Assistant Director, Athletic Communications

wsu; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

paid sick and vacation leave

paid holidays

medical, dental, life and disability保险

retirement

deferred compensation

training and development

employee tuition waiver

Job summary

Washington State University Athletics is seeking an Assistant Director, Athletic Communications to develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies for assigned varsity sport programs. You will serve as the primary communications contact, manage media relations, and collaborate across departments to elevate the Cougar brand and student‑athlete experience.

You will work under the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Communications, providing strategic counsel, creating content

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, marketing or related field is required, with two years of relevant experience or equivalent.
• Experience with print/broadcast media, public relations or marketing, including use of electronic media.
• Strong creative, planning, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and proofreading abilities.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies for assigned varsity sport programs.
• Serve as primary communications contact for assigned sports and manage media relations.
• Collaborate across Athletic Communications, Marketing, Creative Services, Digital Strategy, NIL, Development and external partners.
• Elevate the Cougar brand and enhance student‑athlete experience through storytelling across platforms.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to coaches and administrators and support crisis and championship communications efforts.

Skills

Creative skills

Public relations

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Planning

Time management

Written communication

Editing and proofreading

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Education

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

Two years of professional experience in print or broadcast news media, public relations, marketing including electronic media or two years of other relevant experience

Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Sport Management, or related 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.

Available Title(s): 1281-YN_ADMINPRO - Public Relations/Communication Coordinator

Business Title: Assistant Director, Athletic Communications

Employee Type: Admin. Professional

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

For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

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