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Northwestern University · 2 days ago

Associate Director of Athletic Communications and Digital Media

Evanston, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$70K/yr - $70K/yr

3+ years exp

Northwestern University is seeking an Associate Director of Athletic Communications and Digital Media to enhance the communications department's efforts in promoting Northwestern Athletics & Recreation. The role involves managing media relations, content creation, and overseeing the website nusports.com, while also ensuring effective communication strategies for various sports programs.

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Responsibilities

Serve as secondary communications contact for football and primary communications contact for Northwestern lacrosse, overseeing media relations, public relations, crisis communications and image management support for all team personnel

Develop publicity strategies for notable elements of assigned programs, pitch stories to local and national media, prepare interviewees, manage interview sessions

Lead creative ideation for lacrosse program in any group setting

Manage nusports.com from the athletic communications staff perspective and play an integral role in the website redo beginning September 2025

Provide on-site media management at all contests, home and away including, but not limited to, media credentialing, media and staff hospitality, pregame, in-game and postgame interviews

Maintain accurate historical records for the Northwestern football and lacrosse program, student-athletes and staff on NUSports.com

Produce publications when appropriate

Serve as editor-in-chief of NUSports.com, the official website of Northwestern Athletics, curating all content assembled in support of 21 varsity teams

Ensure, with support of Athletics Communications staff, accuracy and timeliness of all sports information including schedules, statistics, and biographical information

Liaison to Northwestern Sports Properties for banner ads and other digital entitlements

Support NUDAR departments with website presence including, but not limited to, ticket sales and service, marketing, academics, NU For Life, sports medicine, development

Recruit and manage a team of student writers to produce written content for NUSports.com

Serve as a leader in the External Relations department, responsible for collaboratively developing and executing ideas to support revenue generation and brand development

Participate in other projects, attend department meetings and events as requested by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications and Chief Communications and Branding Officer

Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference, CSC and the NCAA

Responsible for adhering to all Department and University continuing education initiatives and required certifications and trainings

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Media relationsPublic relationsContent creationSocial media managementSidearm CMSGraphic designPhotographyVideo productionOrganizational skillsTime managementTeam collaborationAttention to detailRelationship building

Required

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience

Minimum 3 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or relevant field

Proven track record of results delivered in media & public relations, social media management and content creation & distribution

Excellent written skills and attention to detail required

Mastery of Sidearm web content management system required

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across all teams

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to work in dynamic, fast-paced environment

Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and meet deadlines

Ability to work cooperatively with others and effectively interact and establish engaging relationships with a wide variety of constituents

Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required

Preferred

Knowledge of rules and regulations of the NCAA, CSC, Big Ten Conference and Northwestern University preferred

Working knowledge of graphic design, photography and video production

5 years of professional experience in Athletic communications, public relations, or relevant field

Benefits

Meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans

Retirement benefits

Tuition discounts

Comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

Programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care

Employee career development

Company

Northwestern University

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Northwestern University is a private research and teaching university that offers academic programs across various fields of study. It is a sub-organization of Northwestern Athletics.

Founded in 1851

Evanston, Illinois, USA

5001-10000 employees