Executive Associate AD, External Affairs and Chief Communication Officer Job at

Executive Associate AD, External Affairs and Chief Communication Officer

Department: Athletics | Administration

Location: Fawcett Center for Tomorrow (0284), Ohio State University

Position Type: Regular

Scheduled Hours: 40

Shift: Varying Shifts

Job Description: The Executive Associate Athletic Director – External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer is a key member of the Department of Athletics leadership team, reporting directly to the Deputy Director of Athletics. This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of all external affairs functions, including strategic communication, brand management, marketing, creative media, digital strategy, public relations, and fan engagement. The Executive Associate will serve as the primary communications strategist and spokesperson for the athletic department, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and enhancing the visibility, reputation, and relevance of the athletics program. Additionally, this role will serve as the primary liaison to the university marketing and communications departments.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all media relations, public messaging, press strategy, and digital platforms.
• Direct crisis communications planning and execution to protect and enhance the institution’s reputation.
• Ensure proactive storytelling to highlight student‑athlete success, coaching excellence, program achievements, and community impact.
• Direct the creative services team to deliver cutting‑edge content across platforms, with an emphasis on elite recruiting content for all 36 sports.
• Drive innovation in digital strategy, social media, and fan experience initiatives.
• Collaborate with revenue‑generating units to support departmental revenue goals.
• Support development initiatives, sponsorship engagement, and ticket sales initiatives through coordinated efforts driven by data analysis.

Function: Marketing and Communications
Sub-Function: Communications and Public Relations Strategy and Management

Career Band: Managerial
Career Level: M5

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Advanced degree may be required.
• 12 years of relevant experience required; 15 or more years of relevant experience preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, business, sports management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive management experience in athletics administration, communications, marketing, or external affairs.
• Demonstrated success in leading large, diverse teams across multiple external units.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Applicants Should Submit The Following:

• An up‑to‑date and detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
• A letter of interest that includes: your interest in the position; how your experience makes you a strong candidate; why this is the right time for you to pursue this opportunity.

All inquiries and nominations should be submitted to Shannon Rice, Rice.724@osu.edu

Please submit all application materials by November 14th.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and people with disabilities.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post‑offer process.

For additional information regarding equal opportunity, please review the institution’s EEO statement included in the description.