"Senior Associate Athletic Director for Football Strategic Communications & Public Relations"

Job Description

Reporting directly to the Executive Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer and working in close collaboration with the Head Football Coach, the Senior Associate Athletic Director (AD) for Football Strategic Communications & Public Relations serves as the chief architect of the football programs communication, brand positioning, and media strategy. This leader is responsible for protecting, promoting, and elevating the national profile of the football program while ensuring alignment with the overall mission and values of the university and athletics department.

The Senior Associate AD oversees all aspects of football media relations, strategic messaging, and public relations planning, setting the tone and direction for how the program is presented to local, national, and global audiences.

• Serve as the primary media strategist and senior communications advisor to the Head Football Coach and athletics executive leadership on all football-related matters. Proactively shape storylines and narratives to position the football program as a leader on and off the field.
• Establish crisis communication protocols and manage sensitive issues to safeguard the reputation of the program and university.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to maximize positive coverage and thought leadership opportunities.
• Oversee footballs creative team to ensure integrated storytelling across all platforms. Monitor media trends, analytics, and emerging platforms to continuously refine communication strategies.

Responsibilities

• 30 % - Strategic Communications & Brand Positioning
  Serve as chief architect of the football programs brand and media strategy; shape narratives that elevate the program nationally and globally.
• 25% - Media Relations & Public Relations
  Lead all football-related media relations and Public Relations planning; serve as senior advisor to the Head Coach and executive leadership.
• 15% - Crisis Communication & Reputation Management
  Develop and implement crisis communication protocols; manage sensitive issues to protect the program and university reputation.
• 15% - Creative Team Oversight & Storytelling
  Oversee footballs creative team to ensure integrated storytelling across all platforms.
• 10% - Media Strategy & Relationship Building
  Build strong relationships with media outlets; identify thought leadership opportunities; monitor media trends and analytics to refine communication strategies.
• 5% - Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Advanced degree may be required. 10 years of relevant experience required. 15 or more years of relevant experience preferred.

Desired Qualifications

Bachelors degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field required; advanced degree preferred; 10-12 years of progressively responsible experience in athletic communications, public relations, or sports media; Demonstrated expertise in managing high-profile media relations for a collegiate or professional sports team, preferably football; Proven ability to advise senior leaders and coaches in high-pressure, public-facing environments; Experience managing crises and developing communications strategies that protect brand integrity; Ability to work long hours, nights, weekends, and travel as required by the football schedule.

Function

Marketing and Communications

Sub-Function

Media and Public Relations

Career Band

Managerial

Career Level

M4

Applicants should submit the following:

1. An up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
2. A letter of interest that includes:
   • Your interest in the Senior Associate AD for Football Strategic Communications & Public Relations position.
   • How your experience makes you a strong candidate for the role.
   • Why is this the right time for you to pursue this opportunity.

All inquiries and nominations should be submitted to Shannon Rice, Rice.724@osu.edu.