Assistant Director of Athletics Communications

James Madison University, a Division I member of the NCAA and Sun Belt Conference, is seeking an Assistant Director of Athletic Communications. This role coordinates communications, media relations, and sports information strategies for select JMU Athletics programs, with a focus on digital, social, and creative media to increase public awareness of student-athlete experiences and achievements.

About JMU

Located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, James Madison University is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation. The university serves approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, supported by over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty. JMU is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering thriving programs in liberal arts, science, technology, and professional disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all communication strategies for 3-4 assigned sport programs to maximize coverage of the student-athlete experience at JMU.
• Use social media, creative technology, and digital tools to communicate student-athlete stories and program information.
• Collaborate within a team environment to build cohesive communication methods across all departmental sport programs.
• Deploy traditional media relations methods, including statistics, media notes, press releases, and record-keeping.
• Foster relationships with external media partners to maximize coverage and position JMU Athletics among local, regional, and national outlets.
• Supervise the communications student intern program, including recruitment, development, and day-to-day operations.
• Oversee game-day staffing of student and wage employees for assigned sports.

Requirements

• Significant professional experience in an intercollegiate or professional sports team’s communications office.
• Knowledge of web software programs, game operations, NCAA Live Stats (Genius), and Stat Crew statistical programs.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with knowledge of AP style.
• Desktop publishing and creative design experience, particularly with Adobe products (InDesign, Photoshop).
• Highly motivated, task-oriented, and able to multitask in a schedule that includes weekend work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a direct communications representative for a revenue-generating sport (e.g., football or basketball).
• Varied experience with and knowledge of multiple sports.
• Supervision or oversight of students or employees in a collegiate athletics setting.

Pay

Maximum starting pay: $46,906.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and E-Verify verification of identity and work eligibility.