Senior Associate Athletics Director-Strategic Communications

Job Summary

The Senior Associate Athletics Director (AD) - Strategic Communications oversees all aspects of communication for UTSA Athletics to include developing and executing communication strategies. Directs and coordinates all communication efforts, managing a strategic communications plan, and delivering key messages to various audiences while maintaining consistent brand messaging for both internal and external stakeholders. Working closely with the Athletics Director and executive staff, the position is responsible for managing sensitive information requiring press releases and crisis communication. Leads the communications, public relations, while overseeing daily public relations (PR) and messaging needs for the executive staff.

Core Responsibilities

1. Provides daily leadership and supervision to the Strategic Communications department and oversees, develops, and executes all communications efforts and strategies across all aspects of the department of athletics including Fan Engagement, Creative, Advertising, and Branding

2. Responsible for developing a consistent internal and external brand messaging strategy that is reflected in all communications on behalf of UTSA Athletics.

3. Directs and coordinates all strategic communications efforts to include managing and implementing a strategic communications plan and delivering key messages to internal and external stakeholders.

4. Partners with Athletics Director and members of the executive staff on sensitive information needing press releases and crisis communication.

5. Works in partnership with the Deputy AD, External Affairs to execute the external affairs vision.

6. Collaborates with Strategic Communications and other external facing units within athletics to maximize the experience for student athletes, fans, alumni and students.

7. Works in partnership with the Deputy AD for External Affairs to maximize revenue, elevate game experience, ensure alignment of public relations messaging, and push UTSA to be an industry leader in all aspects of External Affairs.

8. Leads efforts to proactively promote telling student-athletes' stories.

9. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the media to generate stories that highlight the significant achievements of the Athletics and its programs and students.

10. Builds and maintains partnerships by cultivating relationships with campus, local, regional, and national media to collaboratively tell UTSA Athletics’ story.

11. Responsible for providing appropriate guidance to coaches, student-athletes and staff members regarding media inquiries and media training and advice.

12. Complies with all applicable National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Conference regulations in the performance of job duties.

13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.

• Seven (7) years of experience in marketing, digital media, communications, branding and storytelling concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques or other related field.

• This position requires the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree.

• Experience working in collegiate athletics or professional sports and direct experience in marketing, digital media, communications, branding and storytelling concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques for a Division I Athletic Department.

• Experience in analytics and the ability to develop analytical reports as well as make data-driven decisions.

• Experience managing social media campaigns.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and highly developed interpersonal interaction skills to include the ability to exchange and interpret information to influence others.

• NCAA and Intercollegiate Policies and Procedures

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

• Thorough knowledge of social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, etc

• Collaboration

• Problem Solving

• Organizational Skills 

Working Conditions

• Office environment.  Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions, or other business-related events.  Workdays, areas, and work hours may vary depending on the department's needs.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work; sitting most of the time.  Jobs are sedentary; if walking and standing are required, only occasionally.  Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.   

This position will work primarily on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee’s responsibility.