Athletic Communications Director

POSITION SUMMARYThe Athletic Communications Director reports directly to the Assistant Athletic Director (AAD) for Communications & Development to provide strategic leadership and tactical execution for communications, public and media relations, game day operations, marketing, development, community engagement, and special events within the Franciscan University Athletic Department in a manner that advances the Christian mission of the University.Media and Public RelationsThe Director coordinates media coverage, responds to inquiries, schedules interviews with athletes and coaches, and proactively seeks publicity for athletic programs and events. The Director also prepares press releases, manages relationships with local and national media, and represents the organization at press conferences and athletic events.Communications StrategyThe Director assists the AAD/Communications & Development in developing and implementing a comprehensive communications campaign, including marketing strategies, social media engagement, multimedia and broadcasting operations, and digital content creation across platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube in alignment with the Christian vision and mission of the University. This includes overseeing print materials such as press guides, sports programs, and promotional content.Event and Game ManagementThe Director is a key component to game-day operations, including scheduling, staff, coordinating fan engagement, livestreaming, and ensuring accurate in-game statistics for reporting and awards. They will work with the Game Day Manager to enhance fan experience both in-person and online. The Director also is heavily involved with the planning and execution of special events involving Franciscan Athletics.Leadership and SupervisionWithin the chain of command, the Director leads and manages communications staff, such as the Athletic Communications Assistant, Student Sports Information Coordinators, and Interns, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations. The Director also manages budgets for communications and marketing initiatives under the direction of the AAD/Communications & Development.Collaboration and RepresentationThe Director works closely with the Franciscan Athletic Department Front Office, coaches, and other administrative staff to ensure consistent messaging and compliance with institutional and league regulations. They may travel to away games, tournaments, and conferences to represent the Athletic Department.The mission pillars of the Franciscan University Athletic Department—Forming Disciples, Developing Leaders, and Pursuing Excellence—are central to this role. The Athletic Communications Director is responsible for driving innovation and advancement of these pillars through all communications, marketing, and related initiatives, ensuring that Franciscan Athletics authentically embodies the University's Catholic and Franciscan identity.Franciscan University is an NCAA Division III institution and a member of the Presidents' Athletic Conference. With continued departmental growth and increasing competitive success, advancing the visibility, professionalism, and impact of Franciscan Athletics in service of the University's mission is a primary objective of this position.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESAssists AAD/Communications & Development to provide strategic leadership for communications, public and media relations, game day operations, marketing, development, community engagement, and special events with an emphasis on promoting the Christian mission of Franciscan University.Coordinates media coverage, responds to inquiries, schedules interviews with athletes and coaches, and proactively seeks publicity for athletic programs and events.Develops and implements a comprehensive communications campaign, including marketing strategies, social media engagement, multimedia and broadcasting operations, and digital content creation across platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube in alignment wit the Christian vision and mission of the University.Schedules staff and coordinates fan engagement and livestreaming ensuring accurate in-game statistics for reporting and awards.Leads and manages communications staff within a defined chain of command.Works closely with the Franciscan Athletic Department Front Office, coaches, and other administrative staff to ensure consistent messaging and compliance with institutional and league regulations.REQUIREMENTSEducation and ExperienceBachelor's degree required.Master's degree preferred.Technical SkillsDemonstrated acumen with sports media operations, including social media, livestreaming, broadcasting, stat keeping, and related hardware/software.Leadership ability.Non-Technical Skills & CompetenciesCollaboration: Approachable, proactive, and works well within a team.Decision Quality: Effectively blends analysis, experience, and intuition in the decision-making process.Verbal Communications: Excellent CommunicatorWorkplace FactorsTracking of equipment/inventory.Attendance at multiple athletic venues around campus and elsewhere.Ability to function within a defined chain of command.Franciscan University of Steubenville is committed to principles of equal opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.J-18808-Ljbffr