Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Strategy

Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Strategy

Search #: 499666

Work type: Full-time

Location: UConn Storrs

Categories: Executive

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 the formulation, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Division of Athletics' goals and objectives. The incumbent will directly supervise the Athletics Communications (7 full-time employees), Marketing and Fan Engagement (4 full-time employees), Creative Content (5 full-time employees), and Video Services (9 full-time employees) 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, supporting and encouraging cross-collaboration between units, identifying the most effective workflow processes, and 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 budget 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.
• Assists with the oversight and direction of specific ancillary revenue initiatives.
• Serves as a member of the Director of Athletics Executive Leadership Strategy Team.
• Secondary Sport Supervision.

Creative Content & Social Media 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.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Athletics Creative Services team, with direct responsibility for the photography unit, ensuring comprehensive coverage of athletic events, practices, special events, and departmental initiatives while managing the timely editing, organization, and distribution of photography assets to coaches, communications, marketing, development, ticket sales, student-athletes, and other internal stakeholders.

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.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Broadcast unit, directing the planning, production, and execution of live event streams while ensuring high-quality broadcasts for athletic competitions, special events, and departmental initiatives across all platforms.
• Plays an integral role in development, management and strategy related to UConn+, UConn's first-of-its-kind endeavor in college athletics that combines live games and events, original content and other on-demand features.

Marketing & Fan Engagement

• Oversees the development and implementation of a marketing and advertising strategy to communicate messages supporting the Division's mission and attracting potential ticket buyers and meeting ticket revenue goals.
• Lead the department's fan experience and game presentation efforts, establishing a comprehensive vision for event atmosphere, traditions, student engagement, and entertainment elements that deliver a best-in-class experience from arrival to departure for all fans and guests.
• 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.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 5 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.
• Demonstrate 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 QUALIFICATION

• Master's degree.
• 7 years of external relations experience in a Division I FBS intercollegiate program with progressively increasing levels of responsibility.
• 3 or more years of external relations experience at a Power Four institution.
• Experience as an Assistant Athletic Director or above at a Power Four 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 UConn Health Benefits.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499666 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 June 18, 2026.


All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee's unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.


The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

Advertised: Jun 12 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Jun 18 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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