Assistant Director, Athletic Communications

About the Role

The Princeton University Department of Athletics aims to achieve excellence both academically and athletically, upholding values of equity, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior. Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Athletics for Communications, the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications will lead media and communications efforts for assigned sports, actively contributing to the department's overarching messages and engagement with diverse external media and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead communications and media relations for multiple sports programs, including overseeing content creation for social media, GoPrincetonTigers.com, and emerging digital platforms.
• Develop and implement strategic social and digital media plans tailored for assigned sports, ensuring quality oversight of both evergreen and live event content.
• Maintain productive relationships with local, regional, and national media, serving as the primary media liaison.
• Manage and edit sport-specific pages on GoPrincetonTigers.com, crafting and refining digital materials such as feature stories, game previews, recaps, press releases, record books, and athlete biographies with focus on messaging and user experience.
• Create and distribute printed materials including game notes, lineup charts, and postseason media guides, alongside digital game day communications at home events.
• Produce original multimedia content such as interviews, player profiles, Q&A sessions, highlights, and podcasts.
• Oversee media operations during home events, managing stat crews, in-game social media, and press box activities, as well as coordinating communications staff including photographers and videographers.
• Work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed to support events, including away games and postseason competitions.
• Collaborate across functions within the External Relations team to support department-wide strategic communications and content generation.
• Deliver exemplary service to internal and external stakeholders, maintain adherence to Ivy League, ECAC, and NCAA regulations, and embody the department's Educational Through Athletics values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Sports Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Between 1 and 3 years of experience in education, corporate, or athletic-focused publications and public relations.
• Active presence and understanding of social media and digital content creation.
• Proficiency in creative layout, design, writing, and editing.
• Strong skills with graphic design software, web tools, and statistics software.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with strong interpersonal communication skills, high energy, and adaptability.
• Excellent oral and written communication across diverse groups including media, administration, alumni, students, and coaches.
• Skill in creating promotional materials that clearly and effectively reach target audiences.
• Capability to organize and prioritize multiple projects to meet strict deadlines.
• Quick learner with efficiency in fast-paced environments and ability to synthesize information for senior staff and coaches.
• Willingness to work nights and weekends as required.
• Familiarity and enthusiasm for multiple sports.
• Commitment to the Education Through Athletics mission.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with graphic design and multimedia storytelling tools such as Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and mobile creative solutions is highly favored.

Additional Information

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer ensuring fair consideration without discrimination based on legally protected categories. Compensation is determined based on duties, qualifications, market, and organizational factors; the salary posted reflects the estimated range for the role. The position offers comprehensive benefits and standard weekly hours are 36.25, with required work during nights, weekends, and travel.

Additional employment details:

• Not eligible for overtime.
• Probationary period of 180 days.
• No requirement for physical capacity examination or valid driver’s license.
• Experience level categorized as Associate.

Work Conditions

This position necessitates flexibility for evening, weekend, and travel commitments to support athletic events at home and away.