JOB SUMMARY

This position will be responsible for the development, planning, supervision, and implementation of the Division's overall media and external relations efforts. As a member of the Division's senior leadership team, this position participates in formulation, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Division of Athletics' goals and objectives. The incumbent will directly supervise the Athletics Communications (8 full-time employees), Marketing and Fan Engagement (3 full-time employees), Creative Content (4 full-time employees), and Video Services (4 full-time employees and 3 interns) units.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

General

• Establishes the external relations strategy designed to promote the Division of Athletics and its student-athletes, including developing new audiences and maintaining current audiences, while overseeing the communications, marketing, creative content, and video services departments.
• Leads reporting units to include providing strategic direction, supports and encourages cross-collaboration between units, and identifies most effective workflow processes, providing guidance when necessary.
• Manages personnel decisions including staffing, hiring, and supervision in the performance of duties, evaluations, and training of employees; may play a role in major personnel decisions for other Athletics staff.
• Proactively executes the department's external strategic timeline.
• Oversees the budgets for reporting units.  
• From a leadership perspective, assists in all revenue generation efforts of the athletic department.
• Ensures the appropriate coverage for each of the units is provided to all home, away, and postseason events.
• Meets, consults with, and advises student-athletes, coaches, and staff regarding marketing, social media, video, and communications strategies.
• Serves as a member of the Director of Athletics senior leadership team.

Social Media & Content Strategy

• Oversees and ensures collaboration of external units, on social media strategies to build interest in UConn Athletics and elevate fan engagement. Explores new, innovative communication vehicles that promote the Division of Athletics and its programs.
• Leads the content and graphics team in the creation of all major design concepts for the Division's marketing and fan engagement activities, including but not limited to sales collateral, digital ads, e-mail templates, season tickets, social media content, website graphics, video board elements, and other print, digital and traditional media.

Video Operations

• Oversees the design, editing, and production of video content for social media and other initiatives.
• Oversees the video operations staff in the design, creation, and coordination of videoboard content for all UConn Athletics venues and facilities.

Marketing & Fan Engagement

• Oversees the development and implementation of a marketing strategy to communicate messages supporting the Division's mission and attracting potential ticket buyers and meeting ticket revenue goals.
• Collaborates with multi-media rights holder Learfield on the development of multi-dimensional sponsorship packages that may involve elements to drive ticket sales and/or enhance the game day experience.

Strategic Communications

• Develops a communication strategy for the Department.
• Acts as the Division's public relations liaison with the University, community, and media.
• Oversees the implementation of Divisional policies and procedures as related to public relations, ensuring the integrity and public image of the intercollegiate athletics program.
• Ensures updated, accurate information is available on the website. Develops and implements initiatives to make the website user-friendly and engaging. 
• Oversee the communications department's execution of daily sports media services, the production of news releases and statistics, and the development of sports publications and associated communications.

Other

• Assists in the coordination of intercollegiate special events and post-season tournaments, when necessary.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures of the University of Connecticut, Conference, and NCAA.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 7 years of external relations experience in a Division I FBS intercollegiate program with progressively increasing levels of responsibility.
• Collaborate regularly with senior staff from various departments.
• Demonstrates excellent managerial and organizational abilities.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, balance multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, organize time efficiently, and remain attentive to details.
• Knowledge of NCAA regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Master's degree.
• 3 or more years of external relations experience at the power five level.
• Experience as an Assistant Athletic Director or above at a power five institution.
• 3 years of experience managing the staff and unit budget for a marketing department.
• Ability to work collaboratively with an athletics department media rights partner.

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. 

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497352 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. 

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 28, 2023.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

About University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is a national leader among public research universities, with more than 30,000 students seeking answers to critical questions in classrooms, labs, and the community. A culture of innovation drives this pursuit of knowledge throughout the University’s network of campuses. Connecticut’s commitment to higher education helps UConn attract students who thrive in the most competitive environments, as well as globally renowned faculty members. Our school pride is fueled by a history of success that has made us a standout in Division I athletics. UConn fosters a diverse and vibrant culture that meets the needs and seizes the opportunities of a dynamic global society.

Connections working at University of Connecticut