Associate Director of Athletics, Communications

Job Description:

Brown University Athletics and Recreation invites applications for the position of Associate Director of Athletics, Communications.

We are seeking a dynamic, creative, and forward-thinking communications strategist to lead the comprehensive communications, media relations, digital content, and storytelling efforts for Brown’s Division of Athletics and Recreation. This pivotal leadership role oversees the development and execution of integrated strategies that proactively promote our 38 varsity sport programs, club and recreation offerings, student-athlete and coach achievements, signature initiatives, and strategic priorities.

The successful candidate will be charged with elevating and protecting the Brown Athletics brand at the local, regional, and national levels while advancing the Division’s mission and institutional reputation.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Communications & Brand Management Lead strategic communications planning, including brand positioning, public messaging, issues management, and crisis communications.

Partner closely with the Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Chief of Staff and Athletics senior leadership to anticipate multiple scenarios, manage complex issues, and protect institutional reputation.

Ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment across all communications platforms and public-facing content.

Media Relations & Storytelling Serve as a key ambassador for the Division, cultivating strong relationships with local and national media, campus leadership, coaches, student-athletes, staff, alumni, and external organizations.

Direct all internal and external communications activities, including media outreach, press releases, feature storytelling, executive messaging, talking points, and fact sheets.

Identify and amplify compelling stories and achievements through coordinated, multi-platform content strategies leveraging traditional media, digital communications, social media, broadcast, and emerging platforms.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration Provide leadership and strategic oversight for the communications, production, content creation, and broadcasting functions within Athletics, including direct supervision of staff and related personnel.

Develop long-term operational and staffing strategies, including professional development, workflow management, and cross-functional collaboration.

Collaborate with the internal marketing team, Brown Sports Properties (Learfield), the Brown University Sports Foundation, and other campus partners to ensure cohesive branding and audience engagement.

Serve as the primary liaison with Brown’s central Office of University Communications to align with broader institutional priorities.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field4+ years of progressive experience in media relations or strategic communications.

Documented track record of managing high-stakes social media and national press campaigns.

Proven track record of leadership in sports information, athletic communications, public relations, or a related field (experience in a collegiate athletics environment preferred).Extensive experience navigating intellectual property, copyright, and marketing permissions.

Job Competencies Exceptional writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills with a sharp eye for detail.

Ability to navigate crisis communications, public messaging, and issues management with diplomacy and poise.

Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and develop a diverse team of communications and production professionals.

A strong understanding of current trends in digital media, broadcasting, social media platforms, and the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.

All division employees are required to demonstrate exemplary ethical conduct and conformance to NCAA rules and regulations; the duties of the position are to be performed in compliance with all NCAA, Ivy League rules and regulations; and any rules violations on behalf of themselves or any knowledge of violations within the division are to be reported to the compliance office and appropriate parties.

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