Director of Strategic Communications - Football

Hiring Department

Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Description

The University of Missouri Athletics Department is seeking a dynamic and strategic-minded individual to serve as its Director of Strategic Communications for its football program. This role will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies to enhance the visibility, reputation, and brand of Mizzou Football.

Reporting to the Assistant Athletics Director for Communications and Storytelling, this individual will work closely with coaches, players, staff, media partners, and other stakeholders to promote the program's achievements, foster positive relationships, and engage fans and supporters.

Key Responsibilities Will Include

Developing and executing strategic communications plans to promote the achievements, initiatives, and activities of the Mizzou Football Program, utilizing a variety of traditional, digital, and social media channels.

Serving as the primary media relations contact for the football program, cultivating relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to generate coverage and enhance visibility.

Coordinating media activities, including press conferences, interviews, and media availabilities, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment with program priorities.

Creating and distributing press releases, media advisories, and other written materials to announce news, updates, and events related to Mizzou Football.

Leading and organizing the home game statistics crew, ensuring all statistics are accurate, complete and timely; as well as maintaining all football statistical records.

Overseeing the production of multimedia content, including videos, graphics, and photography, for use in promotional campaigns, social media, and digital platforms.

Monitoring media coverage and social media conversations related to Mizzou Football, providing regular updates and analysis to coaching staff and senior leadership.

Managing crisis communications and issues management for the football program, serving as a spokesperson and coordinating responses as needed.

Collaborating with internal stakeholders, including athletics administration, marketing, and creative services, to ensure alignment and integration of communications efforts with overall departmental goals.

Developing and maintaining relationships with key influencers, alumni, donors, and community partners to leverage promotional opportunities and enhance the program's visibility and reputation.

Shift

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm; Nights, Weekends, and Travel as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience in communications for a division I football program

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 depending on education and experience

Grade: GGS-11

University Title: SENIOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.