Assistant Athletic Director, Integrated Communications

Job Title

Assistant Athletic Director for Integrated Communications

Assists with the daily operations of a department or work unit. Develops program guidelines and policies and may be responsible for the implementation of major programs or projects within a department.

The Assistant Athletic Director for Integrated Communications provides strategic leadership, oversight, and execution of the athletics communications department. This position is responsible for shaping and protecting the brand of the athletics program, managing media relations, and serving as a primary liaison between the department and local, regional, and national media.

• Ensures consistent messaging, enhances national visibility, and supports coaches, student-athletes, and administrators in advancing the mission and goals of the Memphis Athletics.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive athletics communications strategy aligned with departmental goals for website content, overseeing the development of recaps, features, promotional pieces, fundraising/marketing and recruiting content.
• Supervise and manage the communications team and support staff responsible for day-to-day and event coverage of 19 sport programs including external events (e.g M Club Hall of Fame, PAWSCARS, Tigers on Tour).
• Provide guidance, performance feedback, and professional development support to team members to ensure high-quality coverage and adherence to brand standards.
• Serve as the primary communications contact for Football or Men's Basketball as well as one other sport.
• Lead storytelling efforts across all platforms to elevate the visibility and reputation of the Memphis Athletics.
• Specifically, manage and edit the  website, including oversight of overall web strategy.
• Administer distribution of all content across social media platforms and ; serve as primary liaison with Side Arm Sports to ensure all web-related needs are met.
• Oversee accurate reporting and maintenance of statistics, rosters, schedules, results, and historical records in compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional requirements.
• Work collaboratively with marketing, creative and development teams to produce content that supports department initiatives and cohesive messaging for events, ticketing and fundraising efforts.
• Manage the communications department budget, including planning, tracking, and ensuring effective allocation of resources to support content production and strategic initiatives.
• Serve as communications liaison who collaborates with The American Conference, NCAA, and local and national news outlets to create and distribute content that enhances the visibility of Memphis Athletics.
• Serve as the primary liaison to ESPN, CBS Sports Network and any other broadcast networks for broadcast planning and execution across all sports.
• Oversee the planning and execution of press conferences and media availability, including the set-up and coordination of player and coach interviews.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets. Manage crisis communications planning and response.
• Lead award nomination processes with the American Conference, NCAA and other news outlets while strategically promoting student-athletes and coaches for honors and recognitions.
• Assist with preparation for major media opportunities and professional draft processes.
• Coordinate with Learfield Sports to ensure fulfillment of all sponsored digital and video elements, based on inventory and availability.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field and five (5) years of progressive experience in athletic communications, preferably at the NCAA Division I level. Or Master's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field and three (3) years of progressive experience in athletic communications, preferably at the NCAA Division I level. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Strong writing, editing, and media relations skills.
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and policies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with coaches, student-athletes, administrators, and media.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field.
• Experience serving as primary football or men's basketball contact.
• Crisis communications experience
• Established national media relationships.

Work Environment

• Requires frequent evening and weekend work, as well as travel with assigned teams.
• Ability to work in high-pressure, event-driven environments

The University of Memphis…