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 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