Senior Associate Athletic Director, Communications

Serves as a senior advisor to the athletic director and athletics department and leads in the development and advancement of strategic priorities and management. Oversees major departments within athletics and leads multiple teams, initiatives and projects. Serves as liaison between internal and external stakeholders and fosters key relationships on behalf of the athletic department. Ensures compliance with all policies, procedures and regulations. Athletics AdministrationThe Chief Communications Officer (CCO) will lead the strategic vision and execution of all communications, public relations and content strategy efforts for Pitt Athletics.

Overseeing the communications, digital, graphic design, video production and broadcast units, the CCO will serve as the department’s official spokesperson and be responsible for crafting, unifying and amplifying the voice of Pitt Athletics across all platforms. This individual will work closely with the athletics director, senior leadership, head coaches, media partners and campus communicators to develop and deliver compelling messaging that supports brand positioning, protects and promotes the Pitt Athletics reputation and aligns with institutional priorities. Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field required.

Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, preferably within college or professional athletics required. Demonstrated experience serving as a spokesperson and senior communications advisor to executive leaders. Strong background in media relations, brand storytelling, and content integration. Proven ability to lead diverse teams in high-pressure, high-profile environments. Exceptional writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills. Deep understanding of the college athletics landscape, including the evolving NIL, broadcast, and digital media environments. Experience working in a Power Four or professional sports environment. Familiarity with multimedia content production and digital storytelling best practices. Crisis communications training and experience.

Essential FunctionsProvide executive leadership to the communications, digital, graphic design, video production and broadcast units, setting and executing a cohesive vision for storytelling, public relations and content alignment. Serve as the primary communications advisor and media strategist for the Director of Athletics, executive team and head coaches. Establish and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, broadcast partners and industry influencers. Develop and implement proactive and reactive PR strategies to shape public perception and manage issues/crises as they arise. Create and maintain consistent department-wide messaging and talking points across all sport programs and units.

Drive collaboration between external units to ensure consistency in tone, messaging and visual storytelling across all platforms. Oversee integration of communications efforts with content production, including live broadcasts, original features and promotional storytelling. Ensure content initiatives and brand narratives support key goals such as fan engagement, recruiting, revenue generation and national positioning. Serve as the official spokesperson for Pitt Athletics; manage all department-level media inquiries and statements. Act as primary liaison with University Communications & Marketing, ensuring strategic alignment with broader institutional messaging and media coordination. Direct planning and execution of press conferences, media days and other high-profile communications events.

Oversee development of key messages for major announcements, coach transitions, facility openings, NIL-related initiatives, etc. Lead, mentor and grow a high-performing communications staff committed to innovation, collaboration and excellence. Champion a cross-functional culture that encourages integrated storytelling across content teams. Implement a data-driven approach to communications and content strategy efforts that supports the department’s commitment to driving conversions. Physical EffortMust be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time. The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community.

This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets. Assignment CategoryFull-time regularJob ClassificationStaff.

Executive Associate Athletics DirectorJob FamilyAthleticsJob Sub-FamilyAthletics AdministrationCampusPittsburghMinimum Education Level RequiredBachelor's DegreeMinimum Years Of Experience Required7Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience? Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement. Additional Details About Required Licensure/CertificationAn equivalent combination of work experience and high-level playing experience may be substituted at the discretion of the University. Work ScheduleVariesWork ArrangementOn-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring RangeTBD Based Upon QualificationsRelocation OfferedYesVisa Sponsorship ProvidedNoBackground CheckFor position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background checkChild Protection ClearancesThe following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance. Required DocumentsResume, Cover LetterOptional DocumentsNot Applicable