Ohio State University
Executive Associate AD, External Affairs and Chief Communication Officer
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43224
Job Title
Executive Associate AD, External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer
Department Athletics | Administration
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 role 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.
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 (ticketing, development, sponsorship, NIL, trademark and licensing) to support departmental revenue goals. Support development initiatives, sponsorship engagement, and ticket sales initiatives through coordinated efforts driven by data analysis.
Responsibilities
Serves as the primary communications strategist and spokesperson for the athletic department.
Oversees media relations, public messaging, press strategy, and digital platforms.
Plans and executes crisis communications to protect and enhance the institution's reputation.
Directs creative services team to produce elite recruiting and program content across platforms.
Drives innovation in digital strategy, social media, and fan experience initiatives.
Collaborates with revenue‑generating units to support departmental revenue goals.
Supports development, sponsorship, and ticket sales initiatives through data‑driven coordination.
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.
Application Instructions Submit the following materials by November 14th:
An up‑to‑date and detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
A letter of interest that includes:
Your interest in the Executive Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer position.
How your experience makes you a strong candidate for the role.
Why this is the right time for you to pursue this opportunity.
For inquiries and nominations, contact Shannon Rice (Rice.724@osu.edu).
EEO Statement The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Department Athletics | Administration
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 role 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.
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 (ticketing, development, sponsorship, NIL, trademark and licensing) to support departmental revenue goals. Support development initiatives, sponsorship engagement, and ticket sales initiatives through coordinated efforts driven by data analysis.
Responsibilities
Serves as the primary communications strategist and spokesperson for the athletic department.
Oversees media relations, public messaging, press strategy, and digital platforms.
Plans and executes crisis communications to protect and enhance the institution's reputation.
Directs creative services team to produce elite recruiting and program content across platforms.
Drives innovation in digital strategy, social media, and fan experience initiatives.
Collaborates with revenue‑generating units to support departmental revenue goals.
Supports development, sponsorship, and ticket sales initiatives through data‑driven coordination.
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.
Application Instructions Submit the following materials by November 14th:
An up‑to‑date and detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
A letter of interest that includes:
Your interest in the Executive Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer position.
How your experience makes you a strong candidate for the role.
Why this is the right time for you to pursue this opportunity.
For inquiries and nominations, contact Shannon Rice (Rice.724@osu.edu).
EEO Statement The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
#J-18808-Ljbffr