Assistant Athletic Dir. For Communication and Development

Job Description

Date: February 9, 2026
Position Available: Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Development
Position Reports to: Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Department: Athletics
FLSA Status: Exempt
Schedule: Full Time - M-F - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; some evenings and weekends; periodic travel.

Please apply online: https://franciscan.edu/assistant-athletic-director-for-communications-and-development/

POSITION SUMMARY
The Assistant Athletic Director (AAD) for Communications & Development provides strategic leadership for all communications, public and media relations, game day operations, marketing, development and special events within the Franciscan University Athletic Department. This senior leadership position serves on the Athletic Department's front office team and works directly with the Athletic Director to advance departmental goals and institutional mission.

The mission pillars of the Franciscan University Athletic Department-Forming Disciples, Developing Leaders, and Pursuing Excellence-are central to this role. The AAD for Communications is responsible for driving innovation and advancement of these pillars through all communications, marketing, and related initiatives, ensuring that Franciscan Athletics authentically embodies the University's Catholic and Franciscan identity.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide strategic leadership for all communications, public and media relations, game day operations, marketing, development and special events within the Franciscan University Athletic Department.
• Oversee all operations within the communications and marketing portfolio, including direct supervisory responsibility for the Sports Information Department, Game Day staff, and related personnel.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Franciscan Athletics and the University's Advancement Division and Marketing and Communications Department, as well as local and national media outlets and community organizations involved in game day and special events.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality messaging that reflects both competitive excellence and the mission of Franciscan University.
• Drive innovation and advancement of mission pillars through all communications, marketing, and related initiatives, ensuring that Franciscan Athletics authentically embodies the University's Catholic and Franciscan identity.
• Supervise select coaches.

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Additional duties, expectations and responsibilities may be added or changed as needed to meet the University's needs.

REQUIREMENTS
Must understand, support, and embrace the mission of Franciscan University of Steubenville and possess the following:

Education and Experience
• Bachelor of Arts
• Leadership experience
• Communications and media experience

Technical Skills
• Ability to manage complex, multifaceted media operations and events.
• Ability to develop and lead marketing activities.
• Ability to manage diverse department of staff members, interns, and students.

Non-Technical Skills & Competencies
• Executive Leadership acumen
• Excellent communication skills
• Relationship building across a diverse group of constituencies.

Workplace Factors:
• Periodic travel, as necessary

Candidates must submit an online application, a resume and a cover letter that demonstrates their fit for the position based on their experience, accomplishments, and skills as well as their desire to advance the mission of Franciscan University.

Please apply online: https://franciscan.edu/assistant-athletic-director-for-communications-and-development/

For other information and job postings, visit our website at https://www.franciscan.edu

Franciscan University of Steubenville is committed to principles of equal opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.

About the Employer

Franciscan University is a Catholic and Franciscan liberal arts and professional studies institution located in Steubenville, Ohio.