Senior Associate Athletic Director for Football Strategic Communications & Publi
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43224
Job Title
Senior Associate Athletic Director for Football Strategic Communications & Public Relations
Department Athletics | Administration
Reporting To Executive Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer; in collaboration with the Head Football Coach and Senior Associate AD for Football.
Overview Serves as the chief architect of the football program’s communication, brand positioning, and media strategy, protecting and elevating its national profile while aligning with the university’s mission.
Responsibilities
Strategic Communications & Brand Positioning – 30%: lead the program’s brand and media strategy, shaping narratives to elevate the program nationally and globally.
Media Relations & Public Relations – 25%: head all media relations and PR planning; serve as senior advisor to the Head Coach and executive leadership.
Crisis Communication & Reputation Management – 15%: develop and implement protocols and manage sensitive issues to protect the program’s reputation.
Creative Team Oversight & Storytelling – 15%: oversee the creative team to ensure integrated storytelling across all platforms.
Media Strategy & Relationship Building – 10%: build strong media relationships, identify thought leadership opportunities, and monitor trends and analytics to refine strategies.
Other duties as assigned – 5%.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Advanced degree may be required.
10 years of relevant experience required; 15 or more years preferred.
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
10-12 years of progressively responsible experience in athletic communications, public relations, or sports media.
Proven expertise managing high‑profile media relations for a collegiate or professional sports team, preferably football.
Experience advising senior leaders and coaches in high‑pressure, public‑facing environments.
Experience managing crises and developing communications strategies that protect brand integrity.
Ability to work long hours, nights, weekends, and travel as required by the football schedule.
Application Materials
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Letter of interest covering:
Your interest in the position.
Why your experience makes you a strong candidate.
Why this is the right time for you to pursue this opportunity.
All materials should be submitted by December 18, 2025 to:
Shannon Rice,
Rice.724@osu.edu
Position Information
Location: Fawcett Center for Tomorrow (0284)
Type: Regular
Scheduled Hours: 40 per week
Shift: Varying shifts
Legal & Equity Statement The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Contact For inquiries, email Shannon Rice at
Rice.724@osu.edu .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Department Athletics | Administration
Reporting To Executive Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer; in collaboration with the Head Football Coach and Senior Associate AD for Football.
Overview Serves as the chief architect of the football program’s communication, brand positioning, and media strategy, protecting and elevating its national profile while aligning with the university’s mission.
Responsibilities
Strategic Communications & Brand Positioning – 30%: lead the program’s brand and media strategy, shaping narratives to elevate the program nationally and globally.
Media Relations & Public Relations – 25%: head all media relations and PR planning; serve as senior advisor to the Head Coach and executive leadership.
Crisis Communication & Reputation Management – 15%: develop and implement protocols and manage sensitive issues to protect the program’s reputation.
Creative Team Oversight & Storytelling – 15%: oversee the creative team to ensure integrated storytelling across all platforms.
Media Strategy & Relationship Building – 10%: build strong media relationships, identify thought leadership opportunities, and monitor trends and analytics to refine strategies.
Other duties as assigned – 5%.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Advanced degree may be required.
10 years of relevant experience required; 15 or more years preferred.
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
10-12 years of progressively responsible experience in athletic communications, public relations, or sports media.
Proven expertise managing high‑profile media relations for a collegiate or professional sports team, preferably football.
Experience advising senior leaders and coaches in high‑pressure, public‑facing environments.
Experience managing crises and developing communications strategies that protect brand integrity.
Ability to work long hours, nights, weekends, and travel as required by the football schedule.
Application Materials
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Letter of interest covering:
Your interest in the position.
Why your experience makes you a strong candidate.
Why this is the right time for you to pursue this opportunity.
All materials should be submitted by December 18, 2025 to:
Shannon Rice,
Rice.724@osu.edu
Position Information
Location: Fawcett Center for Tomorrow (0284)
Type: Regular
Scheduled Hours: 40 per week
Shift: Varying shifts
Legal & Equity Statement The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Contact For inquiries, email Shannon Rice at
Rice.724@osu.edu .
#J-18808-Ljbffr