Executive Associate AD, External Affairs and Chief Communication Officer

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Job Title : Executive Associate AD, External Affairs and Chief Communication Officer

Department : Athletics | Administration

Job Description

The Executive Associate Athletic Director – External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer is a key member of the Department of Athletics leadership team, reporting directly to the Deputy Director of Athletics. This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of all external affairs functions, including strategic communication, brand management, marketing, creative media, digital strategy, public relations, and fan engagement.

The role will serve as the primary communications strategist and spokesperson for the athletic department, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and enhancing the visibility, reputation, and relevance of the athletics program. Additionally, this role will serve as the primary liaison to the university marketing and communications departments.

Oversee all media relations, public messaging, press strategy, and digital platforms. Direct crisis communications planning and execution to protect and enhance the institution’s reputation. Ensure proactive storytelling to highlight student-athlete success, coaching excellence, program achievements, and community impact.

Direct the creative services team to deliver cutting-edge content across platforms, with an emphasis on elite recruiting content for all 36 sports. Drive innovation in digital strategy, social media, and fan experience initiatives. Collaborate with revenue-generating units (ticketing, development, sponsorship, NIL, trademark and licensing) to support departmental revenue goals. Support development initiatives, sponsorship engagement, and ticket sales initiatives through coordinated efforts driven by data analysis.

Function : Marketing and Communications

Sub-Function : Communications and Public Relations Strategy and Management

Career Band : Managerial

Career Level : M5

Minimum Required Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Advanced degree may be required. 12 years of relevant experience required. 15 or more years of relevant experience preferred.

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, business, sports management, or a related field. Minimum of 8 years of progressive management experience in athletics administration, communications, marketing, or external affairs; Demonstrated success in leading large, diverse teams across multiple external units; Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Applicants should submit the following :

1. An up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae (CV)

2. A letter of interest that includes :

Your interest in the Executive Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer position.

How your experience makes you a strong candidate for the role.

Why is this the right time for you to pursue this opportunity.

All inquiries and nominations should be submitted to Shannon Rice, Rice.724@osu.edu .

Please submit all application materials by November 14th.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Additional Information :

The Ohio State University Department of Athletics and Business Advancement is a nationally recognized leader in collegiate athletics, driven by a higher purpose to serve student-athletes, staff, and the broader community through excellence, innovation, and tradition. With more than 1,000 student-athletes across 36 teams, the department is supported by over 600 full-time staff and operates on a budget exceeding $400 million, overseeing 28 state-of-the-art facilities Guided by its mission—The People. The Tradition. Excellence. —the department is committed to fostering competitive excellence, fiscal accountability, operational efficiency, and an exceptional experience for guests, staff, and student-athletes alike.

Location : Fawcett Center for Tomorrow (0284)

Position Type : Regular

Scheduled Hours : 40

Shift : Varying Shifts

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions .

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will : educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.