Associate Director of Athletic Communications and Digital Media

Department: Univ Athletics-Media Svcs
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

The Associate Director of Athletic Communications will work with, and directly report to, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications in order to develop, implement, assess and evolve all aspects of the communications department - media and public relations, content creation, social media management and measurement - to promote the success of Northwestern Athletics & Recreation through all internal and external channels. This position will also be responsible for maintaining key components of nusports.com, including but not limited to staff directory and specialty page management and roster update monitoring across all 21 sports.

*Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required.

Target hiring range for this position will be $70,017 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as secondary communications contact for football and primary communications contact for Northwestern lacrosse, overseeing media relations, public relations, crisis communications and image management support for all team personnel.
• Develop publicity strategies for notable elements of assigned programs, pitch stories to local and national media, prepare interviewees, manage interview sessions.
• Lead creative ideation for lacrosse program in any group setting.
• Manage nusports.com from the athletic communications staff perspective and play an integral role in the website redo beginning September 2025.
• Provide on-site media management at all contests, home and away including, but not limited to, media credentialing, media and staff hospitality, pregame, in-game and postgame interviews.
• Maintain accurate historical records for the Northwestern football and lacrosse program, student-athletes and staff on NUSports.com.
• Produce publications when appropriate.
• Serve as editor-in-chief of NUSports.com, the official website of Northwestern Athletics, curating all content assembled in support of 21 varsity teams.
• Ensure, with support of Athletics Communications staff, accuracy and timeliness of all sports information including schedules, statistics, and biographical information.
• Liaison to Northwestern Sports Properties for banner ads and other digital entitlements.
• Support NUDAR departments with website presence including, but not limited to, ticket sales and service, marketing, academics, NU For Life, sports medicine, development.
• Recruit and manage a team of student writers to produce written content for NUSports.com.
• Serve as a leader in the External Relations department, responsible for collaboratively developing and executing ideas to support revenue generation and brand development.
• Participate in other projects, attend department meetings and events as requested by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications and Chief Communications and Branding Officer.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference, CSC and the NCAA.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University continuing education initiatives and required certifications and trainings.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or relevant field.

• Proven track record of results delivered in media & public relations, social media management and content creation & distribution.

• Excellent written skills and attention to detail required.

• Mastery of Sidearm web content management system required.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across all teams.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work in dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and meet deadlines.

• Ability to work cooperatively with others and effectively interact and establish engaging relationships with a wide variety of constituents.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the NCAA, CSC, Big Ten Conference and Northwestern University preferred

• Working knowledge of graphic design, photography and video production

• 5 years of professional experience in Athletic communications, public relations, or relevant field.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.