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University of South Florida · 1 day ago

Associate Vice President, Athletics Communications

Tampa, FL

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

12+ years exp

The University of South Florida is seeking a seasoned and strategic Associate Vice President, Communications to lead all internal and external communications efforts for the department. This role will oversee the communications strategy, media relations, and storytelling across all sports, particularly focusing on football, while managing and developing the communications staff.

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Responsibilities

Set and lead the overarching communications strategy for USF Athletics across all sports and platforms

Ensure alignment of messaging with institutional priorities, brand standards, and competitive positioning

Develop multi-year communications plans that elevate the profile of USF Athletics at the conference and national levels

Serve as the primary communications lead for USF Football

Manage all football-related media relations, including press releases, media days, credentialing, interviews, press conferences, statistics, and game notes

Act as the primary communications advisor to the football head coach and program leadership

Coordinate with conference, NCAA, and broadcast partners on football-related communications and requirements

Lead, mentor, and oversee the communications staff across all sports

Assign sport coverage, establish standards, and ensure consistent execution of best practices

Foster professional development, accountability, and collaboration across the communications team

Serve as the primary spokesperson for USF Athletics when appropriate

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets

Proactively pitch stories, manage media inquiries, and position USF Athletics for positive coverage

Oversee internal communications across USF Athletics, including staff messaging, executive communications, and internal announcements

Partner with senior leadership to manage sensitive, high-impact communications and messaging

Ensure coordination and consistency between athletics communications and broader university communications efforts

Serve as the primary communications strategist and advisor for the CEO of Athletics, developing messaging, talking points, speeches, and media strategies to support departmental leadership and institutional priorities

Coordinate and manage executive-level communications on behalf of the CEO of Athletics, including media engagements, public statements, internal messaging, and crisis or sensitive communications

Lead crisis communications planning and execution for USF Athletics

Develop protocols, messaging frameworks, and response strategies for high-risk or time-sensitive situations

Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership during issues management and reputational challenges

Partner closely with marketing, creative services, digital, live events, development, and ticket sales to ensure integrated storytelling and messaging

Ensure alignment between earned media, owned platforms, and in-venue communications

Establish metrics to evaluate communications effectiveness, media reach, and message penetration

Use data, feedback, and benchmarking to refine strategies and elevate performance year over year

Qualification

Strategic communications leadershipMedia relations expertiseCrisis communications planningStorytelling instinctsAthletic communications experienceEditing skillsIn-venue technology proficiencyBudget managementTeam managementSolutions-oriented mindsetCollaboration skillsVerbal communication skills