Assistant Director, Athletic Communications

Washington State University; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick and vacation leave

Paid holidays

Insurance package for employees and de

Retirement

Deferred compensation

Training and development

Employee tuition waiver

Job summary

Washington State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Athletic Communications in Pullman, WA. You will develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies for assigned varsity sport programs and act as the primary media contact, elevating the Cougar brand and student‑athlete experience.

You will collaborate across Athletics Communications, Marketing, Creative Services, Digital Strategy, NIL, Development, and external partners to craft storytelling campaigns, manage earned media

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing or other relevant field required.
• Strong creative, conceptualization, communications, public relations, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Strong planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated editing and proofreading skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies for assigned varsity sport programs.
• Serve as the primary communications contact for assigned sports and manage media relations.
• Collaborate across Athletic Communications, Marketing, Creative Services, Digital Strategy, NIL, Development, and external partners.
• Support department-wide communications initiatives, championship communications, and crisis communications efforts.

Skills

Creative thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Editing & proofreading

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing or other relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: August 30, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

The Opportunity

As the Assistant Director, Athletic Communications you are responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies for assigned varsity sport programs that advance the mission, visibility, and strategic priorities of Washington State University Athletics. Serving as the primary communications contact for assigned sports, you will develop integrated storytelling campaigns, manage media relations, and collaborate across Athletic Communications, Marketing, Creative Services, Digital Strategy, NIL, Development, and external partners to elevate the Cougar brand and enhance the student‑athlete experience. You will work under the direction of the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Communications, your role provides strategic communications counsel to coaches and administrators, develops compelling content across multiple platforms, manages earned media opportunities, and supports department‑wide communications initiatives, championship communications, and crisis communications efforts. Your role will require exceptional project management, collaboration, creativity, and the ability to execute communication strategies in a fast‑paced Division I athletics environment.

Additional Information

This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime-eligible.

Monthly Salary: $4,508.70 - $4,583.34 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation
• optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing or other relevant field AND either two (2) years of professional experience in print OR broadcast news media, public relations, marketing including the use of electronic media or two (2) years of other relevant professional experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Strong creative, conceptualization, communications, public relations, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Strong planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated editing and proofreading skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Outlook, and Excel programs; Adobe Creative Suite experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Sport Management, or related field.
• Two (2) or more years of Division I Athletics Communications experience in a full‑time or part‑time capacity.
• Demonstrated experience developing integrated communications strategies and digital storytelling campaigns.
• Experience working collaboratively with Marketing, Creative Services, Digital Media, NIL, and Development.
• Experience supporting NCAA Championship and Conference Championship events.
• Experience in crisis communications, reputation management, and executive communications.
• Experience utilizing web content management systems, social media analytics, and media monitoring platforms.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department

https://wsucougars.com/

Area/College

Athletics, Intercollegiate Department Name: Athletics Communications

Location

Pullman, WA

Time Type

Full time

Position Term

12 Month

Background Check

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business‑related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Eligibility and Compliance

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non‑U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509‑335‑4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1‑800‑833‑6384; TDD Callers: 1‑800‑833‑6388, 509‑335‑1259(f), or [e-mail].

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/

University Information

WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.