media coverage and track media requests for Director of Athletics and Recreation.

• As assigned, handle confidential, sensitive information, exercise excellent professional judgment and discretion, and interact appropriately with Dartmouth constituencies, including senior administrative officers.

Administration 20%

• Partner with the Director of Athletics and Recreation’s Office team to coordinate the efficient and smooth operation of the office; prioritize workflow and efficiency to maximize use of the Director of Athletics and Recreation’s time.

• Compile, screen, and prioritize the Director of Athletics and Recreation’s mail for daily review; manage follow up and maintain correspondence files.

• Respond to email and other correspondence on behalf of the Director of Athletics and Recreation and draft responses on complex matters as appropriate.