Executive Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Communications

## Job Description Summary

The Department of Athletics at William & Mary is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in all its endeavors. We are committed to an outstanding intercollegiate athletics program by forging an environment that demands success with integrity; winning championships; empowering leaders; building a championship culture; elevating the prestige of the University; and instilling pride and respect.

In the Office of University Advancement, we create the conditions for opportunity – human, financial, and experiential – by garnering and stewarding the resources that advance William & Mary.

The Executive Associate AD is a pivotal senior leadership role within William & Mary Athletics. This position reports jointly to the Director of Athletics and W&M’s Chief Communications Officer in University Advancement. They are responsible for leading communication strategies that enhance W&M’s visibility and preeminence through the Athletics Department. Serving as the primary communications advisor to the Director of Athletics, this role oversees department-wide strategic communications planning, executive-level communications, and ensures alignment between W&M Athletics, University Advancement, and all central marketing and communications.

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## Job Description

### Required Qualifications

– Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
– Significant experience in strategic communications, public relations, or a related field (typically 5+ years).
– Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for a variety of audiences.
– Exceptional editing skills and experience working with and mentoring writers.
– Experience executing data-informed communications strategies and campaigns.
– Proven leadership and team management abilities, with experience overseeing multifaceted projects and teams.
– Strong understanding of strategic communications, executive communications, and issue management.
– Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and foster collaborative relationships across departments.
– Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal effectively and discreetly with donors and both athletics and university staff.
– Strong business acumen with the ability to work effectively in a metrics-driven environment.
– Commitment to building a culture of engagement and philanthropy.

### Preferred Qualifications

– Master’s degree.

### Conditions of Employment

– This position will require working outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
– This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.

### Salary

$120,000 to $130,000, commensurate with experience and internal alignment.

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## Duties

### 40% – Executive Communications & Public Relations

– Serve as the principal communications strategist for the Director of Athletics and serve on the W&M Athletics Senior Leadership Team.
– Serve on the University Communications Leadership Team.
– Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan that advances the Athletics Department’s goals and William & Mary’s broader mission, ensuring consistent and effective messaging that aligns with the university’s content, media, and brand strategies.
– Draft speeches, public letters, and presentations for various stakeholders, including athletics leadership.
– Lead communications strategy in collaboration with University Communications, serving as the Athletics Department’s lead during high-profile, urgent, or sensitive situations.
– Oversee the creation and dissemination of high-profile athletics announcements, including messaging, talking points, and statements on sensitive and strategic matters.

### 30% – Strategic Communications Leadership

– Serve on W&M’s Internal Communications Council, an action-oriented group made up of communications professionals from across the university.
– Coordinate with University Advancement to align fundraising and alumni engagement communications with athletic initiatives.
– Collaborate with communications and marketing teams to produce compelling content that engages diverse audiences, including students, alumni, and fans.
– Ensure the Athletics Department’s digital presence, including websites and social media channels, reflects the brand’s values and messaging.
– Represent the Athletics Department in university-wide committees and initiatives, fostering collaboration and integration across departments.

### 20% – Internal Communications & Department Alignment

– Lead and coordinate internal communications strategy for William & Mary Athletics.
– Ensure timely, clear, and consistent messaging across key constituencies including the Athletics Senior Leadership Team, department staff, coaches, and student-athletes.
– Provide communications leadership during moments of change, urgency, or strategic importance.

### 10% – Leadership, Advisory, & Special Initiatives

– Serve as a senior advisor to the Director of Athletics on communications strategy and positioning.
– Contribute to department-wide strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives.
– Support special projects and initiatives that elevate the visibility and preeminence of William & Mary Athletics.

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## Additional Job Description

Applicants must submit a résumé, cover letter, and one to three writing samples as part of the application process. Writing samples should represent the applicant’s strongest work and must be submitted as PDF files; websites or online portfolios will not be accepted. Please note that no more than five individual documents may be uploaded in total, and each file must not exceed 5MB. If needed, multiple documents may be combined into a single ZIP file for upload.

For full consideration, submit application materials no later than the initial review date.

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## Benefits Summary Statement

William & Mary offers employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision, group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Employees also enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries and more.

To learn more, visit:
[https://www.wm.edu/offices/hr/currentemployees/benefits/index.php]

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## Job Profile

**JP0483 – Deputy Chief Athletics Administrator – Exempt – Salary – S18**

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