Director of Digital Strategy & Broadcast Operations
About The Position
The Director of Digital Strategy & Broadcast Operations is a senior leader within Pepperdine Athletics, responsible for setting the vision and execution of all digital, video, and broadcast initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Communications, the Director will oversee the production, distribution, and monetization of Pepperdine Athletics’ live events, original content, and emerging digital platforms. This position plays a critical role in shaping the Pepperdine Athletics brand, expanding audience reach, enhancing fan engagement, and maximizing exposure for Pepperdine’s 17 NCAA Division I programs. The Director will manage all broadcast operations, lead a team of staff and student workers, serve as the department’s primary liaison to external broadcast partners, and integrate content strategies across social, digital, and in-venue platforms. This position requires strategic leadership, independent judgment, and innovative thinking to elevate Pepperdine Athletics to industry-leading standards.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in digital media, video production, communications, broadcast production, sport management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in digital media, live broadcast production, social media, or sports communications.
- Demonstrated experience managing live event broadcasts and working with broadcast control room technology.
- Supervisory or leadership experience with staff, contractors, or student workers.
- Ability to capture, develop and edit short-form and long-form video content.
- Strong knowledge of NCAA and/or professional sports broadcast standards and compliance.
- Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and make strategic decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in communications, digital media, sports administration, or related field.
- 4 years of experience in digital strategy and broadcast operations within intercollegiate athletics or professional sports.
- Strong creative portfolio showcasing digital storytelling, content production, and brand-building campaigns.
- Experience collaborating with major media and broadcast partners (e.g., ESPN, conference networks).
- Advanced skills in emerging digital platforms, live streaming technologies, and social media strategies.
- Demonstrated success in budget management and vendor negotiations.
Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and execute a comprehensive digital content strategy across streaming, social, and in-venue platforms to amplify the Pepperdine Athletics brand.
- Serve as the department's principal architect for creative storytelling, producing innovative video features, highlight packages, and digital-first campaigns.
- Lead the strategic integration of broadcast and digital content with overall marketing, ticketing, and fan engagement goals.
- Research and anticipate emerging trends and technologies in digital media, using independent judgment to develop strategies that position Pepperdine as a leader in the college athletics digital space.
- Direct all broadcast operations for Pepperdine home athletic events, ensuring high-quality production across ESPN, additional digital platforms, and in-venue presentations.
- Oversee staffing, scheduling, and technical execution of control room and broadcasts.
- Serve as primary liaison with third-party broadcast vendors, ESPN, and external television partners, ensuring compliance with conference and NCAA broadcast standards.
- Establish and manage relationships with third-party vendors and technology partners, leveraging these collaborations to enhance the department's creative production capabilities and drive innovative content solutions.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to independent contractors and a team of student workers supporting digital and broadcast operations, fostering professional development and ensuring high-quality, creative output.
- Oversee the recruitment, hiring, scheduling, and professional development of the broadcast crew, exercising strategic judgment to build a high-performing team that delivers innovative and impactful production outcomes.
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for in-game digital activations, collaborating with the athletics external team to design and execute engaging event presentations that enhance the fan experience and strengthen the Pepperdine Athletics brand.
- Manage budgets related to broadcast and digital operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic investment.
- Maintain broadcast archives, metadata, and content distribution for future use.
- Uphold NCAA, WCC, and institutional standards related to content, licensing, and compliance.
- Collaborate with coaches, student-athletes, and external partners to maximize brand exposure through digital storytelling.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Uphold University mission through work performed.
Benefits
- robust and highly competitive benefits package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
