Assoc Athletic Director for Strategic Comm

Job Description

Job Description

Position Description :

Merrimack College seeks an experienced and innovative Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications to lead the Athletics Strategic Communications Office. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications and content strategy that effectively tells the story of Merrimack Athletics through modern and traditional platforms. The successful candidate will elevate the visibility of Merrimack’s 28 varsity sports, enhance engagement with a wide array of audiences, and uphold the College’s brand and values through creative storytelling and strategic messaging.

Responsibilities :

Leadership & Strategy

Develop and execute the overarching communications strategy for Merrimack Athletics, including storytelling, content creation, media relations, and digital engagement.

Manage and mentor staff and student workers in the Athletics Strategic Communications Office.

Ensure consistent brand voice and visual identity across all communication channels.

Content Creation & Storytelling

Create engaging content for all 28 varsity sports, including preview stories, feature articles, and social media posts.

Develop and post in-game content such as live updates, highlight clips, and photography to drive fan engagement.

Positively promotes the Merrimack brand through public relations.

Produce postgame recaps, highlight packages, photo galleries, and celebratory content following competition.

Identify and produce human-interest stories in collaboration with coaches and student-athletes.

Digital & Social Media Management

Oversee the daily management of Merrimack Athletics social media accounts.

Utilize analytics to measure engagement and refine digital strategies.

Lead the creation of campaigns that promote upcoming events, celebrate achievements, and deepen fan connection.

Sports Information & Media Relations

Oversee traditional sports information duties, including statistics, game notes, record books, and website updates.

Maintain and update team rosters, player / coach bios, and historical records on the Merrimack Athletics website.

Cultivate strong relationships with local, regional, and national media to expand coverage of Merrimack Athletics.

Manage game-day operations for press and media, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment.

Distribute results, stories, and updates via email lists and media channels.

Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, sports management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

Minimum of 5 years of experience in athletics communications, sports information, or digital media.

Demonstrated success in developing and executing digital content strategies.

Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to tailor content for multiple audiences.

Proficiency in social media platforms, content management systems, Adobe Creative Suite, and statistical software (e.g., NCAA Live Stats, StatCrew).

Ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Commitment to Merrimack College’s mission and the values of intercollegiate athletics.

Preferred Skills :

Experience managing staff or student workers.

Familiarity with photography, videography, and live streaming.

Knowledge of NCAA Division I rules and media best practices.

Application Materials Should Include :

Resume

Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools : arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities / Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.