Director, Communications

The West Coast Conference was formed in 1952 and has grown to become a nationally recognized and competitive force in Division I intercollegiate athletics. We Rise in the West with a footprint that represents the western region’s largest metropolitan areas. In 2026-27, the Conference will sponsor 16 sports and has ten member institutions – Denver, Loyola Marymount, Pacific, Pepperdine, Portland, Saint Mary’s, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara and Seattle U. In 2027-28, the Conference adds UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara to remain in a consolidated western footprint. We are fueled by a conviction to achieve our championship goals with strong core values of integrity, respect, collaboration, innovation, and inclusiveness. For more information, visit WCCsports.com and follow the West Coast Conference on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @WCCsports. Role Summary Reporting to the Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications & Broadcasting, the Director, Communications supports the strategic and operational management of West Coast Conference communications and broadcasting. The position leads day-to-day media relations, develops and executes communications strategies, generates exposure for the Conference and its membership, and manages written and editorial content across Conference platforms. The Director also supports television and digital broadcast operations; oversees statistics, awards, records, and championship media operations; and coordinates closely with member institutions, media, broadcast partners, and the External Operations team. This role requires sound judgment, strong relationship management, exceptional writing and organizational skills, and the ability to manage sensitive, high-profile, and time-sensitive priorities. Primary Responsibilities Strategic Communications and Media Relations Participate in the development and implementation of the Conference’s strategic communications plan and support communications priorities, operations, and initiatives. Lead day-to-day communications and media relations for WCC sports, championships, and initiatives, including primary contact for men's or women's basketball. Oversight and coordination of interview requests. Develop and maintain productive relationships with regional and national media and serve as a WCC spokesperson when designated. Identify, develop, and pitch stories that advance Conference objectives and elevate WCC institutions, student-athletes, coaches, programs, and championships. Develop communications solutions for key issues and coordinate timely, consistent messaging across the Conference office and membership. Manage press releases, announcements, talking points, media materials, editorial content, and other written communications for Conference platforms. Exercise sound judgment in managing sensitive, high-profile, and time-sensitive communications issues. Broadcasting and External Operations Participate in the development and implementation of the Conference’s broadcasting strategy and support television and digital broadcast operations. Coordinate with institutional personnel and broadcast partners to implement Conference standards and address operational and communications needs. Identify media and communications opportunities surrounding Conference broadcasts and help maximize exposure across platforms. Collaborate across External Operations to align communications and broadcasting with brand, social and digital content, marketing, sponsorship, creative, and video initiatives. Support sponsorship activation and fulfillment when communications, media, broadcast, championship, or related deliverables are involved. Championships, Statistics, Awards, and Content Serve as primary Media Coordinator at WCC Basketball Championship and other assigned WCC championships, including credentialing, press operations, in-event statistics, media management, and live interview coordination. Manage Commissioner’s Cup administration and Conference awards processes, including weekly, seasonal, and end-of-year awards. Process and oversee official statistics for assigned Conference sports and ensure accurate, timely reporting. Maintain Conference record books, historical information, written archives, publications, and communications-related data. Contribute communications and editorial content to the Conference website and digital platforms in coordination with the External Operations team. Manage, edit, coordinate, and schedule content from designated Conference contributors. Identify opportunities to amplify earned media through social, digital, creative, video, marketing, and sponsorship channels. Conference Administration and Leadership Oversee the WCC Communications Directors working group, including conference calls and annual meetings as needed. Provide communications and broadcasting support for governance initiatives, sport administration, head coaches’ groups, and Conference meetings. Monitor relevant national and Conference issues and support communication of schedules, schedule changes, and sport‑specific policies. Contribute to strategic and long‑range External Operations initiatives and support cross‑functional projects across the Conference office. Ensure Student‑Athlete Experience and Well‑Being remains a priority in Conference initiatives. Perform other duties, Commissioner‑delegated projects, and championship responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree. Minimum five years of professional experience in communications, media relations, broadcasting, statistics, championship media operations, external affairs, or a related field. Strong knowledge of strategic communications, media relations, messaging, issues management, and earned media strategy, with experience in Division I Collegiate basketball or a willingness to learn the sport’s media landscape. Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to develop clear and compelling content. Proven ability to build relationships with media, institutional personnel, broadcast partners, and other external stakeholders. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple communications, broadcast, statistics, awards, and championship priorities simultaneously. Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive or high-profile matters. High-level proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, plus familiarity with Adobe Suite and communications, statistics, media relations, and broadcast-related software. Working knowledge of Division I intercollegiate athletics, the WCC, its member institutions, and higher education. Preferred Eight to ten years of related professional experience. Broad experience in intercollegiate athletics, particularly within an NCAA Division I athletics department or conference office. Experience managing championship media operations, official statistics, awards programs, broadcast coordination, or communications working groups. Experience supervising interns, employees, administrators, independent contractors, or other project personnel. Master’s or other advanced or professional degree. Travel Requirements 25 – 50% travel Work Location Hybrid with San Bruno, CA base; minimum three days in the office. Salary $75,000-90,000, commensurate with experience. The West Coast Conference is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr