Director, Creative Video , Intercollegiate Athletics

Departmental Overview

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consists of more than 275 staff members and coaches and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs. These 30 programs include more than 850 student‑athletes who participate in the various sports programs annually within the National Collegiate Athletics Association.

Acts as the primary creative architect for Cal Athletics' visual identity, translating complex brand narratives into high‑impact digital assets. Exercises wide latitude in determining the technical approach for live event capture, behind‑the‑scenes features, and bespoke recruiting content. Leads the integration of emerging technologies, such as AI‑driven workflows, to optimize production speed and scalability. Provides strategic oversight and mentorship for a large student workforce, establishing the pedagogical framework for a department‑wide digital content program.

This role operates with significant independence, pitching original storytelling concepts directly to leadership and resolving unique production challenges in high‑pressure, live‑action environments.

The first review date for this job is:
April 29, 2026.

• Content Conceptualization & Strategic Pitching:
  Working independently and proactively to pitch high‑level storytelling concepts to Cal Athletics leadership, including developing content calendars that align with specific recruiting cycles, retention goals, and revenue‑generation windows.
• Multimedia Production & High‑Impact Execution:
  Leading end‑to‑end execution of visual assets, including cinematic video, photography, motion graphics, and visual design. This involves capturing the “energy” of live events and producing behind‑the‑scenes features that define the Cal brand identity for social platforms and in‑venue video boards.
• Recruitment & Retention Content Specialized Delivery:
  Developing AI‑generated personalized digital content and templates specifically tailored to attract elite recruits and enhance the student‑athlete experience.
• Revenue Generation:
  Developing AI‑generated personalized digital content and templates specifically tailored to attract elite brands and elevate the Cal Athletics brand to aid traditional and new revenue streams and build fan loyalty.
• Technological Innovation & AI Integration:
  Leveraging emerging technologies, such as Generative AI and advanced editing tools, to achieve speed and scale in content production while maintaining University brand guidelines.
• Budgeting & Strategy:
  Managing content creation budgets, tracking expenses, and evaluating content effectiveness via feedback and data to improve future work.
• Quality Control & Post‑Campaign Analysis:
  Governing the post‑design review process by analyzing feedback and performance; implementing continuous improvements to maintain Power 4 conference excellence.

• Advanced knowledge of program activity and best practices.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to multi‑task and handle frequent interruptions.
• Strong active listening, verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency with computer applications relevant to job duties.
• Technical expertise in capturing high‑speed sports action.
• Experience producing content for stadium video boards and social platforms.
• Ability to interpret digital performance metrics (engagement, reach, conversion) and use data to refine strategy.
• Demonstrated return on investment for revenue generation efforts.
• Capability to pitch big‑picture concepts to executive leadership.
• Skill in translating concepts into a cohesive brand narrative.
• Recruiting, training, and mentoring student and intern staff.
• Maintaining quality control across a distributed team.
• Managing production budgets and navigating tight, deadline‑driven schedules in collegiate athletics.
• Solution‑oriented mindset, time‑management, project‑management, and prioritization skills.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and people‑management skills.
• Strong understanding of brand development and the creative process.
• Knowledge of the NCAA, Power 4 landscape, recruiting cycles, NIL trends, and student‑athlete retention drivers.
• Un…