Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications

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Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Department of Athletics exists to provide educational and athletic opportunities to young men and women, to provide an environment for student-athletes to learn, advance and excel both academically and athletically, and to serve the interests of the University by complimenting and enhancing its diversity and quality of life. Through its athletic programs, the University seeks to unite alumni, faculty, administration and students in a common shared experience. The governing unit within the Department of Athletics is the Director’s Office, which is the administrative office and clearinghouse for the entire Department of Athletics, and promotes the department’s guiding principle of educating and inspiring through athletics. This unit provides support to administrators, coaches, staff members and student-athletes in order to provide and promote a premier intercollegiate athletic program for The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Department of Athletics is a highly visible public relations arm of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with statewide, national and international recognition.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Athletic Director for Marketing and Communications, the Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications will lead the Athletics Communications/Media Relations unit in planning, editing and strategically telling the Department’s best stories while promoting and protecting the Carolina Athletics brand through proactive media pitching, web stories and news releases, social media and events coverage. This position will lead a team of nine or more media relations professionals and work closely with the leaders of the creative services, marketing, productions, sponsorships and revenue generation units to coordinate the development and execution of social media and storytelling strategy, content, planning and analytical insights while supporting revenue and recruiting objectives. The leader in this position will also work with and answer questions from external media, support the communications and media relations needs of coaches and student-athletes from our 28 sports teams, and assist with University and Department Communications projects. Advise the athletics director on all external and internal communications to include media statements, interviews and internal communications. Recruit and manage student workers.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in the area of assignment, of which at least one is supervisory or in a lead-worker capacity; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Essential skills:
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required with 5 years or greater of related professional experience in marketing, communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant undergraduate degree and 3 years or greater of relevant experience in substitution. Strength across creative disciplines with an industry expertise in one or more to include writing, editing, graphics and storytelling skills.
Ability to lead a media relations team – understand how to engage, motivate and support creative personalities.
Ability to pitch stories and work with media.
Understanding of monetizing digital content to meet sponsorship and revenue objectives.
Understanding how to support recruiting needs of sport programs – content that resonates on appropriate channels. Exceptional communication, leadership and organizational skills – includes ability to communicate needs, strategy and results and build consensus with stakeholders outside of the Creative Services unit.
Knowledge of and ability to implement analytics programs to track and report on effectiveness of campaigns, optimize current business and identify new opportunities.
Abide by all UNC, ACC, and NCAA regulations. Direct questions or concerns regarding compliance with these regulations to the Compliance Office for clarification of the applicable legislation.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Preferred Requirements:
A minimum of 8 years’ experience working in a communications role in college athletics, professional sports, media or a communications agency.
Experience managing personnel – particularly those in creative and communications disciplines.
A creative powerhouse with the vision to imagine, strategize, and cultivate new ideas with a voice to champion them and the will to bring them to completion.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Must be able to lift/move 25 lbs.; ability to navigate stairs, demands attention to detail and effective communications skills, both oral and written.
Ability to work during evening hours, nights and weekends. Ability to work within time sensitive deadlines. Must be able to manage a fast-paced, high volume work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.