Executive Director, Strategic Communications

Position Information

General Information

Position Number 012500 Vacancy Open to All Candidates Working Title Executive Director, Strategic Communications Position Designation EHRA Non-Faculty Employment Type Permanent - Full-time Months per Year 12 Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 , nights and weekends

Hours per week 40 FLSA Status Exempt Division Athletics Department Athletics (Adm) Work Location SAC Salary Range Primary Purpose of Department

The mission of the Athletic Department at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is to operate within the perspective of the overall educational programs. With a balanced program that supports opportunities for all students and staff, the department promotes a total person concept that provides its student-athletes with the necessary tools to successful in academic, athletic and social settings. The Department of Athletic supports the highest ethical standards of the University, the NCAA and Conference Affiliation.

Primary Purpose of Position

Direct oversight of the communications planning process, an ability to cultivate and strengthen media relationships, and an ability to draft issue statements and executive communications. This role will be responsible for coaching, managing, and developing a team of direct reports and will maintain an active presence with all internal and external stakeholders.

Summary of Position Responsibilities

The Executive Director oversees Charlotte Athletics' communications operation while building a modern communications organization focused on strategic communications, public relations, executive communications, internal communications, storytelling, institutional messaging, fan engagement support, recruiting, and organizational reputation.

Working collaboratively across Charlotte Athletics, this position partners closely with Marketing & Fan Engagement, Creative Services, Charlotte 49ers Ventures, the 49ers Club, university leadership, and campus partners to develop a unified communications strategy that strengthens the department's voice, aligns internal stakeholders, and elevates Charlotte Athletics' visibility across the Charlotte region and nationally.

Serving as the primary communications advisor to the Director of Athletics, this role provides strategic counsel on executive messaging, leadership communications, institutional positioning, public perception, and high-profile departmental initiatives.

Supervise four full-time employees.

Minimum Education/Experience

• A bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in college athletics, professional sports, or at a PR agency, or other communications division in education or the private sector.
• A minimum of 5 years of direct team supervision - football and/or men's basketball preferred.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing communications teams.
• Exceptional writing, editing, strategic planning, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience leading executive communications, crisis communications, and reputation management.
• Strong understanding of media relations, storytelling, digital communications, and audience engagement.
• Experience collaborating across executive leadership, marketing, creative services, development, and revenue-generating functions.
• Experience leveraging AI and emerging technologies to improve communications and organizational effectiveness is preferred.

Necessary Certifications/Licenses Preferred Certifications/Licenses Special Notes to Applicants

• The finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or a Motor Vehicle Report
• The Search Committee will not contact references without first verifying permission with the finalist.
• Please ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to support your answers to the supplemental questions.
• UNC Charlotte Benefits Information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits/benefits-overview/

Posting Open Date 08/07/2026 Posting Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Proposed Hire Date 09/04/2026 If time-limited please indicate appointment end date Contact Information

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

• UNC Charlotte Website

• HERC Job Board

• Inside Higher Education

• Mitratech Circa (formerly known as Local JobNetwork)

• Another Website

• Agency Referral

• Advertisement/Publication

• Personal Referral

• Other

• Where did you learn about this posting?

(Open Ended Question)

• • Do you have a Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or a related field?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in college athletics, professional sports, or at a PR agency, or other communications division in education or the private sector?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have a minimum of 5 years of direct team supervision? - football and/or men's basketball is preferred.

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
• Contact Information for References

Optional Documents