Assistant Director for External Relations

The Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations serves as a key member of the athletics leadership team and is responsible for strengthening the department’s relationships with alumni, donors, parents, community partners, corporate sponsors, media, and other external constituents. This position leads efforts to enhance the visibility, reputation, and financial support of the college’s athletics program. At a small college, this is a highly collaborative and hands-on role. The Assistant Athletic Director will work across athletics, advancement, communications, admissions, student affairs, and campus leadership to tell the story of the institution’s student-athletes and create meaningful opportunities for engagement and support.

Essential Responsibilities

● Develop and implement a comprehensive external relations strategy for the athletics department.

● Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, parents, fans, community leaders, businesses, and corporate partners.

● Assist with athletics fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, special campaigns, and athletic-specific fundraising events 

● Identify and cultivate corporate sponsorship opportunities and develop mutually beneficial partnerships with local and regional businesses.

● Coordinate athletics alumni and donor engagement activities, including reunions, recognition events, receptions, and special events.

● Work closely with the college’s Advancement and Communications teams to align athletics fundraising, marketing, and engagement efforts with institutional priorities.

● Develop compelling stories and communications highlighting student-athletes, coaches, teams, academic achievements, community service, and institutional accomplishments.

● Oversee or assist with athletics social media, digital communications, newsletters, email campaigns, and other external-facing communications.

● Serve as a public-facing representative of the athletics department at campus, alumni, community, and athletic events.

● Assist with planning and execution of home athletic events, including special guests, sponsors, donor hospitality, recognition activities, and promotional initiatives.

● Develop strategies to increase attendance, fan engagement, school spirit, and community participation at athletic events.

● Coordinate sponsor recognition and fulfillment, including signage, digital assets, announcements, hospitality, and promotional opportunities.

● Assist with athletics marketing and branding initiatives to increase awareness of the college and its athletic programs.

● Maintain accurate records of external contacts, prospects, sponsors, donors, and engagement activities in appropriate institutional databases.

● Collaborate with coaches and athletics staff to identify opportunities for alumni, donor, and community engagement.

● Assist with athletics department publications, annual reports, presentations, fundraising materials, and promotional campaigns.

● Represent the college and athletics department professionally at conferences, community events, alumni functions, and other external engagements.

● Support the Director of Athletics with special projects and strategic initiatives.

● Perform other duties as assigned. Fundraising & Development A significant component of the position will be helping the athletics department develop a sustainable culture of philanthropy. Responsibilities may include:

● Developing an annual athletics fundraising plan.

● Identifying and researching prospective donors and sponsors.

● Cultivating relationships with athletics alumni and friends of the college.

● Supporting major gift and annual giving initiatives.

● Creating athletics-focused fundraising campaigns and giving opportunities.

● Assisting with donor stewardship and recognition.

● Organizing fundraising events and giving-day initiatives.

● Working with coaches to develop appropriate fundraising strategies for their programs.

● Providing regular reports on fundraising and external engagement activity. Marketing, Communications & Branding

● Develop and execute strategies to increase the visibility of the college’s athletics programs.

● Ensure consistent use of institutional and athletics branding.

● Create and coordinate promotional content for websites, social media, email, print, and other platforms.

● Work with athletics communications staff to promote accomplishments and stories involving student-athletes and coaches.

● Develop relationships with local media and community organizations.

● Help position athletics as an important component of the college’s overall enrollment, advancement, and community engagement strategy.

Desired Education, Skills, and Experience: 

Qualifications Required:

● Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

● Experience in athletics administration, advancement, fundraising, marketing, communications, public relations, development, or a related field.

● Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

● Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with a wide range of constituents.

● Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

● Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by athletic events and departmental activities.

● Commitment to the educational mission of a small college and the holistic development of student-athletes.

Preferred:

● Master’s degree.

● Experience working in intercollegiate athletics.

● Experience with fundraising, alumni relations, corporate sponsorships, or institutional advancement.

● Experience with social media, digital marketing, or strategic communications.

● Familiarity with NCAA and conference rules and regulations.

● Experience with CRM, donor management, or athletics management systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

● Excellent relationship-building and networking skills.

● Strong fundraising and business-development instincts.

● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

● Creativity and initiative in developing new revenue and engagement opportunities.

● Strong attention to detail and follow-through.

● Ability to represent the college professionally and enthusiastically.

● Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

● Strong project management and event-planning skills.

● Comfort working in a small-college environment where flexibility and willingness to "wear multiple hats" are essential. Work Environment This position operates in a dynamic intercollegiate athletics environment and requires frequent interaction with student-athletes, coaches, alumni, donors, parents, community members, media, and institutional partners. Evening and weekend work is expected based on the athletics schedule, fundraising activities, and special events.

Performance Measures Success in this position may be evaluated through:

● Growth in athletics fundraising and sponsorship revenue.

● Increased alumni and donor engagement.

● Development of new corporate and community partnerships.

● Attendance and engagement at athletics events.

● Growth in athletics visibility and digital engagement.

● Successful execution of donor, alumni, and community events.

● Quality and consistency of athletics communications and storytelling.

● Collaboration with Advancement, Communications, Admissions, and other campus partners.

About the Role

This position is ideal for a relationship-oriented, entrepreneurial athletics professional who enjoys the personal nature of a small-college environment. The successful candidate will be comfortable moving between a donor meeting, a community partnership discussion, a social media campaign, and a Friday-night athletic event—and will understand that building a successful athletics program depends on building strong relationships both inside and outside the campus community

Barton College is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and welcomes all applicants. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Any claims of discrimination for Title IX or otherwise should be directed to our Title IX Coordinator, Corey Coley, at P.O. Box 5000, Wilson, NC 27893, or at 252-399-6319 or [email protected].