Athletic Communications Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of sports, the role of an Athletic Communications Director is gaining increasing recognition.

As the sports industry evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can adeptly manage, promote, and safeguard our athletic programs heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an Athletic Communications Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of athletic communications,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Athletic Communications Director job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Athletic Communications Director Duties and Responsibilities

Athletic Communications Directors are responsible for overseeing all communication efforts of an athletic department or sports organization.

They coordinate media coverage, manage public relations, and create promotional materials for athletic events and teams.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing communication strategies to promote the organization’s athletic teams and events
• Coordinating media coverage for athletic events, including press releases, press conferences, and interviews
• Overseeing the creation and distribution of promotional materials, such as game programs, media guides, and website content
• Managing the organization’s social media accounts and website, ensuring content is current, accurate, and engaging
• Working closely with coaches and athletes to gather information for press releases and promotional materials
• Maintaining positive relationships with local and national media outlets
• Monitoring and responding to public inquiries and concerns related to the athletic department
• Coordinating special events and community outreach programs
• Collaborating with other departments within the organization to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment
• Tracking and analyzing the effectiveness of communication strategies and making necessary adjustments

 

Athletic Communications Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic Athletic Communications Director to join our team.

The primary role of the Athletic Communications Director is to promote our athletic programs and student-athletes, manage communication strategies, and engage with the media.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in sports journalism, excellent writing skills, and a proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

They will also have a deep understanding of the sports world and passion for sharing the stories of our athletes and programs.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communication strategies for all athletic programs
• Manage press relations and coordinate media coverage for athletic events
• Write and edit press releases, game recaps, and feature stories
• Maintain the athletics website and social media platforms
• Coordinate live streaming and video production for athletic events
• Create and manage content for game programs, promotional materials, and other publications
• Collaborate with athletic staff, coaches, and student-athletes to promote events and achievements
• Manage game statistics and historical records
• Coordinate nominations and submissions for athletic awards
• Monitor and respond to media inquiries in a timely manner

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, sports management, or related field
• Proven experience in sports communications or sports journalism
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in social media platforms and website content management systems
• Knowledge of sports statistics and understanding of various sports rules
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience with video production and graphic design is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Athletic Communications Director
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent attendance at games and other athletic events. Some travel may be required for away games and tournaments.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Athletic Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Athletic Communications Director Do?

Athletic Communications Directors typically work for colleges, universities, and other educational institutions, as well as professional sports organizations and athletic leagues.

They serve as the primary liaison between the athletic department and media outlets.

This involves responding to media inquiries, coordinating interviews with athletes and coaches, and proactively seeking media coverage for the organization’s athletic programs.

Athletic Communications Directors write and distribute press releases, create content for the organization’s website and social media platforms, and prepare game notes and other relevant information for broadcasters and journalists.

They also manage the organization’s sports information, such as player statistics, team records, and historical data, ensuring that this information is accurate and up-to-date.

Furthermore, they are often responsible for coordinating media coverage of athletic events, including managing press box operations and sideline photography, and handling any crisis communications related to the athletic department.

They work closely with athletes, coaches, and other staff members to ensure that all communications accurately represent the organization and its values.

Overall, the role of an Athletic Communications Director is to promote the athletic department and its teams, build relationships with media contacts, and manage the flow of information to the public.

 

Athletic Communications Director Qualifications and Skills

An Athletic Communications Director should have the skills and qualifications that match with the job requirements, such as:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with athletes, coaches, media, and other stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities to guide and supervise the communications team.
• Extensive knowledge of various sports and understanding of sport-specific terminologies.
• Experience in public relations, media relations or sports information, including knowledge of sports statistics and reporting procedures.
• Proficiency in using social media platforms and other digital communication tools to promote athletic teams and events.
• Ability to create, plan and implement effective communication strategies to enhance visibility and reputation of the athletic department.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills for creating press releases, website content, game notes, and other promotional materials.
• Understanding of crisis management techniques to handle potential issues that may impact the reputation of the athletic department.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Problem-solving skills to find effective solutions to communication-related issues.

