Senior Associate Athletic Director for Football Strategic Communications & Public Relations at InsideHigherEd

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Job Title:Senior Associate Athletic Director for Football Strategic Communications & Public RelationsDepartment:Athletics | AdministrationJob DescriptionReporting directly to the Executive Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer and working in close collaboration with the Head Football Coach, the Senior Associate Athletic Director (AD) for Football Strategic Communications & Public Relations serves as the chief architect of the football program’s communication, brand positioning, and media strategy. This leader is responsible for protecting, promoting, and elevating the national profile of the football program while ensuring alignment with the overall mission and values of the university and athletics department.The Senior Associate AD oversees all aspects of football media relations, strategic messaging, and public relations planning, setting the tone and direction for how the program is presented to local, national, and global audiences.Serve as the primary media strategist and senior communications advisor to the Head Football Coach and athletics executive leadership on all football-related matters. Proactively shape storylines and narratives to position the football program as a leader on and off the field.Establish crisis communication protocols and manage sensitive issues to safeguard the reputation of the program and university.Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to maximize positive coverage and thought leadership opportunities.Oversee football’s creative team to ensure integrated storytelling across all platforms. Monitor media trends, analytics, and emerging platforms to continuously refine communication strategies.Responsibilities 30 % - Strategic Communications & Brand PositioningServe as chief architect of the football program’s brand and media strategy; shape narratives that elevate the program nationally and globally.25% - Media Relations & Public RelationsLead all football-related media relations and Public Relations planning; serve as senior advisor to the Head Coach and executive leadership.15% - Crisis Communication & Reputation ManagementDevelop and implement crisis communication protocols; manage sensitive issues to protect the program and university reputation.15% - Creative Team Oversight & StorytellingOversee football’s creative team to ensure integrated storytelling across all platforms.10% - Media Strategy & Relationship BuildingBuild strong relationships with media outlets; identify thought leadership opportunities; monitor media trends and analytics to refine communication strategies.5% - Other duties as assignedMinimum Education RequiredBachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Advanced degree may be required. 10 years of relevant experience required. 15 or more years of relevant experience preferred.Desired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field required; advanced degree preferred; 10-12 years of progressively responsible experience in athletic communications, public relations, or sports media; Demonstrated expertise in managing high-profile media relations for a collegiate or professional sports team, preferably football; Proven ability to advise senior leaders and coaches in high-pressure, public-facing environments; Experience managing crises and developing communications strategies that protect brand integrity; Ability to work long hours, nights, weekends, and travel as required by the football schedule.Function: Marketing and CommunicationsSub-Function: Media and Public RelationsCareer Band: ManagerialCareer Level: M4Applicants should submit the following:1. An up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae (CV)2. A letter of interest that includes:Your interest in the Senior Associate AD for Football Strategic Communications & Public Relations position.How your experience makes you a strong candidate for the role.Why is this the right time for you to pursue this opportunity.All inquiries and nominations should be submitted to Shannon Rice, [email protected] submit all application materials by December 18, 2025.Additional Information:Location:Fawcett Center for Tomorrow (0284)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40Shift:Varying ShiftsFinal candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.