Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications

Job Description Summary

The Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications serves as a member of the Athletics senior leadership team and is responsible for the strategic oversight, promotion, and storytelling efforts of the University’s NCAA Division II athletics program. This position directs all athletic communications operations, including media relations, digital content strategy, social media, statistical reporting, branding, live streaming, and championship communications for 19 intercollegiate sports programs.

The Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications promotes the mission and values of the University and Athletics Department by enhancing the visibility and reputation of the institution through innovative communications, creative storytelling, and engagement with campus, conference, regional, and national audiences.

This position reports directly to the Vice President for Athletics & Wellness.

Job Description

DUTIES AND TASKS

Note: The following duties and tasks are illustrative and not exhaustive. Management may require incumbents to perform duties other than those contained in this document.

Athletic Communications Leadership

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the Athletic Communications office and related external communication initiatives.

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Job Description Summary

The Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications serves as a member of the Athletics senior leadership team and is responsible for the strategic oversight, promotion, and storytelling efforts of the University’s NCAA Division II athletics program. This position directs all athletic communications operations, including media relations, digital content strategy, social media, statistical reporting, branding, live streaming, and championship communications for 19 intercollegiate sports programs.

The Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications promotes the mission and values of the University and Athletics Department by enhancing the visibility and reputation of the institution through innovative communications, creative storytelling, and engagement with campus, conference, regional, and national audiences.

This position reports directly to the Vice President for Athletics & Wellness.

Job Description

DUTIES AND TASKS

Note: The following duties and tasks are illustrative and not exhaustive. Management may require incumbents to perform duties other than those contained in this document.

Athletic Communications Leadership

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the Athletic Communications office and related external communication initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the Athletics administrative leadership team.
• Develop and implement comprehensive communication and branding strategies that elevate the University’s athletics profile locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Ensure consistent institutional and athletics branding across all communication platforms.
• Supervise full-time staff, graduate assistants, student workers, interns, freelancers, and game day personnel within Athletic Communications.
• Hire, train, mentor, schedule, and evaluate staff and student employees.

Media Relations & Publicity

• Serve as the primary athletics media contact for designated sports and departmental initiatives.
• Write, edit, and distribute press releases, feature stories, game recaps, statistics, and promotional materials.
• Coordinate media coverage, interviews, press conferences, and photography for athletic events and special initiatives.
• Cultivate positive working relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Manage conference and NCAA reporting requirements, including statistical submissions and awards nominations.
• Coordinate and submit nominations for conference, regional, and national honors and awards for student-athletes, coaches, and staff.

NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) Communications Support

• Support student-athlete personal brand development and NIL communications in accordance with NCAA Division II rules and University policy.
• Collaborate with Athletics compliance staff to ensure NIL-related content and promotional activities remain within applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Provide guidance to student-athletes and coaches on social media best practices, personal branding, and public-facing communications consistent with institutional values.

Digital & Social Media Strategy

• Oversee and manage the athletics website and all official athletics social media platforms.
• Develop creative digital content strategies that increase engagement, visibility, recruitment impact, and brand awareness.
• Create and supervise multimedia content including graphics, photography, video features, interviews, and promotional campaigns.
• Monitor analytics and engagement metrics to assess effectiveness and improve communication strategies.

Digital Accessibility

• Ensure all digital content produced by the Athletic Communications office — including website pages, social media posts, graphics, and video — meets applicable accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA or equivalent).
• Implement accessible practices such as image alt text, closed captioning for video content, and screen reader-compatible web formatting.
• Stay current on evolving digital accessibility requirements and best practices in intercollegiate athletics communications.

Game Operations & Event Coverage

• Coordinate all athletic communications game day operations for home contests and championship events.
• Oversee statistical crews, public address operations, media accommodations, photography, and live event coverage.
• Manage live streaming and broadcast operations, including ESPN+ or conference streaming initiatives when applicable.
• Ensure accurate and timely statistical reporting using NCAA-approved software and platforms.
• Assist with postseason hosting responsibilities for conference and NCAA championship events.

Collaboration & Campus Engagement

• Serve as the liaison between Athletics and the University’s Marketing & Communications Office.
• Collaborate with coaches and athletics staff on promotional campaigns, recruiting content, and storytelling initiatives.
• Support athletics fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach efforts through communications and promotional support.
• Serve on departmental and campus committees as assigned.

Crisis & Sensitive Media Communications

• Serve as a communications resource during sensitive or crisis situations involving student-athletes, coaches, or programs, in coordination with the Vice President for Athletics & Wellness, University Communications, and legal counsel as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain a crisis communications protocol for the Athletics Department, including media holding statements, spokesperson guidelines, and escalation procedures.
• Exercise sound professional judgment and discretion when managing media inquiries involving sensitive personnel, injury, or institutional matters.

Travel Scope

This position requires regular travel to away competitions, conference events, and postseason/championship contests. Travel frequency varies by season but may include extended periods away from campus, weekend travel, and occasional multi-day trips. A valid driver's license is required; the employee may be required to operate a University or rental

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of and compliance with NCAA Division II, Sunshine State Conference, and University rules and regulations.
• Support the mission, philosophy, and strategic goals of the Athletics Department and University.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of intercollegiate athletics communications and media relations best practices.
• Ability to effectively tell the story of a collegiate athletics program through multiple communication platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to build positive relationships with coaches, student-athletes, administrators, media, and campus stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials up to 30 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Extensive computer and screen time required.
• Ability to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions during athletic events.

EDUATIONAL REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in athletic communications, sports information, or intercollegiate athletics communications.
• Experience working in an NCAA intercollegiate athletics environment.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing athletics websites and social media platforms.
• Experience with live statistics software, website CMS platforms, streaming/broadcast technologies, and Adobe Creative Suite or similar design/video software.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as required.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• NCAA Division II and/or Sunshine State Conference experience.
• Supervisory experience in an athletics communications office.
• Experience with live video production, ESPN+ broadcasts, and digital content creation.
• Knowledge of NCAA LiveStats, StatCrew, Genius Sports, Sidearm Sports, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with photography, graphic design, and video editing

ENVIRONMENT:  

 

The work environment characteristics described here are a representation of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of this position.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office and University, handle various type of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess.   The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description.

NOTICE:

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position.  Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.  Saint Leo University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success.

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world.  Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period

2025 ICUBA Benefits Guide_St Leo

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