 

Athletic Communications Director Experience Requirements

An Athletic Communications Director typically requires a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, sports management or a related field, along with several years of relevant experience in sports communications or public relations.

Entry-level Athletic Communications Directors may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship or part-time role in sports communications, public relations, or sports management.

They may also gain valuable experience in related roles such as Sports Writer, PR Assistant, or Media Relations Specialist in an athletic setting.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often develop their skills and knowledge in athletic communications through roles such as Assistant Athletic Communications Director or Sports Information Director.

They should possess a deep understanding of sports media operations, communication strategies, and digital media platforms.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have extensive leadership experience and have a proven track record in strategic communications, media relations, and crisis management in a sports context.

They may be ready for a senior leadership or management position in Athletic Communications.

Experience in collegiate or professional sports environments is highly valued, as is experience with digital and social media in a sports context.

Fluency in sports rules, statistics, and trends is also often required.

 

Athletic Communications Director Education and Training Requirements

An Athletic Communications Director typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Sports Management, Journalism, or another related field.

In addition to a degree, they need to have experience in sports information, athletic communications, or a similar role.

This is often gained through internships, work-study programs, or entry-level jobs in the sports industry.

Knowledge in areas such as public relations, multimedia production, and sports statistics is also beneficial.

Familiarity with sports-specific software such as StatCrew or Genius is often required.

Although not always necessary, a master’s degree in Sports Management or Communication could make a candidate more competitive for these positions.

This advanced study can provide more in-depth understanding of the sports industry, as well as management and leadership skills.

Some Athletic Communications Directors also pursue certifications in areas such as sports journalism or public relations to further enhance their knowledge and skills.

Continual professional development is important in this role as the industry and technology are constantly evolving.

Therefore, individuals in this role should be committed to ongoing learning, regularly updating their skills and staying informed about the latest trends in the sports and communications sectors.

 

Athletic Communications Director Salary Expectations

An Athletic Communications Director earns an average salary of $68,840 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can fluctuate based on factors such as the level of professional experience, the educational background, the location of the institution, and the size and prestige of the athletic program.

 

Athletic Communications Director Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Athletic Communications Director need?

An Athletic Communications Director should have strong communication and public relations skills to effectively manage and promote the image of athletic programs.

They must also possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask, as they often oversee a variety of tasks from event management to media relations.

A strong understanding of sports and knowledge of sports statistics is also important.

 

Do Athletic Communications Directors need a degree?

Most Athletic Communications Directors hold a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.

Experience in sports communications or journalism is highly beneficial.

Some larger organizations may require a master’s degree or higher.

 

What should you look for in an Athletic Communications Director resume?

Look for a combination of education in communication or journalism and experience in sports communication.

The candidate should have proven experience in media relations, and public speaking, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Knowledge of digital media, such as website management and social media platforms, is also a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Athletic Communications Director?

A good Athletic Communications Director is a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills.

They should be adept at building relationships with media outlets and the community.

They should have a passion for sports and an understanding of the dynamics of various games.

They should also be proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work under pressure.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Athletic Communications Director?

The difficulty in hiring an Athletic Communications Director varies based on the level of the position and the particular demands of the organization.

For larger, high-profile sports organizations, it may be more challenging due to the high level of expertise and experience required.

However, with a well-defined job description and a thorough selection process, it is possible to find a candidate who is a good fit for the role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the inside track on what it truly takes to be an Athletic Communications Director.

Intriguing, isn’t it?

It’s not just about coordinating sports events.

It’s about orchestrating the symphony of sports communication, one game at a time.

With our handy Athletic Communications Director job description template and real-world scenarios, you’re ready for the next play.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your tool for crafting precise job listings or perfecting your resume to a tee.

Remember:

Each game coordinated is a chapter in the grand book of sports.

Let’s script that story. Together.

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