Director of Athletics Communications Strategy

Position Purpose To develop and execute the strategic communications goals of Dartmouth’s Department of Athletics and Recreation (DCARD) to promote the Department’s ongoing strategic initiatives and priorities to internal and external constituents. Serve as the chief storyteller for the Director of Athletics and Recreation, managing and responding to all inbound communication the office receives. Description Are you a dynamic, strategic PR professional eager to elevate a leading institution’s reputation and brand presence while communicating goals, priorities and wins to staff, campus partners and key stakeholders? Dartmouth College Athletics and Recreation Department (DCARD) is seeking an innovative Communications Strategist to be a thought partner to leadership and deliver high-impact messaging initiatives. This pivotal role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and amplify DCARD’s narrative both regionally and nationally, aligning with Dartmouth’s commitment to excellence in health, wellbeing, and performance.As the in-house strategic communications expert, you will design and execute integrated PR plans that drive cohesive storytelling across internal and external audiences. You’ll play a key role in managing the media presence and brand reputation of the Director of Athletics and Recreation, as well as the Department, by crafting compelling content focused on the strategic priorities—from engaging media campaigns to persuasive media pitches, news releases, and feature stories. Collaborating closely with the communications team and campus partners, you’ll ensure consistent messaging that resonates with diverse constituents and advances Dartmouth’s broader goals.Your responsibilities will extend to proactive reputation management, identifying timely opportunities for DCARD senior leadership, coaches and staff to share their insights through media interviews, op-eds, and public speaking engagements. You’ll also manage issues and crisis communications, protecting and enhancing Dartmouth’s trusted brand.Must have experience in strategic development of PR planning and execution, speech writing and training, success in where and how to message effectively, strong written and verbal skills. Requires the ability to engage, collaborate and coordinate with multiple stakeholders across campus and beyond.Join DCARD as the strategic communications expert where creativity, partnership, and data-driven insights fuel continuous improvement and impactful narratives. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about storytelling that shapes public perception, this role is your gateway to making a meaningful contribution to an iconic institution’s legacy. Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp Bachelors or equivalent combination of education and experience Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities At least seven years of experience in a communications or public relations department, preferably in a college/university environment, or the equivalent. Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related area. Ability to identify business and strategy goals and execute high-quality projects on time. Excellent writing and editing skills. Strong organizational skills. Ability to work independently and with initiative, creativity, and sound judgment. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Preferred Qualifications Experience managing and growing a brand’s presence on various social media platforms. Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries Claire VeNard Department Contact Phone Number claire.g.