Assistant Director/Associate Director - Athletic Communications

Auburn; Auburn, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life-Changing Impact

Culture of Excellence

We’re Here for You

Sweet Home Alabama

A Place for Everyone

Job summary

Auburn Athletics is seeking an Assistant Director/Associate Director, Athletics Communications to lead communications strategy for assigned sport(s), shaping media relations, messaging, and editorial content.

You will advise coaches, coordinate coverage, and collaborate with marketing and broadcast partners to elevate the program and connect with fans, media, and the community. The role requires a bachelor's in PR/Communications and several years in PR or media relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field
• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field
• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field

Responsibilities

• Independently manages communications operations for assigned sport(s), including high-volume, high visibility, or otherwise complex coverage responsibilities.
• Serves as the lead communications strategist for assigned sport(s), determining coverage priorities, messaging approach, and media relations strategy.
• Advises coaches and sport leadership on media strategy, interview preparation, and sensitive communications matters; escalates issues appropriately.
• Produces and oversees major editorial and reference materials, such as season guides, feature packages, award submissions, and comprehensive notes, with minimal review.
• Oversees media operations for assigned sport(s), including interview coordination, press accommodations, credentialing oversight, and postgame communications.
• Promotes student-athletes, coaches, and programs for conference and national recognition through proactive media outreach and award nominations.
• Trains and mentors student assistants and less-experienced staff on communications processes, quality standards, and operational expectations.
• Collaborates with creative, digital, marketing, and broadcast partners to align messaging and enhance visibility for assigned sport(s).
• Complies with all applicable National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Southeast Conference (SEC) regulations in the performance of job duties.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field

Job description

Overview

Shape the Story. Elevate Auburn Athletics.

Auburn Athletics is excited to begin the search for an Assistant Director/Associate Director, Athletics Communications! This role will lead communications strategy for an assigned Auburn Athletics sport(s), taking the reins on media relations, messaging, editorial content, and high-visibility communications initiatives. As a trusted advisor to coaches and sport leadership, you’ll develop and execute strategies that elevate the program, amplify its student-athletes and coaches, and connect Auburn’s story with fans, media, and the broader community.

Responsibilities

• Independently manages communications operations for assigned sport(s), including high-volume, high visibility, or otherwise complex coverage responsibilities.
• Serves as the lead communications strategist for assigned sport(s), determining coverage priorities, messaging approach, and media relations strategy.
• Advises coaches and sport leadership on media strategy, interview preparation, and sensitive communications matters; escalates issues appropriately.
• Produces and oversees major editorial and reference materials, such as season guides, feature packages, award submissions, and comprehensive notes, with minimal review.
• Oversees media operations for assigned sport(s), including interview coordination, press accommodations, credentialing oversight, and postgame communications.
• Promotes student-athletes, coaches, and programs for conference and national recognition through proactive media outreach and award nominations.
• Trains and mentors student assistants and less-experienced staff on communications processes, quality standards, and operational expectations.
• Collaborates with creative, digital, marketing, and broadcast partners to align messaging and enhance visibility for assigned sport(s).
• Complies with all applicable National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Southeast Conference (SEC) regulations in the performance of job duties.

Qualifications

Assistant Director, Athletic Communications I

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field

Assistant Director, Athletic Communications II

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field
• 2 years of experience in public relations, media relations, and/or communications services.

Associate Director, Athletic Communications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field
• 4 years of experience in public relations, media relations, and/or communications services.

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

Posted Date

9/4/2026