Assistant Director, Athletic Communications

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on August 30, 2026.

About the role

As the Assistant Director, Athletic Communications you are responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies for assigned varsity sport programs that advance the mission, visibility, and strategic priorities of Washington State University Athletics. Serving as the primary communications contact for assigned sports, you will develop integrated storytelling campaigns, manage media relations, and collaborate across Athletic Communications, Marketing, Creative Services, Digital Strategy, NIL, Development, and external partners to elevate the Cougar brand and enhance the student-athlete experience.

You will work under the direction of the Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Communications. Your role provides strategic communications counsel to coaches and administrators, develops compelling content across multiple platforms, manages earned media opportunities, and supports department-wide communications initiatives, championship communications, and crisis communications efforts. Your role will require exceptional project management, collaboration, creativity, and the ability to execute communication strategies in a fast-paced Division I athletics environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies for assigned varsity sport programs.
• Serve as the primary communications contact for assigned sports.
• Create integrated storytelling campaigns and manage media relations.
• Collaborate with Athletic Communications, Marketing, Creative Services, Digital Strategy, NIL, Development, and external partners.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to coaches and administrators.
• Develop compelling content across multiple platforms.
• Manage earned media opportunities.
• Support department-wide communications initiatives, championship communications, and crisis communications efforts.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing or other relevant field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in print OR broadcast news media, public relations, marketing including the use of electronic media, OR two (2) years of other relevant professional experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Strong creative, conceptualization, communications, public relations, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Strong planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated editing and proofreading skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Outlook, and Excel programs; Adobe Creative Suite experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Sport Management, or related field.
• Two (2) or more years of Division I Athletics Communications experience in a full-time or part-time capacity.
• Demonstrated experience developing integrated communications strategies and digital storytelling campaigns.
• Experience working collaboratively with Marketing, Creative Services, Digital Media, NIL, and Development.
• Experience supporting NCAA Championship and Conference Championship events.
• Experience in crisis communications, reputation management, and executive communications.
• Experience utilizing web content management systems, social media analytics, and media monitoring platforms.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Benefits

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Paid sick and vacation leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance package for employees and dependents.
• Retirement and deferred compensation options.
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee tuition waiver.

For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Pay

Monthly Salary: $4,508.70 - $4,583.34. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule

• Full-time (100% FTE), permanent position.
• 12-month position.
• Overtime-eligible.

This position is located in Pullman, WA.