Director of Athletics Communications Strategy

Director of Athletics Communications Strategy

Posting Date: 10/27/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Position Number: 1129469

Position Title: Director of Athletics Communications Strategy

Hiring Range: Please Inquire

Union Type: Not a Union Position

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Category: Regular Full Time

Scheduled Months Per Year: 12

Scheduled Hours Per Week: 40

Location: Hanover, NH

Remote Work Eligibility: Onsite only

Term Position: No

Position

Purpose:

To develop and execute the strategic communications goals of Dartmouth’s Department of Athletics and Recreation (DCARD) to promote the Department’s ongoing strategic initiatives and priorities to internal and external constituents. Serve as the chief storyteller for the Director of Athletics and Recreation, managing and responding to all inbound communication the office receives.

Description: Are you a dynamic, strategic PR professional eager to elevate a leading institution’s reputation and brand presence while communicating goals, priorities and wins to staff, campus partners and key stakeholders? Dartmouth College Athletics and Recreation Department (DCARD) is seeking an innovative Communications Strategist to be a thought partner to leadership and deliver high-impact messaging initiatives. This pivotal role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and amplify DCARD’s narrative both regionally and nationally, aligning with Dartmouth’s commitment to excellence in health, wellbeing, and performance.

As the in-house strategic communications expert, you will design and execute integrated PR plans that drive cohesive storytelling across internal and external audiences, manage the media presence and brand reputation of the Director of Athletics and Recreation and the Department, craft compelling content, collaborate closely with the communications team and campus partners, and ensure consistent messaging that resonates with diverse constituents.

• Develop and execute communications strategies for external and internal constituent communication that align with DCARD’s strategic priorities.
• Manage Director of Athletics and Recreation’s media and brand presence and strategic messaging; create and/or direct innovative content to drive strategic narratives.
• Work alongside the communications team to guide strategic messaging for DCARD.
• Monitor and track communication efforts, compiling data and analytics reports and insights to support continuous improvement, including weekly media reports for senior leadership.
• Serve as departmental liaison with all college publication & communication offices and support broader communications initiatives.
• Create media plans with defined communications goals and success metrics; oversee engaging social media content; write news releases, media pitches, statements, talking points and FAQs.
• Responsible for the development, editing, and distribution of all media releases, feature stories, and new hire announcements.
• Proactively identify and secure opportunities for DCARD coaches and staff to share their expertise on timely issues relevant to the institution’s key audiences and the public, including media interviews, op-eds, guest appearances and speaking engagements.
• Enhance regional and national media exposure.
• Support DCARD-related issues management, crisis and emergency communications.
• Draft social media content, media statements, FAQs, talking points and community messages.
• Monitor media coverage and track media requests for Director of Athletics and Recreation.
• Handle confidential, sensitive information, exercising excellent professional judgment and discretion.
• Partner with the Director of Athletics and Recreation’s Office team to coordinate efficient office operations and prioritize workflow.
• Compile, screen, and prioritize mail for daily review; manage follow up and maintain correspondence files.
• Respond to email and other correspondence on behalf of the Director; draft responses on complex matters as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• At least seven years of experience in a communications or public relations department, preferably in a college/university environment, or the equivalent.
• Bachelor’s…