Assistant Athletic Director, Communications - Military veterans preferred

Assistant Athletic Director, Communications

Reporting to the Senior Associate AD/Chief Communications Officer, the Assistant Athletic Director, Communications will have direct oversight of several full-time strategic communications professionals and manage the day-to-day communications of the Men’s Basketball program. A minimum of five years of experience in strategic communications, preferably within college or professional athletics required. Demonstrated leadership experience is a must. Strong background in media relations, brand building and content strategy. Proven ability to lead and mentor in high-pressure, high-profile environments. Exceptional writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills. Experience working in college basketball preferred. Familiarity with multimedia content production and digital storytelling best practice. Crisis communications training and experience.

Job Summary

Plans, administers, and directs a large department or multiple, small departments within Athletics. Interprets and implements strategic direction in assigned departments within Athletics. Conducts ongoing evaluation of programs to ensure compliance with University and department policies, procedures, and regulations.

Essential Functions

Provide leadership to the communications unit, setting and executing a cohesive vision for storytelling, public relations and content alignment in collaboration with the Chief Communications Officer. Must be a team player and work collaboratively with all units with External Relations. Will serve as the primary communications advisor and media strategist for the Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Assistant Coaches and Student-Athletes. Develop and implement a comprehensive media relations and strategic communications strategy for Men’s Basketball. Responsible for hiring, evaluation and development of assigned communications staff. Develop comprehensive media training program for all 19 sport programs in collaboration with Chief Communications Officer. Manage all media requests for Men’s Basketball program. Establish strong relationships with local, regional and national media in order to proactively pitch stories. Oversee game day communications operations, including credentialing, statistics and press conferences for Men’s Basketball. Lead, mentor and grow a high-performing communications staff committed to innovation, collaboration and excellence. Champion a cross-functional culture that encourages integrated storytelling across content teams. Implement a data-driven approach to communications and content strategy efforts that supports the department’s commitment to driving conversions.

Physical Effort

Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Assistant Director - Athletics

Job Family: Athletics

Job Sub Family: Athletics Administration

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 5

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule: Varies

Work Arrangement: Varies

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: Yes

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents: Not Applicable




Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI278234935