Department: Univ Athletics-Media Svcs
Salary/Grade: EXS/12
Job Summary:
The Associate Athletic Director, Strategic Initiatives and Communications, is responsible for securing and protecting Northwestern University Department of Athletics and Recreation’s (NUDAR) public position and reputation in the marketplace. In doing so, the Associate A.D. will provide direction and leadership to advance entrepreneurial and integrated strategies across long-range plan development, strategic communication, crisis communication management, creative production and brand management for NUDAR. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief of Staff, this leader will proactively advise the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation on institutional matters and serve as the brand steward, public affairs and creative expert, and trusted resource for long-term strategy needs throughout the organization.
*Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required. *
*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.
Please note: Evening, weekend and possibly holiday hours as dictated by practice, travel, competition and other NU-related events.
Specific Responsibilities :
• Manifest vision of the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation and Deputy A.D./Chief of Staff, in the development, creation, distribution and execution of the NUDAR strategic plan and other regularly distributed communications.
• Serve as a key member of the executive crisis management team, providing holistic insight into short and long-term enterprise risk, public image, and operational planning
• Personally collaborate with the most prominent leaders within NUDAR to curate their public-facing images
• Primarily includes, but is not limited to, the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach, Sullivan-Ubben Head Men’s Basketball Coach, head women’s basketball coach and Combe Family Head Lacrosse Coach
• Personally collaborate with Northwestern University administration on crisis management and internal communication strategies. Primarily includes but is not limited to the Office of the President, Office of General Counsel, Office of Global Marketing and Communications, Student Affairs and Alumni Relations and Development.
• Collaborate with senior NUDAR colleagues and the Senior Associate A.D. for External and Deputy A.D. for Development, to leverage brand assets, including creative production, across myriad platforms to enhance:
• Audience growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement
• Recruiting excellence
• Serve as lead spokesperson for NUDAR and drive media and public relations strategy across the department, including:
o Stewarding relationships with local, regional and national media and influencers
o Establishing consistent and compelling voice and tone across all 19 varsity teams and Recreation to drive synergy
o Ensuring full optimization of channels including earned media, social media, and sports information
• Collaborate with our in-house agency (Creative Production) and live production (Broadcast Operations) to provide direction for the continued evolution of NUDAR’s integrated experiential brand
• Serve as Executive Producer of StudioN, and Managing Editor of NUSports.com
• Routinely liaise and collaborate with on-campus partners to best represent priorities of NUDAR executive staff, including Global Marketing and Communications, Alumni Relations and Development, and others
• Potential for Sport administration responsibilities
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University continuing education initiatives and required certifications and trainings.
Miscellaneous
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s degree or higher; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in communications, branding and/or creative production functions in a fast-paced, complex, consumer-facing organization
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
• Commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace achieved through intentional hiring, training, and performance management
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work efficiently on short deadlines, including balancing multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work a non-traditional schedule often including evenings, weekends and travel as required
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and effectively interact with diverse populations.
• Ability to establish engaging relationships within and across racialized and other marginalized communities
Preferred Qualifications:
• 7 years management experience in a high pace, high-profile environment.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations and terminology of the NCAA, Big Ten Conference and Northwestern University preferred
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $107,049-$125,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
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