Department: Univ Athletics-Media Svcs
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary:

Seeking a skilled and talented Director of Public Relations and Social Media and Digital Content who is prepared for the challenge of leading the department’s external communications social media strategies with an emphasis, building meaningful connections with Wildcats fans through internal and external storytelling, and helping our NUDAR social channels narrate the student-athlete experience. The role will manage a team of full-time staff in support of 19 varsity programs with a focus on football and basketball.

This position, which reports to the Associate AD- Strategic Initiatives and Communications  will be responsible for planning, managing and implementation of the activities and projects that grow the NUDAR brand and fanbase locally, nationally, and globally, and build a community of loyal fans and supporters. This leader will collaborate with the department’s creative, marketing, sales, and community relations teams and will be required to scope new initiatives, deliver on deadlines and manage expectations.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Directly manage 3-5 full-time employees, establishing goals and priorities, setting and meeting deadlines, and mentoring for professional development.
• Serve as a primary communications contact for Wildcats football, overseeing media relations, public relations, crisis communications, and image management support for all team personnel.
• Provide on-site media management at all home and road contests including, but not limited to, credentialing, press box operations, media and staff hospitality, pregame/in-game/postgame interviews.
• Build, manage and execute the Northwestern Athletics year-long social and content strategy across numerous accounts and platforms including but not limited to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.
• Act as the key driver behind the NU Athletics’ brand and narrative across all digital channels including the delivery of the department’s social framework that establishes the overall voice and brand behavior along with content strategy for storytelling across sport programs, athletes/coaches and fans.
• Develop and deliver social media training sessions to NUDAR coaches and staff who manage team accounts.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across the department to identify and develop revenue opportunities with content across Sponsorships, Merchandise, Ticket Sales and Community Impact initiatives.
• Own monthly and weekly digital reporting across social channels, working closely with analytics teams to pull results and analyze data to create strategies and tactics for continual audience engagement and growth.
• Help to lead digital, marketing, and creative brainstorming sessions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in communications, public relations, digital media or relevant field.
• Previous management experience preferred.
• Proven track record of results in media & public relations, social media management an
• Excellent written skills and attention to detail required.
• Proficiency with Sidearm web content management system, NCAA Genius statistics and StatCrew strongly preferred.
• Experience across variety of social media platforms, in both management and measurement, preferred.
• Highly proficient and full understanding of the publishing, monitoring and analytics functions of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and emerging social platforms.
• Experience with development and deployment of a branded content strategy.
• Strong ability to organize and lead an efficient social media workflow, while transitioning from strategic planning to creative briefs to asset development and trafficking.
• Maturity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic are essential.
• Must be organized, highly motivated and team oriented.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings and game nights as assigned.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.