Director of Athletic Communications

Ripon College, an NCAA Division III institution and member of the Midwest Conference, is seeking a Director of Athletic Communications. This position serves as the strategic planner for all internal and external athletic communication, messaging, and storytelling for the Red Hawks. Reporting to the Vice President and Director of Athletics, the Director of Athletic Communications will help guide the strategic vision of Ripon College Athletics while serving as the primary media contact for the nationally recognized program.

The successful candidate will be passionate about telling the Red Hawks' story and capable of facilitating ideation, production, and execution of integrated content across all platforms. This role collaborates closely with the Office of Marketing and Communications and assists in the organization and administration of the overall department.

Responsibilities:

• Direct overall athletics multimedia communications operations for 18 NCAA Division III sports and develop effective strategies for publicizing Ripon College Athletics.

• Serve as the primary media contact for all athletics coverage, building relationships with local, state, and national media outlets.

• Supervise a full-time Assistant Director of Athletic Communications (NCAA Women's and Minorities Grant recipient), providing guidance, mentorship, and strategic direction in alignment with the department's communication goals.

• Organize staff and assign duties to meet the needs of media representatives, athletic staff, and student-athletes.

• Schedule and hire game day staff, including statisticians, official scorers, scoreboard operators, videographers, and public address announcers.

• Manage content on the athletic website, ensuring updates and optimizations are based on reporting and analytics.

• Collaborate with coaching staff and the Office of Marketing and Communications to establish a social media presence across all relevant platforms.

• Write, edit, and pitch press releases and feature stories for local, regional, and national publications.

• Ensure all communication strategies align with the College's broader communications strategy.

• Assist with College marketing initiatives to elevate the institution’s brand and promote campus events.

• Coordinate media coverage for away athletic contests and schedule staff travel when appropriate.

• Use statistical software for all home events and maintain archives of team and individual records.

• Produce live streams through Hudl and create video highlights for social media and the athletics website.

• Assist in the athletic department with committees and projects, including Hall of Fame, strategic planning, and SAAC.

• Train student workers and interns in statistical systems and other sports information processes.

• Manage the Athletic Communications budget.

• Nominate and promote student-athletes for conference, regional, and national awards.

• Report statistics to the NCAA and Midwest Conference within designated deadlines.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; two to three years of experience in Athletic Communications preferred.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to articulate the value of a liberal arts education.

• Proficiency with multimedia platforms and social media strategy.

• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and contribute as part of a team.

• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license required.

• Knowledge and adherence to Ripon College, Midwest Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations.

Candidates should send a letter of interest, current resume, and three references to Chris Schumacher, Vice President and Director of Athletics, at schumacherc@ripon.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Desired start date is July 21, 2025.

Ripon College is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and adheres to non-discriminatory policies in employment and student enrollment. Ripon College is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages women and minorities to apply.