Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications. You will lead the Athletics Communications/Media Relations unit, guide storytelling and media outreach across 28 sports, and work with creative services, marketing, and sponsorship teams to advance the department's brand.

The role requires strong leadership, reporting to the Senior Athletic Director for Marketing and Communications, and managing student workers, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in marketing, communications, journalism or related field; supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills across multiple platforms.
• Ability to lead a media relations team and coordinate with creative services, marketing and sponsorship units.
• Experience in monetizing digital content to support sponsorship and revenue objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Athletics Communications/Media Relations unit and plan, edit and strategically tell department stories.
• Promote the Carolina Athletics brand through proactive media pitching, web stories and news releases.
• Coordinate social media, events coverage and storytelling strategy with cross‑functional teams.
• Recruit and manage student workers and advise athletics director on communications.

Skills

Media relations leadership

Storytelling

Strategic planning

Team management

Analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Analytics tools

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: Ath Communications-272200


• Career Area: Athletics


• Posting Open Date: 11/02/2026


• Open Until Filled: Yes


• Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)


• Working Title: Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications


• Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty


• Position Number: 00056057


• Vacancy ID: NF0010158


• Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent


• FTE: 1


• Hours per week: 40


• Position Location: North Carolina, US


• Proposed Start Date: 01/04/2027

Position Information

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Department of Athletics exists to provide educational and athletic opportunities to young men and women, to provide an environment for student-athletes to learn, advance and excel both academically and athletically, and to serve the interests of the University by complimenting and enhancing its diversity and quality of life. Through its athletic programs, the University seeks to unite alumni, faculty, administration and students in a common shared experience. The governing unit within the Department of Athletics is the Director's Office, which is the administrative office and clearinghouse for the entire Department of Athletics, and promotes the department's guiding principle of educating and inspiring through athletics. This unit provides support to administrators, coaches, staff members and student-athletes in order to provide and promote a premier intercollegiate athletic program for The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Department of Athletics is a highly visible public relations arm of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with statewide, national and international recognition.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Athletic Director for Marketing and Communications, the Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications will lead the Athletics Communications/Media Relations unit in planning, editing and strategically telling the Department's best stories while promoting and protecting the Carolina Athletics brand through proactive media pitching, web stories and news releases, social media and events coverage. This position will lead a team of nine or more media relations professionals and work closely with the leaders of the creative services, marketing, productions, sponsorships and revenue generation units to coordinate the development and execution of social media and storytelling strategy, content, planning and analytical insights while supporting revenue and recruiting objectives. The leader in this position will also work with and answer questions from external media, support the communications and media relations needs of coaches and student-athletes from our 28 sports teams, and assist with University and Department Communications projects. Advise the athletics director on all external and internal communications to include media statements, interviews and internal communications. Recruit and manage student workers.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in the area of assignment, of which at least one is supervisory or in a lead-worker capacity; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required with 5 years or greater of related professional experience in marketing, communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant undergraduate degree and 3 years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.


• Strength across creative disciplines with an industry expertise in one or more to include writing, editing, graphics and storytelling skills.


• Ability to lead a media relations team - understand how to engage, motivate and support creative personalities.


• Ability to pitch stories and work with media.


• Understanding of monetizing digital content to meet sponsorship and revenue objectives.


• Understanding how to support recruiting needs of sport programs - content that resonates on appropriate channels.


• Exceptional communication, leadership and organizational skills - includes ability to communicate needs, strategy and results and build consensus with stakeholders outside of the Creative Services unit.


• Knowledge of and ability to implement analytics programs to track and report on effectiveness of campaigns, optimize current business and identify new opportunities.


• Abide by all UNC, ACC, and NCAA regulations. Direct questions or concerns regarding compliance with these regulations to the Compliance Office for clarification of the applicable legislation.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• A minimum of 8 years' experience working in a communications role in college athletics, professional sports, media or a communications agency.


• Experience managing personnel - particularly those in creative and communications disciplines.


• A creative powerhouse with the vision to imagine, strategize, and cultivate new ideas with a voice to champion them and the will to bring them to completion.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Must be able to lift/move 25 lbs.; ability to navigate stairs, demands attention to detail and effective communications skills, both oral and written.


• Ability to work during evening hours, nights and weekends.


• Ability to work within time sensitive deadlines.


• Must be able to manage a fast-paced, high volume work environment.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327983

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Kevin Best, Senior Director of Media Relations * University Comms and Marketing

Department Contact Telephone or Email: [e-mail]

Office of Human Resources Contact Information: If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]. Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.