Assistant Athletic Director/Associate Athletic Director, Athletic Communications

Position Summary: This position directs the Athletic Communications team. This position promotes and enhances the image of the Tulane University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics through media relations, public relations, social media, and web communications. This position plays a strategic role in shaping the department’s communication policies and long-term strategies. This position serves as the senior point person for comprehensive integrated communications and marketing strategies.

Essential Functions of the Job:

1. Function: Directs the Athletic Communications Team - Develops and executes comprehensive integrated communications and marketing strategies for the department of athletics; manages overall departmental messaging; sets up systems, standards, and protocols; leads and mentors the staff, student workers and game workers, providing opportunities and coaching in professional development; partners with internal campus departments, including Marketing and Communications, to align athletic communications with college-wide initiatives; and develops and implements strategic communications plans. (25%)

2. Function: Promotes and Enhances the Image of Tulane Athletics - Markets, publicizes, and promotes Tulane Athletics and its events through news releases, feature stories, emails, web communications and phone calls with the goal of increasing positive exposure for Tulane; serves as the primary contact for football and handles media relations duties (requests, interview schedules, etc.) for the athletics administration, football and other sports as assigned; serves as the primary communications contact with conference and NCAA media relations offices; serves as the leader of the department’s overall messaging and spokesperson for the athletics department when appropriate; and develops and enhances relationships with key stakeholders and media outlets. (25%)

3. Function: Maintains Website and Departmental Communication Pieces - Directs the communications function and content on TulaneGreenWave.com, working to develop and improve overall content of the site regularly; directs the maintenance and daily updating of the overall site; serves as a point person with the website provider; leads the creation graphics and generate fresh content for web use; gathers photos for website and various communications/social platforms; and serves as backup for other staff members’ web needs. (15%)

4. Function: Publications Production - Supervises production (writing, editing, design) of publications including game programs, media guides, the main athletics website, annual reports, etc.; works in conjunction with the Creative Services team on production of digital assets for social media and the web; and oversees the quality and consistency of all publications, identifying areas of efficiency and optimization. (15%)

5. Function: Media Relations Operations - Supervises, coordinates, and oversees media relations for all home and away contests and events, press conferences, photos days and media days; serves as point media relations contact for Tulane-hosted conference and national championship events; develops relationships with and serve as the department’s contact with local and national media outlets; and coordinates with other stakeholders to ensure cohesive media strategies. (15%)

6. Function: Other Duties - Performs other duties as requested or required, whether or not specifically mentioned in this job description. (5%)

Required Education and/or Experience:

Assistant Athletic Director:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• 5 years of experience in media relations, media coverage, social and digital media, web communications, and writing communications
  OR

• High School Diploma/equivalent

• 11 years of experience in media relations, media coverage, social and digital media, web communications, and writing communications

Associate Athletic Director:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• 7 years of experience in media relations, media coverage, social and digital media, web communications, and writing communications
  OR

• High School Diploma/equivalent

• 13 years of experience in media relations, media coverage, social and digital media, web communications, and writing communications

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Excellent writing skills

• Ability to interact effectively with coaches, administrators, student athletes and vendors

• Extremely organized, self-starter, intrinsically motivated

• Excellent organizational, management and leadership skills

• Strong computer skills including word processing, html and social media

• Proven ability to multi-task effectively

• Ability to prioritize assignments and meet deadlines

• Available to work flexible work schedule including nights and weekends

• Ability to travel with sport teams for away contests

• Thorough knowledge of NCAA and American Conference rules and regulations

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Master’s degree

• Experience at the Division I FBS level

NCAA Related:
Ensures that all Department of Athletics and University related activities operate in full compliance with university, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations. Attends and participates in scheduled compliance seminars and complies with all the Athletic Department’s efforts to monitor compliance with NCAA regulations. Seeks interpretations from the compliance staff before acting when necessary. Reports potential rules violations immediately.  Completes required compliance paperwork in a timely and efficient manner. Monitors all of their areas and/or programs activities closely to maintain compliance with applicable rules and regulations.  

In order to be considered for this position, applicants are required to apply for IRC31842 via the Tulane University employment website (https://jobs.tulane.edu/position/IRC31842).  The position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

Please Note: Tulane University has officially adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which includes the requirement of a booster when eligible. All employees and visiting faculty must be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccination or obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption prior to beginning employment.

Tulane University is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.