What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Athletic Communications position at Baldwin Wallace University?
Director of Athletic Communications
Job Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Director of Athletics and Recreation, the Director of Athletic Communications at Baldwin Wallace University provides strategic leadership for telling the story of Yellow Jacket Athletics—shaping, coordinating, and elevating how our programs, people, and mission are shared across campus, conference, regional, and national platforms. This position oversees athletics communications, media relations, and digital storytelling to ensure consistent alignment with the university’s brand, institutional priorities, and commitment to academic excellence, competitive success, and the holistic student‑athlete experience.
Serving as a key partner with the University Marketing and Communications team, the Director translates departmental goals into compelling narratives that enhance visibility, support recruiting and advancement efforts, and strengthen engagement with alumni, fans, and the campus community, while leading and developing a talented team dedicated to excellence in athletics communications.
Essential Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities: The following outlines the essential functions of the position and is not to be considered a detailed description of all duties inherent in the position.
- Provide strategic direction and oversight for all athletic communications, including media relations, content creation, digital storytelling, and brand consistency.
- Oversee sport‑specific communications operations, including statistics, records, game notes, recaps, media coordination, and press operations.
- Serve as the primary liaison between Athletics and University Communications and Marketing to ensure alignment with institutional messaging and visual identity.
- Manage, mentor, and evaluate athletics communications staff and student workers, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing team environment.
- Plan and execute storytelling initiatives that promote Baldwin Wallace student‑athletes, coaches, teams, academic achievement, and competitive success.
- Collaborate with head coaches and athletics leadership to align communications with team identity, recruiting efforts, and departmental priorities.
- Direct and enhance Athletics’ digital and social media platforms to increase engagement, visibility, and audience growth.
- Coordinate and submit conference, regional, and national awards and recognitions for student‑athletes, coaches, and programs.
- Support Athletics Marketing, Advancement, and Alumni Engagement through integrated communications and storytelling initiatives.
- Manage athletic communications resources, workflows, and budget responsibilities while staying current with best practices and emerging trends in collegiate athletics communications.
- Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree is necessary; degree in communications, journalism, marketing, sport management or a related field preferred
- Master’s degree or advanced professional credential preferred
- 3 years of relevant experience in communications, journalism, or sports media is necessary
- Experience leading and managing communications teams required
- Demonstrated success in athletics communications at the collegiate or professional level strongly preferred
- Proven track record building and executing integrated communications strategies that drive visibility and engagement
- Ability to motivate teams and foster cross-functional collaboration
- Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead through change, balance multiple priorities, and deliver results under pressure
- Understanding of NCAA Division III, Ohio Athletic Conference and Baldwin Wallace University rules, regulations and guidelines
- Must be able to travel, and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
Conditions of Employment
- Successful completion of a background check and any required pre‑employment screenings.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required to support athletic contests, special events, and departmental activities.
- Ability to work in environments with exposure to varied conditions, including heat, cold, loud noise, long workdays, crowded spaces, and physical activity.
- Ability to perform physical tasks associated with athletic events, including running, standing for extended periods, and lifting or carrying equipment weighing up to 20–100 pounds.
- Ability to secure and maintain CPR/AED certification.
- Ability to secure and maintain authorization to operate university vans and vehicles.
- Successful completion of the Stewards of Children training program.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Continued compliance with Baldwin Wallace University policies and all applicable NCAA and conference regulations.
Compensation:
A competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, long & short-term disability, 403 (b) retirement plan, life insurance, employee discounts, free parking, and tuition remission benefits for employee and family. To learn more about the BW’s benefits package, go to: www.bw.edu/resources/hr/
Application Procedures:
Applications will be reviewed as received and continue until the position is filled. Send resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references in one (1) Word document or one (1) PDF and submit via the To Apply link on HR’s Current Job Openings web page. http://www.bw.edu/resources/hr/jobs
Baldwin Wallace University is an EEO employer and educator. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. At BW, we support and encourage diversity in a variety of forms. We value and appreciate inclusive excellence in the classroom, within extracurricular activities and as we engage our community partners.