Director, Athletics Integrated Communications

The director of football communications works closely with Memphis football and serves as a liaison between the program and the media, including print, radio, television, and digital outlets. This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications efforts that elevate the program’s national profile while ensuring a consistent brand identity across all platforms. Day-to-day duties consist of writing original press releases, layout and production of record books and game notes, supervision of assistants and student assistants, compilation of statistics, and disseminating information to various media. In addition to football responsibilities, this role will oversee communications for up to two Olympic sports.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
 

• In collaboration with the assistant athletic director for integrated communications, leads the communications efforts for football, including media relations, press releases, interview coordination, and crisis communication.
• Serves as the primary communications contact for football head coach, assistant coaches and student-athletes, coordinating media availability and preparing them for interviews and public appearances.
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with local and national media to maximize positive coverage and exposure.
• Manages and updates external communications platforms (GoTigersGo.com) ensuring alignment with departmental messaging and branding.
• Collaborates with photographers, videographers, and creative staff to highlight the history, tradition, and achievements of Memphis athletics.
• Produces and designs records book, game notes, game programs and media guides using desktop publishing tools, including Adobe Creative Suite.
• Develops and executes a forward-thinking storytelling strategy that highlights the program’s culture, identity, and competitive success.
• Oversees the creation of engaging, high-impact content across digital, social, and traditional platforms.
• Identify and leverage unique storytelling opportunities to enhance the program’s national brand.
• Contributes to social media strategy, including content planning, creative direction, and audience engagement.
• Partners with recruiting, operations, and external relations units to ensure alignment in messaging and communications strategy.
• Analyzes trends, metrics, and audience engagement to inform decision-making and improve performance.
• Supervises and mentors assistants and student assistants, providing guidance during office hours, media activities, and game-day operations.
• Supports game operations, including media coordination, interview logistics, and statistical crew management.
• Assists radio and television broadcast personnel at home and away events as needed.
• Travels with the football team and works evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
  Oversees communications for up to two Olympic sports, as assigned. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, sports management, or a related field and four (4) years of experience in media relations, sports information, communications, public relations, or journalism. Experience in a collegiate athletic communications or sports information office.

Preferred Qualifications
-    Master’s degree
-    Familiarity with website management systems
-    Experience with digital content creation

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
-    Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
-    Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., StatCrew, NCAA LiveStats) and Adobe Creative Suite
-    Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
-    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Must be able to comply with all Athletic Department, University, Board of Trustees, NCAA, and Athletic conference policies and procedures.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
 

About UsThe University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master’s degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.