Associate Director, Athletic Communications

Auburn; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn Athletics seeks a strategic communications leader to drive comprehensive media strategies for Auburn Baseball and other assigned programs. You will serve as a trusted advisor to coaches and athletics leadership, shaping messaging, storytelling, and high‑impact editorial initiatives.

You will manage high‑visibility coverage, coordinate media operations, and collaborate with marketing, digital, and broadcast partners to elevate visibility and recognition for student‑athletes and programs

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Independently manages communications operations for Auburn Baseball and other assigned sport(s).
• Lead communications strategist for Auburn Baseball and other assigned sport(s).
• Advise coaches and sport leadership on media strategy and messaging; escalate issues as needed.
• Produce and oversee major editorial materials (season guides, features, award submissions).
• Oversee media operations: interview coordination, credentialing, postgame communications.
• Promote student-athletes, coaches, and programs for conference and national recognition.
• Train and mentor student assistants and staff on communications processes.
• Collaborate with creative, digital, marketing, and broadcast teams to align messaging.
• Ensure compliance with NCAA and SEC regulations.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in PR/Communications/Journaling or related field

Job description

Overview

Elevate Auburn Athletics through strategic storytelling and communications! This role leads strategic communications efforts for Auburn Baseball and other assigned sport programs, developing and executing comprehensive media strategies that elevate team visibility, strengthen brand presence, and engage key audiences. Serves as a trusted communications advisor to coaches and sport leadership, providing strategic counsel on messaging, storytelling, media relations, and high-impact editorial initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Independently manages communications operations for Auburn Baseball and other assigned sport(s), including high-volume, high visibility, or otherwise complex coverage responsibilities.
• Serves as the lead communications strategist for Auburn Baseball and other 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 Auburn Baseball and other 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 Auburn Baseball and other assigned sport(s).
• Complies with all applicable National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Southeast Conference (SEC) regulations in the performance of job duties.

Qualifications

• 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.