Director of Athletic Communications

Berea, OH (On-site)

Salary Not AvailableDirector/Executive3+ years expFull time

Posted 2 months ago

Job Summary

Own the strategic storytelling and media ecosystem for Baldwin Wallace Athletics, aligning communications across media relations, digital channels, and awards programs to amplify student‑athletes and programs while partnering with University Marketing for brand consistency.

  • Own integrated athletics communications across outreach, storytelling, and visibility initiatives to drive engagement with campus and fans.
  • Coordinate with University Communications to ensure messaging alignment, branding, and cross‑channel consistency in all narratives.
  • Lead, develop, and measure a high‑performing team while stewarding resources, workflows, and award submissions to showcase athletic excellence.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic direction and oversight for all athletic communications, including media relations, content creation, digital storytelling, and brand consistency.
  • Oversee sport‑specific communications operations, including statistics, records, game notes, recaps, media coordination, and press operations.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between Athletics and University Communications and Marketing to ensure alignment with institutional messaging and visual identity.
  • Manage, mentor, and evaluate athletics communications staff and student workers, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing team environment.
  • Plan and execute storytelling initiatives that promote Baldwin Wallace student‑athletes, coaches, teams, academic achievement, and competitive success.
  • Collaborate with head coaches and athletics leadership to align communications with team identity, recruiting efforts, and departmental priorities.
  • Direct and enhance Athletics’ digital and social media platforms to increase engagement, visibility, and audience growth.
  • Coordinate and submit conference, regional, and national awards and recognitions for student‑athletes, coaches, and programs.
  • Support Athletics Marketing, Advancement, and Alumni Engagement through integrated communications and storytelling initiatives.
  • Manage athletic communications resources, workflows, and budget responsibilities while staying current with best practices and emerging trends in collegiate athletics communications.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree is necessary; degree in communications, journalism, marketing, sport management or a related field preferred
  • Master’s degree or advanced professional credential preferred
  • 3+ years of relevant experience in communications, journalism, or sports media is necessary
  • Experience leading and managing communications teams required
  • Demonstrated success in athletics communications at the collegiate or professional level strongly preferred
  • Proven track record building and executing integrated communications strategies that drive visibility and engagement
  • Ability to motivate teams and foster cross-functional collaboration
  • Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through change, balance multiple priorities, and deliver results under pressure
  • Understanding of NCAA Division III, Ohio Athletic Conference and Baldwin Wallace University rules, regulations and guidelines
  • Must be able to travel, and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
  • Successful completion of a background check and any required pre‑employment screenings.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required to support athletic contests, special events, and departmental activities.
  • Ability to work in environments with exposure to varied conditions, including heat, cold, loud noise, long workdays, crowded spaces, and physical activity.
  • Ability to perform physical tasks associated with athletic events, including running, standing for extended periods, and lifting or carrying equipment weighing up to 20–100 pounds.
  • Ability to secure and maintain CPR/AED certification.
  • Ability to secure and maintain authorization to operate university vans and vehicles.
  • Successful completion of the Stewards of Children training program.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Continued compliance with Baldwin Wallace University policies and all applicable NCAA and conference regulations.

    Benefits

    • health and dental insurance
    • long & short-term disability
    • 403 (b) retirement plan
    • life insurance
    • employee discounts
    • free parking
    • tuition remission benefits for employee and family
    Baldwin Wallace University logo

    Baldwin Wallace University

    BW By Tradition. A personalized approach to education: one that stresses individual growth as students learn to learn, respond to new ideas, adapt to new situations and prepare for the certainty of change.A dynamic campus that prepares students to be contributing, compassionate citizens of an increasingly global society, BW was founded in 1845. It integrates a strong academic program rooted in the liberal arts and sciences with applied learning opportunities through internships, field experiences, study abroad and community service.

    Berea, Ohio, USA
    1.6K employees (160 in marketing)

    Marketing Team

    Marketing Team Size
    102 (6% of company)

    Funding

    Total Funding
    $8.1M
    Last Raise
    $146.7K
    Grant, 3 years ago

    Funding History

    • May 2023
      Grant • $146.7K
    • Oct 2019
      Grant • $8M

    Traffic Signals

    Monthly Visitors
    61.1K
    Monthly Google Ads Budget
    $67K
    Traffic Source Mix
    Search
    49.7%
    Direct
    40.1%
    Referral
    7.7%
    Social
    1%
    Paid
    1.3%

    Headcount Trend

    Current headcount: ~1.6K

    Recent News

    Baldwin Wallace University logo

    Director of Athletic Communications

    Baldwin Wallace University · Berea, OH · On-site