Athletic Director

Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs Classification Information Position Classification Title Position Classification Title Deputy Chief Athletics Officer FLSA FLSA Exempt Position Class Position Class 89702 Position Overview Join the Ramily! Winston-Salem State University ( WSSU ) is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. We are proud to be North Carolina’s only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education ( ACE ). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportive environment, the university fosters a close-knit community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence. Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina—known as the city of Arts and innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston-Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering both students and faculty unique collaboration opportunities and professional development pathways. With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn. Find information about our current benefits and retirement options, our holiday schedule, and other discounts and perks at the links below: Winston-Salem State University seeks a dynamic, innovative, and strategic leader to serve as the Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs. This position serves as a member of the Athletics Department senior leadership team and is responsible for providing vision, oversight, and strategic direction for all external operations, including marketing, strategic communications, brand management, fan engagement, ticket initiatives, and athletic development/fundraising efforts. The Deputy AD for External Affairs will play a key role in advancing the department’s mission by enhancing the WSSU Athletics brand, increasing revenue opportunities, strengthening alumni and community engagement, and elevating the overall game-day and student-athlete experience. Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs: Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all external units including marketing, strategic communications, athletic development, digital media, fan engagement, and branding initiatives Serve as a member of the Athletics Department senior leadership team and assist with department-wide planning and decision-making Develop and execute comprehensive external strategies that support departmental and institutional priorities Supervises: Marketing, Strategic Communications, Athletic Development staff and assigned external units Marketing & Brand Strategy Oversee development and implementation of integrated marketing plans to increase attendance, engagement, and visibility Lead efforts to strengthen and elevate the WSSU Athletics brand locally, regionally, and nationally Develop promotional campaigns and game-day initiatives that enhance the fan experience Analyze attendance and engagement trends to identify growth opportunities Strategic Communications Provide oversight for athletic communications, media relations, content strategy, storytelling, social media, and public relations Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all athletics platforms Coordinate strategic communication plans related to major announcements, events, and initiatives Serve as a key liaison with University Communications and external media partners Athletic Development & Revenue Generation Provide leadership for athletic fundraising initiatives in partnership with University Advancement Develop and implement annual giving campaigns, donor engagement strategies, and stewardship plans Cultivate relationships with alumni, corporate partners, and donors Identify and pursue new revenue-generating opportunities and sponsorship initiatives Community & External Relations Strengthen relationships with alumni, supporters, and community stakeholders Oversee outreach efforts designed to increase visibility and support of WSSU Athletics Coordinate special events and initiatives that enhance community engagement Leadership & Supervision Supervise assigned staff and provide mentoring and professional development Establish goals and performance expectations for supervised areas Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability Compliance Responsibilities Ensure full compliance with all NCAA , conference, University, and departmental policies and procedures Promote and maintain a culture of compliance and ethical conduct Position Information Position Number 001121 Working Position Title Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs Building and Room No. Bowman Gray Fieldhouse, Room 205 Appointment Type Permanent Full-Time If Time Limited No Appointment Length Permanent Full-Time Requirements and Preferences Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies Not Mandatory Normal Work Schedule 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Nights and weekends required Department Required Skills Five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in athletics external operations, communications, marketing, advancement, or related field Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, fundraising, brand development, and external relations Supervisory and budget management experience Strong communication and relationship-building skills Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education Experience within NCAA intercollegiate athletics, preferably in a Division II environment Experience working collaboratively with university advancement offices Demonstrated success leading revenue generation and fan engagement initiatives Knowledge of digital media strategy and athletics branding Required License or Certification Valid US Driver’s License Valid US Driver's License Yes Commercial Driver's License Required Commercial Driver's License Required No Physical Required Physical Required No List any other medical/drug tests required Internal Posting Only Internal Posting Only No Time Limited Position Time Limited Position No Salary Commensurate with education and experience Open Date Open Date 06/03/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). How did you hear about this employment opportunity? Public Job Posting Internal Job Posting Agency Referral Advertisement/Publication Personal Referral Website Other Winston-Salem State University 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27110 #J-18808-Ljbffr