Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications

Employment Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Vacancy ID: NF0010158

Position Summary/Description:

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.

Education 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.

Essential Skills:

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.

AA/EEO 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.