Job Description:
Brown University Athletics and Recreation invites applications for the position of Associate Director of Athletics, Communications.
We are seeking a dynamic, creative, and forward-thinking communications strategist to lead the comprehensive communications, media relations, digital content, and storytelling efforts for Brown’s Division of Athletics and Recreation. This pivotal leadership role oversees the development and execution of integrated strategies that proactively promote our 38 varsity sport programs, club and recreation offerings, student-athlete and coach achievements, signature initiatives, and strategic priorities.
The successful candidate will be charged with elevating and protecting the Brown Athletics brand at the local, regional, and national levels while advancing the Division’s mission and institutional reputation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communications & Brand Management
- Lead strategic communications planning, including brand positioning, public messaging, issues management, and crisis communications.
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Partner closely with the Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Chief of Staff and Athletics senior leadership to anticipate multiple scenarios, manage complex issues, and protect institutional reputation.
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Ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment across all communications platforms and public-facing content.
Media Relations & Storytelling
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Serve as a key ambassador for the Division, cultivating strong relationships with local and national media, campus leadership, coaches, student-athletes, staff, alumni, and external organizations.
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Direct all internal and external communications activities, including media outreach, press releases, feature storytelling, executive messaging, talking points, and fact sheets.
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Identify and amplify compelling stories and achievements through coordinated, multi-platform content strategies leveraging traditional media, digital communications, social media, broadcast, and emerging platforms.
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Provide leadership and strategic oversight for the communications, production, content creation, and broadcasting functions within Athletics, including direct supervision of staff and related personnel.
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Develop long-term operational and staffing strategies, including professional development, workflow management, and cross-functional collaboration.
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Collaborate with the internal marketing team, Brown Sports Properties (Learfield), the Brown University Sports Foundation, and other campus partners to ensure cohesive branding and audience engagement.
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Serve as the primary liaison with Brown’s central Office of University Communications to align with broader institutional priorities.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education and Experience
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Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field
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4+ years of progressive experience in media relations or strategic communications.
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Documented track record of managing high-stakes social media and national press campaigns.
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Proven track record of leadership in sports information, athletic communications, public relations, or a related field (experience in a collegiate athletics environment preferred).
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Extensive experience navigating intellectual property, copyright, and marketing permissions.
Job Competencies
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Exceptional writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills with a sharp eye for detail.
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Ability to navigate crisis communications, public messaging, and issues management with diplomacy and poise.
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Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and develop a diverse team of communications and production professionals.
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A strong understanding of current trends in digital media, broadcasting, social media platforms, and the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
All division employees are required to demonstrate exemplary ethical conduct and conformance to NCAA rules and regulations; the duties of the position are to be performed in compliance with all NCAA, Ivy League rules and regulations; and any rules violations on behalf of themselves or any knowledge of violations within the division are to be reported to the compliance office and appropriate parties.
Employees in coaching positions must receive annual rules education on NCAA legislation related to recruiting by the compliance office and maintain current AED/CPR and First Aid certification (certification is available at no cost through the Division).
Background Check – Criminal, Education, MVR
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.
Benefits of Working at Brown:
Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-06-09
Job Posting Title:
Associate Director of Athletics, Communications
Department:
Athletics and Recreation
Grade:
Grade 11
Worker Type:
Employee
Worker Sub-Type:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
Position Work Location:
Onsite
Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Brown is registered to do business.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].
Brown is an E-Verify Employer.
EEO Statement:
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.
