Athletics Creative Director: Visionary Video & Content

College Sports Communicators

Chicago (IL)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

University of Illinois System seeks Senior Director for creative Services to lead storytelling and multimedia production for UIC Athletics. Oversees video, digital content, and social media strategies while managing staff, budgets, and tech resources.

Drives brand visibility and student-athlete success across 18 programs. The role collaborates with External Operations to advance strategic goals, requiring strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a passion for innovative content

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, design or related fields.
Two (2) years of demonstrated success in applicable field.
Demonstrated professionalism acumen in multimedia and graphic design disciplines, with particular focus on motion graphics and in-venue video board content.
Command of digital technology, software and programs (including After Effects, ProPresenter, Display Studio, and Adobe Creative Suite).
Demonstrated high levels of creativity and the ability to take initiative, work independently, and attend to multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Excellent organizational, management, communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience managing full-time, part-time, and/or student staff.

Responsibilities

Provide visionary leadership for the Athletics creative content unit, overseeing daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives that elevate the UIC Athletics brand.
Direct and supervise a multidisciplinary team consisting of full-time staff, student employees, interns and freelancers, and contracted creative professionals.
Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing culture through regular team meetings, project planning sessions and professional development opportunities.
Manage a substantial operating budget, making strategic decisions regarding technology investments, equipment procurement, software licensing and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and creative output in collaboration with UIC Strategic Marketing and Communications.
Lead the development and execution of comprehensive creative content strategies designed to enhance brand visibility, fan engagement, recruiting efforts, revenue generation and institutional storytelling.
Conceptualize, produce and oversee the creation of high-impact video, motion graphics, animation and multimedia content across all digital, broadcast, and in-venue platforms.
Develop year-round digital and social media content strategies that support team recruiting, fan engagement, fundraising, ticket sales, and competitive success.
Oversee all aspects of creative video production, including pre-productional planning, filming, editing, motion graphics, animation, and post-production workflows.
Sever as key member of the External Operations team, collaborating with communications, marketing, ticketing, development and athletics administration to advance departmental objectives.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with coaches, student-athletes, campus partners, alumni, donors, media representatives and community stakeholders.
Effectively communicate project timelines, expectations, and deliverables while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic collegiate athletics environment, including availability for evenings, weekends, and travel as required.
Ensure strict adherence to all NCAA, Conference, University and departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.
Represent UIC Athletics and the University with professionalism, integrity, inclusiveness, and ethical conduct at all times
Support a holistic commitment to student-athlete success, competitive excellence and supportive and uplifting culture within UIC Athletics.