Assistant Director, Athletic Communications

About the Role

Cornell University, an NCAA Division I institution and Ivy League member, seeks an Assistant Director of Athletic Communications. This role is crucial for developing and executing digital communication and social media strategies for Cornell's 37-sport athletics program. The position focuses on creating compelling, platform-native content across social, web, and video channels to enhance engagement, support recruiting, and boost the visibility of Cornell Athletics. The Assistant Director will be responsible for maintaining brand and visual standards, shaping the narrative of student-athletes and programs, and acting as a frontline spokesperson for assigned teams. This role involves managing the entire content lifecycle, from ideation to performance analysis, and collaborating with various stakeholders to execute integrated content campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing strategic digital communications and social media plans for a 37-sport Division I athletics program.
• Serve as a primary content strategist, creator, and publisher in a digital environment, producing platform-specific and engaging content.
• Develop and execute compelling storytelling across social, web, and video platforms to drive engagement and support recruiting efforts.
• Maintain and enforce branding and visual standards for graphics, photography, and video content across digital and social media.
• Shape the public narrative and voice of Cornell Athletics across all digital platforms.
• Manage the complete content lifecycle, including ideation, production, publishing, distribution, and performance analysis.
• Act as a frontline spokesperson for assigned sports teams, responding to media inquiries and staffing events.
• Produce record books, news releases, and feature stories.
• Supervise student assistants and statistical crews.
• Coordinate interviews and provide timely, accurate information to media, coaches, and student-athletes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify storytelling opportunities and execute content campaigns aligned with departmental, university, and conference priorities.
• Foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment through inclusive communication and collaboration.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in storytelling across written, visual, and video formats.
• Expertise in using social media platforms such as Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Solid understanding of NCAA Division I athletics and its regulations.
• Familiarity with live statistical software packages.
• Knowledge of social media strategy, live event production, statistics, sports writing, graphic design, and video editing.
• Proven ability to perform effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.

Perks

• Opportunity to work within an innovative Ivy League university.
• Access to a rich array of employee services, programs, and benefits designed to support career advancement and enhance personal life quality.
• Benefits may include employee wellness programs, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, and flexible work options.

Eligibility

This position is open to individuals with a Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent educational and experiential background. A strong understanding of intercollegiate athletics and a passion for promoting student-athletes are essential. Candidates should demonstrate a proactive, personable, and service-oriented approach, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Education Required

4 Year Degree