Director of Athletics Communications Strategy at InsideHigherEd

10/27/2025

Yes

1129469

Director of Athletics Communications Strategy

Please Inquire

Please Inquire

Not a Union Position

Not an SEIU Position

Exempt

Regular Full Time

12

40

Hanover, NH

Onsite only

No

N/A

No

To develop and execute the strategic communications goals of Dartmouth’s Department of Athletics and Recreation (DCARD) to promote the Department’s ongoing strategic initiatives and priorities to internal and external constituents. Serve as the chief storyteller for the Director of Athletics and Recreation, managing and responding to all inbound communication the office receives.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, composed in high pressure situations, excellent written and verbal communicator, and able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.

Bachelors or equivalent combination of education and experience

• At least seven years of experience in a communications or public relations department, preferably in a college/university environment, or the equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related area.
• Ability to identify business and strategy goals and execute high-quality projects on time.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and with initiative, creativity, and sound judgment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Experience managing and growing a brand’s presence on various social media platforms.

Claire VeNard

[email protected]

Mike Harrity, Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Not an essential function

Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy

Please upload a list of references under Additional Documents.

https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/83684

Communications Strategy

• Develop and execute communications strategies for external and internal constituent communication that align with DCARD’s strategic priorities, as defined by the Director of Athletics and Recreation.
• Manage Director of Athletics and Recreations media and brand presence and strategic messaging and create and/or direct the creation of innovative and captivating content to drive strategic narratives.
• Work alongside the communications team to help guide strategic messaging for DCARD.
• Monitor and track communication efforts, compiling data and analytics reports and insights to support continuous improvement, including weekly media reports for senior leadership.
• Serve as departmental liaison with all college publication & communication offices and supports broader communications initiatives that advance Dartmouth’s reputation and showcase its impact on health, wellbeing and performance.
• Create media plans with defined communications goals and success metrics, create and/or oversee the creation of engaging social media content, write news releases, media pitches, statements, talking points, and FAQs.
• Responsible for the development, editing, and distribution of all media releases, feature stories, and new hire announcements. Developing concepts and assigning material to staff and freelancers as appropriate.
• Proactively identify and secure opportunities for DCARD coaches and staff to share their expertise on timely issues and topics relevant to the institution’s key audiences and the public, including media interviews, op-eds, guest appearances, and speaking engagements.
• Enhance regional and national media exposure.

60%

Issues Management

• At the direction of the Director of Athletics and Recreation and/or Office of Communications leadership, support DCARD-related issues management, crisis and emergency communications.
• Draft social media content, media statements, FAQs, talking points, and/or community messages.
• Monitor media coverage and track media requests for Director of Athletics and Recreation.
• As assigned, handle confidential, sensitive information, exercise excellent professional judgment and discretion, and interact appropriately with Dartmouth constituencies, including senior administrative officers.

20%

Administration

• Partner with the Director of Athletics and Recreation’s Office team to coordinate the efficient and smooth operation of the office; prioritize workflow and efficiency to maximize use of the Director of Athletics and Recreation’s time.
• Compile, screen, and prioritize the Director of Athletics and Recreation’s mail for daily review; manage follow up and maintain correspondence files.
• Respond to email and other correspondence on behalf of the Director of Athletics and Recreation and draft responses on complex matters as appropriate.

20%

Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Performs other duties as assigned.