Director of Athletic Communications

University of California; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Idaho invites applications for the Director of Athletic Communications. The role leads all communications, media relations and publicity for the Department of Athletics, elevating exposure for Idaho Vandal Athletics, its programs, events, student-athletes, coaches and staff.

The Director collaborates across the department and campus to craft strategic messaging, manage budget and staff, write content, maintain govandals.com and social channels, and analyze metrics to improve

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications is required.
• One year of experience in media relations or public event organization is expected.
• Experience with video production and graphic design in Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage communications staff and budget.
• Write and edit content for assigned sports.
• Maintain govandals.com and social media channels.

Skills

Strong writer

Copy editing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in communications

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

The Director of Athletic Communications reports to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations and is responsible for all communications, media relations and publicity activities for the Department of Athletics, including assigned sports. The position is expected to provide and maximize positive exposure of the University of Idaho, its athletics programs, events, student-athletes, coaches and staff.

Position Overview

The position ensures effective external communication, branding and messaging by leading and collaborating on communication efforts within the Department of Athletics and across campus. This position advances the reputation of Idaho Vandal Athletics, the University of Idaho, and assigned unit(s) through purposeful and creative messaging. The position will work in a collaborative environment with Department of Athletics staff, teams, coaches, student-athletes and partners on and off campus to create impactful communications. The position will act within all NCAA , Big Sky Conference, HIPAA , FERPA and university rules, laws and requirements.

Duties may include:

• Managing and hiring communications staff
• Managing communications budget and expenditures
• Write and edit a variety of content for assigned sports
• Maintain govandals.com, social media presence, and online communications
• Collaborate on data collection, insights and metrics to improve revenue digital strategy
• Collect and maintain statistical records for assigned sports
• Work with local and national media and broadcast partners to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• Provide consultation and writing support to department leadership
• One year performing media relations or public event organization

Required Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications; four additional years of experience (for a total of five years) may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree

Required Other

• None

Additional Preferred

• Experience working in collegiate athletics
• Experience working directly with coaching staffs and teams
• Strong writer and copy editor
• Experience with video production and graphic design in Adobe Creative Suite
• Knowledge and understanding of NCAA rules and regulations regarding compliance issues

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in an environment with continual interruptions and outside noise

Degree Requirement

Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of application

Posting Information

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Employee Category

Employee Category Exempt

Pay Range

Pay Range $55-65K

Type of Appointment

Type of Appointment Fiscal Year

FTE

1

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Funding

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy.

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. No

Posting Date

Posting Date 07/21/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Academic Careers
  • Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
  • Chronicle
  • Facebook
  • HigherEd/Academic Impressions
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
  • Indeed.com
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other Venue
  • Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
  • University of Idaho Website
  • University of Idaho Daily Register
  • University of Idaho Employee
  • Word of Mouth
  • Militaryjob.com
  • DSPSjobs.com
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
• * Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department.

  (Open Ended Question)