Assistant Director, Athletic Communications

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
August 30, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

As the Assistant Director, Athletic Communications you are responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies for assigned varsity sport programs that advance the mission, visibility, and strategic priorities of Washington State University Athletics. Serving as the primary communications contact for assigned sports, you will develop integrated storytelling campaigns, manage media relations, and collaborate across Athletic Communications, Marketing, Creative Services, Digital Strategy, NIL, Development, and external partners to elevate the Cougar brand and enhance the student‑athlete experience.

You will work under the direction of the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Communications, your role provides strategic communications counsel to coaches and administrators, develops compelling content across multiple platforms, manages earned media opportunities, and supports department‑wide communications initiatives, championship communications, and crisis communications efforts. Your role will require exceptional project management, collaboration, creativity, and the ability to execute communication strategies in a fast‑paced Division I athletics environment.

This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime-eligible.

Monthly Salary: $4,508.70 - $4,583.34 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation
• optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

• A Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing or other relevant field AND either two (2) years of professional experience in print OR broadcast news media, public relations, marketing including the use of electronic media or two (2) years of other relevant professional experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Strong creative, conceptualization, communications, public relations, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Strong planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated editing and proofreading skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Outlook, and Excel programs;
  Adobe Creative Suite experience.

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Sport Management, or related field.
• Two (2) or more years of Division I Athletics Communications experience in a full‑time or part‑time capacity.
• Demonstrated experience developing integrated communications strategies and digital storytelling campaigns.
• Experience working collaboratively with Marketing, Creative Services, Digital Media, NIL, and Development.
• Experience supporting NCAA Championship and Conference Championship events.
• Experience in crisis communications, reputation management, and executive communications.
• Experience utilizing web content management systems, social media analytics, and media monitoring platforms.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

Athletics, Intercollegiate Department Name:
Athletics Communications

Pullman, WA

Full time

12 Month

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable…