Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications

Merrimack College•Andover, MA

62d

About The Position

Merrimack College seeks an experienced and innovative Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications to lead the Athletics Strategic Communications Office. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications and content strategy that effectively tells the story of Merrimack Athletics through modern and traditional platforms. The successful candidate will elevate the visibility of Merrimack's 28 varsity sports, enhance engagement with diverse audiences, and uphold the College's brand and values through creative storytelling and strategic messaging.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, sports management, or a related field (Master's preferred).
Minimum of 5 years of experience in athletics communications, sports information, or digital media.
Demonstrated success in developing and executing digital content strategies.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to tailor content for multiple audiences.
Proficiency in social media platforms, content management systems, Adobe Creative Suite, and statistical software (e.g., NCAA Live Stats, StatCrew).
Ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
Commitment to Merrimack College's mission and the values of intercollegiate athletics.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing staff or student workers.
Familiarity with photography, videography, and live streaming.
Knowledge of NCAA Division I rules and media best practices.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the overarching communications strategy for Merrimack Athletics, including storytelling, content creation, media relations, and digital engagement.
Manage and mentor staff and student workers in the Athletics Strategic Communications Office.
Ensure consistent brand voice and visual identity across all communication channels.
Create engaging content for all 28 varsity sports, including preview stories, feature articles, and social media posts.
Develop and post in-game content such as live updates, highlight clips, and photography to drive fan engagement.
Positively promotes the Merrimack brand through public relations.
Produce postgame recaps, highlight packages, photo galleries, and celebratory content following competition.
Identify and produce human-interest stories in collaboration with coaches and student-athletes.
Oversee the daily management of Merrimack Athletics social media accounts.
Utilize analytics to measure engagement and refine digital strategies.
Lead the creation of campaigns that promote upcoming events, celebrate achievements, and deepen fan connection.
Oversee traditional sports information duties, including statistics, game notes, record books, and website updates.
Maintain and update team rosters, player/coach bios, and historical records on the Merrimack Athletics website.
Cultivate strong relationships with local, regional, and national media to expand coverage of Merrimack Athletics.
Manage game-day operations for press and media, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment.
Distribute results, stories, and updates via email lists and media channels.