The Big 12 Conference Inc
Vice President, Communications
Job Description The Big 12 Conference is seeking an accomplished and contemporary communications leader to serve as its Vice President, Communications. This individual will oversee all aspects of the Conference's communications strategy, operations, and executionspanning sport, business, public affairs, and crisis managementwhile serving as the primary spokesperson for the Big 12.
This position requires a forward-thinking professional who possesses exceptional media instincts, a deep rolodex, and an innate ability to craft and amplify stories that shape the perception of the Big 12 across sport, culture, and business. The successful candidate will bring a blend of creativity, strategy, and leadership to elevate the Conference's voice and brand presence on every stage.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee all communications operations for the Big 12 Conference, including sport communications, business and corporate communications, public affairs, and crisis management.
Serve as primary spokesperson for the Big 12 Conference, representing the organization across media outlets and public platforms.
Provide strategic communications counsel to the Commissioner, senior leadership, Athletic Directors, campus Sports Information Directors (SIDs), and other university communications leaders.
Manage and mentor the communications department staff, establishing clear goals, strategy, and execution plans to drive visibility and consistency.
Directly manage and oversee the Big 12 Alumni Council and Advisory Board
Cultivate and maintain relationships with a vast network of national, regional, and local media across sports, business, and entertainment.
Generate strategic coverage opportunities that position the Big 12 as an innovative, culturally relevant, and forward-leaning conference.
Collaborate closely with ESPN, FOX, and other broadcast and digital partners to identify storytelling opportunities and enhance media coverage.
Oversee press operations and communications planning for Big 12 Championship events, Pro Day, Media Days, and additional high-profile programming.
Lead and coordinate all crisis communications response efforts for the Conference, including media strategy, messaging development, and reputation management.
Partner with the Commissioner, Chief Business Officer, and Chief Competition Officer to align communications with overall brand and business strategy.
Develop messaging and materials for key announcements, executive communications, and organizational initiatives.
Serve as liaison and communications advisor to Big 12 institutions, providing leadership on issues management, media relations, and collaborative storytelling efforts.
Manage relationships with external PR and communications agencies to ensure consistent narrative alignment and amplification.
Desired Skills and Experience
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in professional or collegiate sports communications, media relations, or public affairs.
Demonstrated success leading high-profile communications and managing crisis response.
Extensive and active network of national and local media contacts across sports, business, and entertainment.
Superior writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
Deep understanding of college athletics, particularly football, and the broader media and cultural landscape.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Experience working with senior executives, coaches, and student-athletes, and providing counsel at the highest organizational levels.
Willingness and ability to work long, flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel as required.
Personal Attributes
Media-savvy, proactive, and highly strategic communicator.
Trusted advisor with strong leadership presence and sound judgment.
Innovative thinker who blends traditional PR fundamentals with a modern, cultural storytelling mindset.
Passionate about student-athlete storytelling, brand building, and advancing the Big 12's position as a leader in collegiate athletics.
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Job Description The Big 12 Conference is seeking an accomplished and contemporary communications leader to serve as its Vice President, Communications. This individual will oversee all aspects of the Conference's communications strategy, operations, and executionspanning sport, business, public affairs, and crisis managementwhile serving as the primary spokesperson for the Big 12.
This position requires a forward-thinking professional who possesses exceptional media instincts, a deep rolodex, and an innate ability to craft and amplify stories that shape the perception of the Big 12 across sport, culture, and business. The successful candidate will bring a blend of creativity, strategy, and leadership to elevate the Conference's voice and brand presence on every stage.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee all communications operations for the Big 12 Conference, including sport communications, business and corporate communications, public affairs, and crisis management.
Serve as primary spokesperson for the Big 12 Conference, representing the organization across media outlets and public platforms.
Provide strategic communications counsel to the Commissioner, senior leadership, Athletic Directors, campus Sports Information Directors (SIDs), and other university communications leaders.
Manage and mentor the communications department staff, establishing clear goals, strategy, and execution plans to drive visibility and consistency.
Directly manage and oversee the Big 12 Alumni Council and Advisory Board
Cultivate and maintain relationships with a vast network of national, regional, and local media across sports, business, and entertainment.
Generate strategic coverage opportunities that position the Big 12 as an innovative, culturally relevant, and forward-leaning conference.
Collaborate closely with ESPN, FOX, and other broadcast and digital partners to identify storytelling opportunities and enhance media coverage.
Oversee press operations and communications planning for Big 12 Championship events, Pro Day, Media Days, and additional high-profile programming.
Lead and coordinate all crisis communications response efforts for the Conference, including media strategy, messaging development, and reputation management.
Partner with the Commissioner, Chief Business Officer, and Chief Competition Officer to align communications with overall brand and business strategy.
Develop messaging and materials for key announcements, executive communications, and organizational initiatives.
Serve as liaison and communications advisor to Big 12 institutions, providing leadership on issues management, media relations, and collaborative storytelling efforts.
Manage relationships with external PR and communications agencies to ensure consistent narrative alignment and amplification.
Desired Skills and Experience
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in professional or collegiate sports communications, media relations, or public affairs.
Demonstrated success leading high-profile communications and managing crisis response.
Extensive and active network of national and local media contacts across sports, business, and entertainment.
Superior writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
Deep understanding of college athletics, particularly football, and the broader media and cultural landscape.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Experience working with senior executives, coaches, and student-athletes, and providing counsel at the highest organizational levels.
Willingness and ability to work long, flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel as required.
Personal Attributes
Media-savvy, proactive, and highly strategic communicator.
Trusted advisor with strong leadership presence and sound judgment.
Innovative thinker who blends traditional PR fundamentals with a modern, cultural storytelling mindset.
Passionate about student-athlete storytelling, brand building, and advancing the Big 12's position as a leader in collegiate athletics.
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