Director of Athletics Communications Strategy
Inside Higher Ed, Hanover, NH, United States
Director of Athletics Communications Strategy
Posting Date:
10/27/2025
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Position Number:
1129469
Position Title:
Director of Athletics Communications Strategy
Hiring Range:
Please Inquire
Union Type:
Not a Union Position
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Employment Category:
Regular Full Time
Scheduled Months Per Year:
12
Scheduled Hours Per Week:
40
Location:
Hanover, NH
Remote Work Eligibility:
Onsite only
Term Position:
No
Position Purpose:
To develop and execute the strategic communications goals of Dartmouth’s Department of Athletics and Recreation (DCARD) to promote the Department’s ongoing strategic initiatives and priorities to internal and external constituents. Serve as the chief storyteller for the Director of Athletics and Recreation, managing and responding to all inbound communication the office receives.
Description:
Are you a dynamic, strategic PR professional eager to elevate a leading institution’s reputation and brand presence while communicating goals, priorities and wins to staff, campus partners and key stakeholders? Dartmouth College Athletics and Recreation Department (DCARD) is seeking an innovative Communications Strategist to be a thought partner to leadership and deliver high-impact messaging initiatives. This pivotal role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and amplify DCARD’s narrative both regionally and nationally, aligning with Dartmouth’s commitment to excellence in health, wellbeing, and performance. As the in-house strategic communications expert, you will design and execute integrated PR plans that drive cohesive storytelling across internal and external audiences, manage the media presence and brand reputation of the Director of Athletics and Recreation and the Department, craft compelling content, collaborate closely with the communications team and campus partners, and ensure consistent messaging that resonates with diverse constituents.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute communications strategies for external and internal constituent communication that align with DCARD’s strategic priorities.
Manage Director of Athletics and Recreation’s media and brand presence and strategic messaging; create and/or direct innovative content to drive strategic narratives.
Work alongside the communications team to guide strategic messaging for DCARD.
Monitor and track communication efforts, compiling data and analytics reports and insights to support continuous improvement, including weekly media reports for senior leadership.
Serve as departmental liaison with all college publication & communication offices and support broader communications initiatives.
Create media plans with defined communications goals and success metrics; oversee engaging social media content; write news releases, media pitches, statements, talking points and FAQs.
Responsible for the development, editing, and distribution of all media releases, feature stories, and new hire announcements.
Proactively identify and secure opportunities for DCARD coaches and staff to share their expertise on timely issues relevant to the institution’s key audiences and the public, including media interviews, op-eds, guest appearances and speaking engagements.
Enhance regional and national media exposure.
Support DCARD-related issues management, crisis and emergency communications.
Draft social media content, media statements, FAQs, talking points and community messages.
Monitor media coverage and track media requests for Director of Athletics and Recreation.
Handle confidential, sensitive information, exercising excellent professional judgment and discretion.
Partner with the Director of Athletics and Recreation’s Office team to coordinate efficient office operations and prioritize workflow.
Compile, screen, and prioritize mail for daily review; manage follow up and maintain correspondence files.
Respond to email and other correspondence on behalf of the Director; draft responses on complex matters as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
At least seven years of experience in a communications or public relations department, preferably in a college/university environment, or the equivalent.
Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related area.
Ability to identify business and strategy goals and execute high-quality projects on time.
Excellent writing and editing skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and with initiative, creativity, and sound judgment.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing and growing a brand’s presence on various social media platforms.
Department Contact For Recruitment Inquiries Claire VeNard claire.g.venard@dartmouth.edu
Department Contact For Cover Letter And Title Mike Harrity, Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation
Equal Opportunity Employer Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.
Background Check Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Is Driving a Vehicle An Essential Function Of This Job? No
Special Instructions To Applicants Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy: https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy
Additional Instructions Please upload a list of references under Additional Documents.
Quick Link https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/83684
#J-18808-Ljbffr
10/27/2025
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Position Number:
1129469
Position Title:
Director of Athletics Communications Strategy
Hiring Range:
Please Inquire
Union Type:
Not a Union Position
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Employment Category:
Regular Full Time
Scheduled Months Per Year:
12
Scheduled Hours Per Week:
40
Location:
Hanover, NH
Remote Work Eligibility:
Onsite only
Term Position:
No
Position Purpose:
To develop and execute the strategic communications goals of Dartmouth’s Department of Athletics and Recreation (DCARD) to promote the Department’s ongoing strategic initiatives and priorities to internal and external constituents. Serve as the chief storyteller for the Director of Athletics and Recreation, managing and responding to all inbound communication the office receives.
Description:
Are you a dynamic, strategic PR professional eager to elevate a leading institution’s reputation and brand presence while communicating goals, priorities and wins to staff, campus partners and key stakeholders? Dartmouth College Athletics and Recreation Department (DCARD) is seeking an innovative Communications Strategist to be a thought partner to leadership and deliver high-impact messaging initiatives. This pivotal role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and amplify DCARD’s narrative both regionally and nationally, aligning with Dartmouth’s commitment to excellence in health, wellbeing, and performance. As the in-house strategic communications expert, you will design and execute integrated PR plans that drive cohesive storytelling across internal and external audiences, manage the media presence and brand reputation of the Director of Athletics and Recreation and the Department, craft compelling content, collaborate closely with the communications team and campus partners, and ensure consistent messaging that resonates with diverse constituents.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute communications strategies for external and internal constituent communication that align with DCARD’s strategic priorities.
Manage Director of Athletics and Recreation’s media and brand presence and strategic messaging; create and/or direct innovative content to drive strategic narratives.
Work alongside the communications team to guide strategic messaging for DCARD.
Monitor and track communication efforts, compiling data and analytics reports and insights to support continuous improvement, including weekly media reports for senior leadership.
Serve as departmental liaison with all college publication & communication offices and support broader communications initiatives.
Create media plans with defined communications goals and success metrics; oversee engaging social media content; write news releases, media pitches, statements, talking points and FAQs.
Responsible for the development, editing, and distribution of all media releases, feature stories, and new hire announcements.
Proactively identify and secure opportunities for DCARD coaches and staff to share their expertise on timely issues relevant to the institution’s key audiences and the public, including media interviews, op-eds, guest appearances and speaking engagements.
Enhance regional and national media exposure.
Support DCARD-related issues management, crisis and emergency communications.
Draft social media content, media statements, FAQs, talking points and community messages.
Monitor media coverage and track media requests for Director of Athletics and Recreation.
Handle confidential, sensitive information, exercising excellent professional judgment and discretion.
Partner with the Director of Athletics and Recreation’s Office team to coordinate efficient office operations and prioritize workflow.
Compile, screen, and prioritize mail for daily review; manage follow up and maintain correspondence files.
Respond to email and other correspondence on behalf of the Director; draft responses on complex matters as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
At least seven years of experience in a communications or public relations department, preferably in a college/university environment, or the equivalent.
Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related area.
Ability to identify business and strategy goals and execute high-quality projects on time.
Excellent writing and editing skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and with initiative, creativity, and sound judgment.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing and growing a brand’s presence on various social media platforms.
Department Contact For Recruitment Inquiries Claire VeNard claire.g.venard@dartmouth.edu
Department Contact For Cover Letter And Title Mike Harrity, Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation
Equal Opportunity Employer Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.
Background Check Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Is Driving a Vehicle An Essential Function Of This Job? No
Special Instructions To Applicants Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy: https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy
Additional Instructions Please upload a list of references under Additional Documents.
Quick Link https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/83684
#J-18808-Ljbffr