Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title
Deputy Chief Athletics Officer

FLSA
Exempt

Position Class
89702

Position Overview

--This position is being reposted. Applicants in the pool are still under consideration do not need to reapply--

Position Summary

Winston-Salem State University seeks a dynamic, innovative, and strategic leader to serve as the Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs. This position serves as a member of the Athletics Department senior leadership team and is responsible for providing vision, oversight, and strategic direction for all external operations, including marketing, strategic communications, brand management, fan engagement, ticket initiatives, and athletic development/fundraising efforts.

The Deputy AD for External Affairs will play a key role in advancing the department's mission by enhancing the WSSU Athletics brand, increasing revenue opportunities, strengthening alumni and community engagement, and elevating the overall game-day and student-athlete experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs:

External Affairs Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all external units including marketing, strategic communications, athletic development, digital media, fan engagement, and branding initiatives
• Serve as a member of the Athletics Department senior leadership team and assist with department-wide planning and decision-making
• Develop and execute comprehensive external strategies that support departmental and institutional priorities
• Supervises: Marketing, Strategic Communications, Athletic Development staff and assigned external units

Marketing & Brand Strategy

• Oversee development and implementation of integrated marketing plans to increase attendance, engagement, and visibility
• Lead efforts to strengthen and elevate the WSSU Athletics brand locally, regionally, and nationally
• Develop promotional campaigns and game-day initiatives that enhance the fan experience
• Analyze attendance and engagement trends to identify growth opportunities

Strategic Communications

• Provide oversight for athletic communications, media relations, content strategy, storytelling, social media, and public relations
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all athletics platforms
• Coordinate strategic communication plans related to major announcements, events, and initiatives
• Serve as a key liaison with University Communications and external media partners

Athletic Development & Revenue Generation

• Provide leadership for athletic fundraising initiatives in partnership with University Advancement
• Develop and implement annual giving campaigns, donor engagement strategies, and stewardship plans
• Cultivate relationships with alumni, corporate partners, and donors
• Identify and pursue new revenue-generating opportunities and sponsorship initiatives

Community & External Relations

• Strengthen relationships with alumni, supporters, and community stakeholders
• Oversee outreach efforts designed to increase visibility and support of WSSU Athletics
• Coordinate special events and initiatives that enhance community engagement

Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise assigned staff and provide mentoring and professional development
• Establish goals and performance expectations for supervised areas
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability

Compliance Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with all NCAA, conference, University, and departmental policies and procedures
• Promote and maintain a culture of compliance and ethical conduct

Position Information

Position Number
001121

Working Position Title
Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs

Building and Room No.

Bowman Gray Fieldhouse, Room 205

Appointment Type
Permanent Full-Time

If Time Limited.
No

Appointment Length.
Permanent Full-Time

Requirements and Preferences

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies
Not Mandatory

Normal Work Schedule

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Nights and weekends required

Department Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree required
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in athletics external operations, communications, marketing, advancement, or related field
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, fundraising, brand development, and external relations
• Supervisory and budget management experience
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Master's degree preferred
• Experience within NCAA intercollegiate athletics, preferably in a Division II environment
• Experience working collaboratively with university advancement offices
• Demonstrated success leading revenue generation and fan engagement initiatives
• Knowledge of digital media strategy and athletics branding

Required License or Certification

Valid US Driver's License

Valid US Driver's License
Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required
No

Physical Required
No

List any other medical/drug tests required