Assistant Director- Athletics Communications

University of the Pacific

Stockton (CA)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 95,000

Full time

29 hours ago

Be an early applicant

Application generator

A complete application in a minute — tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Below-market campus housing

Job summary

University of the Pacific in Stockton seeks an Assistant Director of Athletics Communications to lead media relations for Pacific Athletics. You will pitch stories, manage crises, and coach coaches and student-athletes on interviews.

The role requires building strong media partnerships across regional and national outlets and coordinating multi-channel campaigns. The position calls for strategic communication, collaboration with senior athletics staff, and the ability to respond quickly to

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required.
Two years’ experience in media relations or communications.
Willingness to travel for road contests.

Responsibilities

Develop and produce news releases, advisories, and media content.
Cultivate relationships with traditional and new media.
Advise athletic leadership on media relations and training.
Manage crises and protect the university’s reputation.
Coordinate media campaigns across digital, print, and social channels.

Skills

Media relations

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Crisis management

Pitching stories

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor’s degree in media relations/communications/journalism

Tools

MS Office

Video editing software

Content management systems

Job description

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title Assistant Director- Athletics Communications Union Level Department Athletics - Administration Campus Stockton Posting Number 201304386P Full or Part Time Full Time Number of Months 12 Work Schedule

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with use of computer and phone. Work also performed in sports facilities. Must be prepared to work non-business hours and weekends. Travel is required for some road contests of assigned teams.

Position End Date Open Date 10/06/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

For Applicants Seeking Job Opportunities within the University

Internal: Internal applicants will be considered within the first five (5) business days of the posting period.

External: External applicants will be considered on the sixth (6) business day of the posting period.

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for a visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Position Summary Information

Primary Purpose

Develops and executes primary media relations program building awareness of and support for the NCAA Division I Pacific Athletics program and its strategic priorities major regional media markets, as well as nationally, by pitching and placing stories and other content in ways that reach and engage target audiences, including via the news media, the athletics web site, its social media platforms and other communications channels. Advises student-athletes, athletic coaches, and leadership on effective media relations, and coaches’ student-athletes, athletic coaches, and athletic administrators on media interviews and media training. Plans, implements and measures the results of media campaigns. Enhances and protects the athletic department and universities reputation through effective issues and crisis management and excellent media relations. Advises and keeps internal and external audiences, including the news media, informed during emergencies. Establishes and maintains media experts database by developing strong relationships with coaches staff, students, alumni, and others to cultivate content and story ideas that support Pacific Athletics brand. High level of decision making and autonomy within scope of responsibilities as this professional must be adept at moving quickly, multi-tasking, and handling daily and emerging priorities. Must be comfortable working with senior athletics and community leaders.

Essential Functions

Identifies, develops and produces news releases, editorials, opinion pieces, advisories, experts lists, video stories, podcasts, social media campaigns and other rich news content that advances Pacific Athletics and sport program priorities.
Develops and cultivates relationships with traditional and new media across all channels in Pacific Athletics important markets; maintains regular contact with media sources and conducts campus media events annually to pitch Pacific Athletics strategic initiatives.
Works with senior level athletic administrators and athletic coaches on media pitches, interviews, media training and strategic story development.
Manages issues and crises and makes decisions in concert with leaders to provide guidance and expertise in crisis and emergency management to protect university’s reputation.
Has high level of autonomous decision making to facilitate rapid media interviews and deploy subject matter experts for breaking stories.
Advises and counsels athletic leadership on issues management and media relations; prepares research, white papers, speeches, media kits, talking points and other relevant materials.
Develops and executes communications plans that leverage athletics-controlled and external channels across various platforms (digital, print, podcasts, video) to effectively disseminate stories and content to target audiences.
Pitches stories, op-eds, photo opportunities, events and more to news media in ways that effectively advance the university’s top strategic priorities.
Manages one or more student assistants per semester in teaching and managing media relations duties such as writing, editing and pitching media stories, media kits, responding to media queries, managing databases, compiling press clips as well as Hires, trains and supervises game day media relations staff (for more than 150 events per year).
Assists in special projects.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.

Pacific offers full-time employees a unique opportunity to live on our beautiful campus at below-market rental rates—helping you save time and money on your commute.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree.
Two (2) years’ experience in media relations, communications, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in media relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.
Solid understanding of various media forms and communications used within industry.
Knowledge of NCAA and conference rules and regulations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to get message across by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and nature of information. Ability to deal with a wide range of people with tact and diplomacy.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, both internally and externally.
Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to proactively identify communications opportunities and develop
supporting programs.
Working knowledge of publishing software, MS Office, video editing software, various content management software system software.
Working knowledge of various social media outlets.
Positive attitude.
Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requires extended periods of sitting and repetitive hand/wrist motion while using computer keyboard and phone. Occasional standing, walking, walking across campus, climbing stairs, bending, stooping and reaching. Constant verbal and written communication. Occasional lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment/Work Week/Travel

Hiring Range $70,304 per year. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Background Check Statement

All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.

AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.

Anti-Discrimination/EEO Policy Statement

University of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity across backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. Pacific does not unlawfully discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability, or other legally protected characteristics or combination of such characteristics. While we strive to attract a broad and representative pool of candidates, all hiring decisions are made based on merit, selecting the most qualified individual for each position.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents