Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs

Description

The Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs is a senior leadership role within SIU Athletics focused on increasing the program’s visibility, reputation, and revenue. The position oversees all external operations, including media relations, communications, public relations, broadcasting, marketing of ticket sales, marketing sponsorships, promotions, fan engagement, and game day experience. It is also responsible for developing and executing a unified communications and branding strategy to ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms and audiences.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Examples of Duties

The role also develops and implements a comprehensive communications and branding strategy to ensure a consistent, compelling, and unified message across all platforms and audiences.

• Communications & Media Relations
  • Lead all aspects of sports information, media relations, and public relations to enhance the visibility and reputation of Saluki Athletics.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan that ensures a consistent departmental message across all channels.
  • Serve as primary liaison to local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Marketing, Branding & Fan Engagement
  • Oversee strategic marketing initiatives designed to grow ticket sales, revenue, and fan engagement.
  • Manage and expand athletics marketing of licensing, sponsorships, and corporate partnerships.
  • Lead promotions, advertising, and branding efforts for all sport programs and the department as a whole.
  • Direct the development and management of all social media content, digital design, and branding strategies.
  • Oversee athletics website design, maintenance, and content strategy.
• Broadcasting & Game Day Experience
  • Oversee the production and delivery of all radio and television broadcasts.
  • Direct game day production, including video board operations, in-game entertainment, and fan engagement experiences.
  • Ensure high-quality broadcast and in-arena presentations that align with Saluki Athletics’ brand standards.
• Leadership & Staff Management
  • Manage, mentor, and evaluate a team of 10 full-time staff members, student interns, and various game day employees.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation within the external affairs unit.
  • Work closely with other members of the athletics leadership team to align external initiatives with the overall goals of SIU Athletics.

Position Characteristics

• Reports directly to the Director of Athletics.
• Serves as a senior advisor on all matters related to communications, branding, and external relations.
• Plays a critical role in shaping the public perception and financial sustainability of SIU Athletics.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, sports management, or related field required.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in athletics administration, external relations, or a closely related field.
• Proven success in strategic communications, marketing, revenue generation, sponsorship development, and fan engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage staff, budgets, and multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred

Required Documents: Submit a letter of application, CV, and three reference letters.

Contact: Cathy Perry, cathy.perry@siu.edu