Executive Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Communications

The Department of Athletics at William & Mary is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in all its endeavors. We are committed to an outstanding intercollegiate athletics program by forging an environment that demands success with integrity; winning championships; empowering leaders; building a championship culture; elevating the prestige of the University; and instilling pride and respect.

In the Office of University Advancement, we create the conditions for opportunity – human, financial, & experiential – by garnering and stewarding the resources that advance William & Mary.

The Executive Associate AD is a pivotal senior leadership role within William & Mary Athletics. This position reports jointly to the Director of Athletics and W&M’s Chief Communications Officer in University Advancement. They are responsible for leading communication strategies that enhance W&M’s visibility and preeminence through the Athletics Department. Serving as the primary communications advisor to the Director of Athletics, this role oversees department-wide strategic communications planning, executive-level communications, and ensures alignment between W&M Athletics, University Advancement, and all central marketing and communications.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.

• Significant experience in strategic communications, public relations, or a related field (typically 5+ years).

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for a variety of audiences.

• Exceptional editing skills and experience working with and mentoring writers.

• Experience executing data-informed communications strategies and campaigns.

• Proven leadership and team management abilities, with experience overseeing multifaceted projects and teams.

• Strong understanding of strategic communications, executive communications, and issue management.

• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and foster collaborative relationships across departments.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal effectively and discreetly with donors and both athletics and university staff.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to work effectively in a metrics-driven environment.

• Commitment to building a culture of engagement and philanthropy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree.

Conditions of Employment: 

• This position will require working outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.

Salary: $120,000 to $130,000 commensurate with experience and internal alignment.

Duties: 

40% - Executive Communications & Public Relations:

• Serve as the principal communications strategist for the Director of Athletics and serve on the W&M Athletics Senior Leadership Team.

• Serve on the University Communications Leadership Team.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan that advances the Athletics Department's goals and William & Mary’s broader mission, ensuring consistent and effective messaging that aligns with the university’s content, media and brand strategies.

• Draft speeches, public letters, and presentations for various stakeholders, including athletics leadership.

• Lead communications strategy in collaboration with University Communications, serving as the Athletics Department’s lead during high-profile, urgent, or sensitive situations.

• Oversee the creation and dissemination of high-profile athletics announcements, including messaging, talking points and statements on sensitive and strategic matters.

30% - Strategic Communications Leadership:

• Serve on W&M’s Internal Communications Council, an action-oriented group made up of communications professionals from across the university.

• Coordinate with University Advancement to align fundraising and alumni engagement communications with athletic initiatives.

• Collaborate with communications and marketing teams to produce compelling content that engages diverse audiences, including students, alumni, and fans.

• Ensure the Athletics Department's digital presence, including websites and social media channels, reflects the brand's values and messaging.

• Represent the Athletics Department in university-wide committees and initiatives, fostering collaboration and integration across departments.

20% - Internal Communications & Department Alignment:

• Lead and coordinate internal communications strategy for William & Mary Athletics.

• Ensure timely, clear, and consistent messaging across key constituencies including the Athletics Senior Leadership Team, department staff, coaches, and student-athletes.

• Provide communications leadership during moments of change, urgency, or strategic importance.

10% - Leadership, Advisory, & Special Initiatives:

• Serve as a senior advisor to the Director of Athletics on communications strategy and positioning.

• Contribute to department-wide strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives.

• Support special projects and initiatives that elevate the visibility