Associate Director, Athletics Strategic Communications
Job Summary
The University of Iowa Department of Athletics seeks applications for an Associate Director Athletics Strategic Communications. This is a full-time (probationary and FLSA-exempt) position which includes full University benefits. The University of Iowa is an NCAA Division I institution and a member of the Big Ten Conference. The Department of Athletics manages 22 varsity sports programs and related events with a workforce of approximately 205 regular employees and 300 temporary employees. Athletics is a people-centric organization that operates under a Win. Graduate. Do It Right. philosophy. For more information regarding Athletics please click here.
Responsibilities: The Associate Director Athletics Strategic Communications will plan develop implement and assess communication and outreach efforts that represent University of Iowa people programs and policies using a variety of materials and channels including print digital broadcast and social media; public events; displays and exhibitions; and public speech. Target communications to and build relationships with University of Iowa students faculty and staff; news media; alumni; current and prospective donors; policymakers; professional and industry partners; Iowa residents; parents; prospective students; and other external and internal audiences. This position will work with assigned sports including nationally ranked womens basketball and womens soccer teams among others and will be required to work evenings weekends and holiday hours as needed.
Benefits Highlights: Excellent fringe benefit package including paid vacation and sick leave; health dental life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. The University of Iowa is a Big Ten nationally ranked research university with 30000 students located in Iowa City. A vibrant community boasting excellent public schools safe comfortable neighborhoods affordable housing a highly educated population and numerous cultural recreational and sporting opportunities and events contribute to the Iowa City area frequently appearing high on the best-places-to-live listings. Go to Working at Iowa to learn more.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Journalism Communications Marketing or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Minimum of two years experience in a fast-paced high-profile athletics communications or public relations position;
- Ability to creatively produce and manage the design layout content and flow of multiple publications for multiple platforms (web e-mail podcasts digital audio & video digital photography social media and print);
- Professional experience working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trusting relationships;
- Working knowledge and ability to:
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Work effectively in a highly-regulated team environment
Desired Qualifications:
- Proficient in computer software programs including Microsoft Office Suite Adobe Creative Suite and sports statistical software. Experience with Genius statistical software highly desired;
- Demonstrated familiarity with emerging AI tools (e.g. generative writing and content optimization) and the ability to apply them thoughtfully to enhance efficiency creativity and strategic communication outcomes;
- Familiar with industry-leading collegiate website content management systems;
- At least three years of experience in athletic communications/sports information environment managing media relations and content development for high-profile nationally ranked sport programs at the NCAA Division I level including Womens Basketball;
- Proficient in social media content creation and management including Twitter Facebook Instagram and Snapchat;
- Demonstrated experience in feature writing and designing infographics;
- Genuine passion for and experience with supporting the holistic development of student-athletes recognizing the interconnectedness of mental health and overall well-being.
Application Process: Visit our website at and search for keywords Athletics Strategic Communications Only applications submitted at will be accepted.
- Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
- Applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a relevant file to the submission. Applications without both a cover letter and resume will be considered incomplete and ineligible for consideration.
- Successful candidates will be subject to a credential/education verification and criminal background check and be required to self-disclose any conviction history.
- Five professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
- As a part of the University of Iowas review of your application and consistent with its policies and practices the University may access and/or view information about you that is job-related and publicly available on the internet including but not limited to information on social media sites. The access viewing and/or use of such information is governed by the Universitys Policy on Human Rights as well as state and federal law.
- For questions or additional information please contact
About Iowa:
- Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community where your work directly impacts education research and student success.
- Enjoy exceptional health coverage university-paid life insurance robust retirement plans and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services well-being resources and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training leadership development and tuition assistance.
- Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium Big Ten athletics top-ranked public schools and outdoor recreation.
- Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
The University of Iowa is a top-tier public research university in Iowa City—home to more than 32,000 students, offering world-class programs across 200+ fields of study, renowned especially for its creative writing, acclaimed medical center, and balanced excellence in the arts and sc ... View more