Chief Communications and Branding Officer for Athletics and Recreation

Department: Univ Athletics - Admin
Salary/Grade: EXS/17

Job Summary   

Reporting to the Vice President of Athletics and Recreation, who reports to the University’s President, the Chief Communications and Branding Officer (CCBO) is a member of the Senior staff and serves as a highly visible, public-facing representative of the Northwestern Wildcats throughout the community The CCBO will directly supervise selected administrative areas that impact the experience of external and internal stakeholders. The CCBO determines the communications, broadcast, marketing and digital strategies for the Northwestern Department of Athletics and Recreation and executes programs to deliver on department objectives. This role acts as driver of the company brand and culture by ensuring a unified and consistent voice across media channels. The CCBO builds and enhances relationships with broadcast talent, business leaders, community and campus partners to develop and distribute key messages that advance the mission of the organization. The CCBO will be both proactive and reactive in crisis communication approaches and work closely with the office of Global Marketing and Communications to protect, steward and elevate the reputation of Northwestern University. This position requires strong interpersonal, leadership and organization skills to set a clear vision and bring collaborative thinking that serves all areas of NUDAR and highlights the comprehensive successes of our programs in the competitive classroom venues, communities and in their careers. 

Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required. *

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description

Specific Responsibilities :

Department: Univ Athletics - Admin
Salary/Grade: EXS/17

Job Summary   

Reporting to the Vice President of Athletics and Recreation, who reports to the University’s President, the Chief Communications and Branding Officer (CCBO) is a member of the Senior staff and serves as a highly visible, public-facing representative of the Northwestern Wildcats throughout the community The CCBO will directly supervise selected administrative areas that impact the experience of external and internal stakeholders. The CCBO determines the communications, broadcast, marketing and digital strategies for the Northwestern Department of Athletics and Recreation and executes programs to deliver on department objectives. This role acts as driver of the company brand and culture by ensuring a unified and consistent voice across media channels. The CCBO builds and enhances relationships with broadcast talent, business leaders, community and campus partners to develop and distribute key messages that advance the mission of the organization. The CCBO will be both proactive and reactive in crisis communication approaches and work closely with the office of Global Marketing and Communications to protect, steward and elevate the reputation of Northwestern University. This position requires strong interpersonal, leadership and organization skills to set a clear vision and bring collaborative thinking that serves all areas of NUDAR and highlights the comprehensive successes of our programs in the competitive classroom venues, communities and in their careers. 

Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required. *

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description

Specific Responsibilities :

• Development of strategic marketing and social media plans designed to tell the Our Story with the goal of increasing attendance at events, enhancing recruiting capabilities, optimizing the student-athlete experience, and maximizing fan/stakeholder awareness and engagement.
• Utilization of the Marketing and Creative Services units to support the revenue generation efforts of the department including the marketing for tickets to athletic events; involves the analysis of identified constituencies/audiences and the development of programs, services, and outreach to meet identified needs and influence public perception.

• Provide leadership and effectively supervise several units inclusive of establishing goals and priorities, conducting annual evaluations of direct reports, and recommending/implementing necessary changes: Current administrative oversight areas include;

  • Athletic Communications staff
  • Creative Services staff;
  • Broadcast Operations staff
  • Marketing, Fan engagement, and community relations staff

• Oversee brand management, graphic design, digital & video services, and website management. 

• Manage public relations strategies, from creation through execution, to ensure a proactive, opportunistic mindset for all programs, coaches, events and staff. 

• Schedule and supervise with all public appearances by the Vice President for Athletics & Recreation, including speechwriting, meeting briefings and media relations.

•  Assist with special appearances by coaches and student-athletes in accordance with NCAA rules and regulations; administer all NU Athletics press conferences and coordinate individual media access.

• Initiate regular contact with members of the local, regional and national media, and facilitating the placement of stories and player/coach features.

• Direct and oversee NU’s marketing function to increase marketplace awareness and credibility. Conduct market research and develop strategies and plans to identify and develop marketing opportunities. Supervise the planning and development of NU marketing and communications materials. 

• Work cross-functionally with key leaders and content experts across athletics and in coordination with campus partners to develop a comprehensive strategy to represent and promote the NUDAR brand, including the department leadership’s vision, goals, and strategic priorities.

• Oversee Broadcast Operations and Creative Content departments with staff to support 19 varsity programs inclusive of their competitive successes and recruiting priorities.

• Assist Northwestern Athletics Hall of Fame selection and Execution.

• Supervise the dissemination of all media-related publications including electronic media guides, record books, game notes, press releases, and social media content.

• Supervise all online content distributed across departmental mediums including, but not limited to, NUSports.com, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

  • Serve as liaison with outside corporations, such as Sidearm Sports, to coordinate information.

• Nurture and maintain a positive working relationship with the Big Ten Conference and Big Ten Network offices.

• Serve as primary communications liaison to Alumni Relations and Development, assisting with athletics related gift and facility announcements; maintain supportive alumni relations by responding to inquiries and promoting and participating in various alumni events as assigned.

• Supervise the nomination and follow-up of all student-athletes and coaches honors and awards (All-Big Ten, All-American, All-Region, etc.).

• Manage Operating budgets for administrative areas inclusive of marketing, broadcast operations, creative services and communications.

• As a Sport Administrator for assigned programs, this role will provide leadership, advice, counsel, oversight and guidance for each assigned program.

• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA.

• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University continuing education initiatives and required certifications and trainings.

_ Miscellaneous _

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, or equivalent combination of experience and education. 
• Master’s degree preferred
• 5+ years of senior leadership level experience, required, preferably in collegiate or professional athletics
• Excellent writing, verbal, management and relationship-building skills.
• Solid understanding of new/social media concepts.
• Full knowledge of rules and regulations of the NCAA, Big Ten Conference, required
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and effectively interact with diverse populations.
• Ability to establish engaging relationships within and across racialized and other marginalized communities
• Excellent leadership with a track record of developing and maintaining high-performing teams.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $225,000 to $275,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

_ Benefits: _
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/b...to learn more.

_ Work-Life and Wellness: _
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/b...to learn more.

_ Professional Growth & Development: _
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/l..._to learn more . _

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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