Associate Director, Athletics Strategic Communications

EXPIRED

The University of Iowa Department of Athletics seeks applications for an Associate Director, Athletics Strategic Communications. This is a full-time (probationary and FLSA-exempt) position which includes full University benefits. The University of Iowa is an NCAA Division I institution and a member of the Big Ten Conference. The Department of Athletics manages 22 varsity sports programs and related events with a workforce of approximately 205 regular employees and 300 temporary employees. Athletics is a people-centric organization that operates under a “Win. Graduate. Do It Right.” philosophy. For more information regarding Athletics, please click here.

Responsibilities: The Associate Director, Athletics Strategic Communications will plan, develop, implement, and assess communication and outreach efforts that represent University of Iowa people, programs, and policies using a variety of materials and channels, including print, digital, broadcast, and social media; public events; displays and exhibitions; and public speech. Target communications to and build relationships with University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff; news media; alumni; current and prospective donors; policymakers; professional and industry partners; Iowa residents; parents; prospective students; and other external and internal audiences. This position will work with assigned sports, including nationally ranked women’s basketball and women’s soccer teams, among others and will be required to work evenings, weekends, and holiday hours as needed.

Benefits Highlights: Excellent fringe benefit package including paid vacation and sick leave; health, dental, life, and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. The University of Iowa is a Big Ten, nationally ranked research university with 30,000 students located in Iowa City. A vibrant community boasting excellent public schools, safe, comfortable neighborhoods, affordable housing, a highly educated population, and numerous cultural, recreational, and sporting opportunities and events contribute to the Iowa City area frequently appearing high on the best-places-to-live listings. Go to “Working at Iowa” to learn more.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a fast-paced, high-profile athletics communications or public relations position;
• Ability to creatively produce and manage the design, layout, content and flow of multiple publications for multiple platforms (web, e-mail, podcasts, digital audio & video, digital photography, social media and print);
• Professional experience working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trusting relationships;
• Working knowledge and ability to:
  • Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Work effectively in a highly-regulated team environment

The University of Iowa Department of Athletics seeks applications for an Associate Director, Athletics Strategic Communications. This is a full-time (probationary and FLSA-exempt) position which includes full University benefits. The University of Iowa is an NCAA Division I institution and a member of the Big Ten Conference. The Department of Athletics manages 22 varsity sports programs and related events with a workforce of approximately 205 regular employees and 300 temporary employees. Athletics is a people-centric organization that operates under a “Win. Graduate. Do It Right.” philosophy. For more information regarding Athletics, please click here.

Responsibilities: The Associate Director, Athletics Strategic Communications will plan, develop, implement, and assess communication and outreach efforts that represent University of Iowa people, programs, and policies using a variety of materials and channels, including print, digital, broadcast, and social media; public events; displays and exhibitions; and public speech. Target communications to and build relationships with University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff; news media; alumni; current and prospective donors; policymakers; professional and industry partners; Iowa residents; parents; prospective students; and other external and internal audiences. This position will work with assigned sports, including nationally ranked women’s basketball and women’s soccer teams, among others and will be required to work evenings, weekends, and holiday hours as needed.

Benefits Highlights: Excellent fringe benefit package including paid vacation and sick leave; health, dental, life, and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. The University of Iowa is a Big Ten, nationally ranked research university with 30,000 students located in Iowa City. A vibrant community boasting excellent public schools, safe, comfortable neighborhoods, affordable housing, a highly educated population, and numerous cultural, recreational, and sporting opportunities and events contribute to the Iowa City area frequently appearing high on the best-places-to-live listings. Go to “Working at Iowa” to learn more.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a fast-paced, high-profile athletics communications or public relations position;
• Ability to creatively produce and manage the design, layout, content and flow of multiple publications for multiple platforms (web, e-mail, podcasts, digital audio & video, digital photography, social media and print);
• Professional experience working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trusting relationships;
• Working knowledge and ability to:
  • Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Work effectively in a highly-regulated team environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficient in computer software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and sports statistical software. Experience with Genius statistical software highly desired;
• Demonstrated familiarity with emerging AI tools (e.g., generative writing and content optimization) and the ability to apply them thoughtfully to enhance efficiency, creativity, and strategic communication outcomes;
• Familiar with industry-leading collegiate website content management systems;
• At least three years of experience in athletic communications/sports information environment managing media relations and content development for high-profile, nationally ranked, sport programs at the NCAA Division I level, including Women’s Basketball;
• Proficient in social media content creation and management including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat;
• Demonstrated experience in feature writing and designing infographics;
• Genuine passion for and experience with supporting the holistic development of student-athletes, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental health and overall well-being.

Application Process: Visit our website at http://jobs.uiowa.edu and search for keywords “ Athletics Strategic Communications ” Only applications submitted at https://jobs.uiowa.edu will be accepted.

• Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
• Applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a relevant file to the submission. Applications without both a cover letter and resume will be considered incomplete and ineligible for consideration.
• Successful candidates will be subject to a credential/education verification and criminal background check and be required to self-disclose any conviction history.
• Five professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
• As a part of the University of Iowa’s review of your application and consistent with its policies and practices, the University may access and/or view information about you that is job-related and publicly available on the internet, including but not limited to information on social media sites. The access, viewing and/or use of such information is governed by the University’s Policy on Human Rights, as well as state and federal law.
• For questions or additional information, please contact athl-human-resources@uiowa.edu.

About Iowa:

• Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
• Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
• Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
• Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Communications Specialist
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time

Compensation

• Pay Level: 4A
• Starting Salary Minimum: $48,000
• Starting Salary Maximum: Commensurate

Contact Information

• Organization: Athletics
• Contact Name: Tanner Erwin
• Contact Email: tanner-erwin@uiowa.edu

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