Inside Higher Ed
Executive Associate AD, External Affairs and Chief Communication Officer
Inside Higher Ed, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43224
Executive Associate AD, External Affairs and Chief Communication Officer
Department: Athletics | Administration
Position Type: Regular | Scheduled Hours: 40 | Location: Fawcett Center for Tomorrow (0284)
Job Description The Executive Associate Athletic Director – External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer reports directly to the Deputy Director of Athletics and serves as a primary communications strategist, spokesperson, and liaison to university marketing and communications departments. This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of all external affairs functions, including strategic communication, brand management, marketing, creative media, digital strategy, public relations, and fan engagement. It supports the department’s revenue goals and drives innovation in digital and fan experience initiatives.
Responsibilities
Oversee media relations, public messaging, press strategy, and digital platforms.
Direct crisis communications planning and execution to protect and enhance the institution’s reputation.
Ensure proactive storytelling that highlights student‑athlete success, coaching excellence, program achievements, and community impact.
Lead the creative services team to deliver cutting‑edge content across platforms, with a focus on elite recruiting content for all 36 sports.
Drive innovation in digital strategy, social media, and fan experience initiatives.
Collaborate with ticketing, development, sponsorship, NIL, trademark and licensing units to support departmental revenue goals.
Support development initiatives, sponsorship engagement, and ticket sales through coordinated efforts driven by data analysis.
Minimum Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Advanced degree may be required.
12 years of relevant experience (15 or more years preferred).
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, business, sports management, or a related field.
Minimum of 8 years of progressive management experience in athletics administration, communications, marketing, or external affairs.
Demonstrated success in leading large, diverse teams across multiple external units.
Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Application Materials
Updated curriculum vitae (CV).
A letter of interest that includes:
Interest in the Executive Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer position.
How your experience makes you a strong candidate for the role.
Why this is the right time for you to pursue this opportunity.
All inquiries and nominations should be submitted to Shannon Rice (Rice.724@osu.edu).
Please submit all application materials by November 14th.
Additional Information The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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Position Type: Regular | Scheduled Hours: 40 | Location: Fawcett Center for Tomorrow (0284)
Job Description The Executive Associate Athletic Director – External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer reports directly to the Deputy Director of Athletics and serves as a primary communications strategist, spokesperson, and liaison to university marketing and communications departments. This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of all external affairs functions, including strategic communication, brand management, marketing, creative media, digital strategy, public relations, and fan engagement. It supports the department’s revenue goals and drives innovation in digital and fan experience initiatives.
Responsibilities
Oversee media relations, public messaging, press strategy, and digital platforms.
Direct crisis communications planning and execution to protect and enhance the institution’s reputation.
Ensure proactive storytelling that highlights student‑athlete success, coaching excellence, program achievements, and community impact.
Lead the creative services team to deliver cutting‑edge content across platforms, with a focus on elite recruiting content for all 36 sports.
Drive innovation in digital strategy, social media, and fan experience initiatives.
Collaborate with ticketing, development, sponsorship, NIL, trademark and licensing units to support departmental revenue goals.
Support development initiatives, sponsorship engagement, and ticket sales through coordinated efforts driven by data analysis.
Minimum Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Advanced degree may be required.
12 years of relevant experience (15 or more years preferred).
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, business, sports management, or a related field.
Minimum of 8 years of progressive management experience in athletics administration, communications, marketing, or external affairs.
Demonstrated success in leading large, diverse teams across multiple external units.
Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Application Materials
Updated curriculum vitae (CV).
A letter of interest that includes:
Interest in the Executive Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer position.
How your experience makes you a strong candidate for the role.
Why this is the right time for you to pursue this opportunity.
All inquiries and nominations should be submitted to Shannon Rice (Rice.724@osu.edu).
Please submit all application materials by November 14th.
Additional Information The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr