Dir of Strategic Comm& Fan En

Director for Strategic Communications and Fan Engagement

Department: Intercollegiate Athletics
Institution: Kentucky Wesleyan College
Reports To: Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics

Position Summary

The Director for Strategic Communications and Fan Engagement is the chief communications officer for the Department of Athletics and is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication, branding, digital media, and fan engagement strategies that elevate the visibility and reputation of Kentucky Wesleyan Athletics.

The Director will oversee athletic communications, media relations, live event production, website content, social media strategy, statistical reporting, graphic design coordination, and fan experience initiatives while working collaboratively with campus partners, coaches, student-athletes, alumni, donors, and community stakeholders.

This position plays a vital role in promoting the achievements of Kentucky Wesleyan student-athletes and enhancing the overall game day experience for fans, recruits, alumni, and supporters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary communications contact for the Department of Athletics.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic communications and marketing plan that enhances the visibility of Kentucky Wesleyan Athletics.
• Serve as the primary media relations contact, cultivating relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Write and distribute press releases, feature stories, game recaps, previews, and other departmental communications.
• Maintain and oversee the athletics website, ensuring timely, accurate, and engaging content.
• Manage all department social media platforms and develop content strategies that increase engagement and brand awareness.
• Coordinate photography, videography, graphic design, and digital storytelling efforts.
• Oversee the production and distribution of athletic publications, game programs, digital content, and promotional materials.
• Coordinate statistical reporting and NCAA/Great Midwest Athletic Conference reporting requirements.
• Supervise live event operations related to communications, including livestream production, scoreboards, public address scripts, and in-game promotions.
• Coordinate game day media operations, including credentialing, media hospitality, interview requests, and postgame coverage.
• Develop and execute fan engagement initiatives designed to increase attendance, student involvement, and community participation.
• Collaborate with coaches to promote student-athletes, teams, and special accomplishments.
• Assist with branding initiatives that maintain consistency across all athletics communications and marketing materials.
• Support fundraising, alumni engagement, admissions, and institutional advancement initiatives through strategic storytelling and promotional campaigns.
• Recruit, train, and supervise student workers, interns, and graduate assistants assigned to athletic communications.
• Assist with major departmental events, championship hosting responsibilities, and special projects.
• Represent the athletics department on campus committees and conference working groups as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Communications, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated proficiency with social media platforms and digital content creation.
• Experience writing for web, print, and digital audiences.
• Knowledge of NCAA statistics and athletic communications best practices.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required for athletic events.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with coaches, student-athletes, campus partners, alumni, and media members.

Preferred

• Master's degree.
• Previous experience in collegiate athletics communications, preferably at the NCAA Division II level.
• Experience with photography, videography, and livestream production.
• Experience supervising student employees or interns.
• Knowledge of NCAA Division II and Great Midwest Athletic Conference policies and procedures.
• Graphic design experience and brand management expertise.
• Familiarity with fan engagement strategies, digital marketing analytics, and emerging social media trends.