Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Working Title Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Position Designation
Position Designation EHRA Non-Faculty
Employment Type
Employment Type Permanent - Full-time
Months per Year 12
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 , nights and weekends
Hours per week 40
FLSA Status
FLSA Status Exempt
Work Location
Work Location SAC
Primary Purpose of Department
The mission of the Athletic Department at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is to operate within the perspective of the overall educational programs. With a balanced program that supports opportunities for all students and staff, the department promotes a total person concept that provides its student-athletes with the necessary tools to successful in academic, athletic and social settings. The Department of Athletic supports the highest ethical standards of the University, the NCAA and Conference Affiliation.
Primary Purpose of Position
Direct oversight of the communications planning process, an ability to cultivate and strengthen media relationships, and an ability to draft issue statements and executive communications. This role will be responsible for coaching, managing, and developing a team of direct reports and will maintain an active presence with all internal and external stakeholders.
Summary of Position Responsibilities
The Executive Director oversees Charlotte Athletics’ communications operation while building a modern communications organization focused on strategic communications, public relations, executive communications, internal communications, storytelling, institutional messaging, fan engagement support, recruiting, and organizational reputation.
Working collaboratively across Charlotte Athletics, this position partners closely with Marketing & Fan Engagement, Creative Services, Charlotte 49ers Ventures, the 49ers Club, university leadership, and campus partners to develop a unified communications strategy that strengthens the department’s voice, aligns internal stakeholders, and elevates Charlotte Athletics’ visibility across the Charlotte region and nationally.
Serving as the primary communications advisor to the Director of Athletics, this role provides strategic counsel on executive messaging, leadership communications, institutional positioning, public perception, and high-profile departmental initiatives.
Supervise four full-time employees.
- A bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
- A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in college athletics, professional sports, or at a PR agency, or other communications division in education or the private sector.
- A minimum of 5 years of direct team supervision – football and/or men’s basketball preferred.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Demonstrated success leading high-performing communications teams.
- Exceptional writing, editing, strategic planning, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience leading executive communications, crisis communications, and reputation management.
- Strong understanding of media relations, storytelling, digital communications, and audience engagement.
- Experience collaborating across executive leadership, marketing, creative services, development, and revenue-generating functions.
- Experience leveraging AI and emerging technologies to improve communications and organizational effectiveness is preferred.
9201 University City BlvdCharlotte, NC 28223
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