Communications Manager IV (Athletics)

Communications Manager IV (Athletics) University of Arizona - 4.2 Tucson, AZ Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Crisis communication public relations campaigns Branding Stakeholder engagement Fiscal management 5 years Expense management Writing skills Performance management Master's degree Team development Hiring Social media platforms Supervising experience Bachelor's degree Team management Personnel management in education Budget management in education Strategic communications Practicing budget management in an educational setting Senior level Crisis management Leadership Communication skills Staffing management Overseeing training Staff development Stakeholder management Full Job Description Posting Number req25766 Department Administration and Athletics Department Website Link arizonawildcats.com Location Tucson Campus Address 1 National Championship Drive, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA Position Highlights The University of Arizona Athletics Department invites you to apply to the role of Communications Manager IV. The Athletics Department is dedicated to excellence in collegiate sports, building a modern model of intercollegiate athletics, fostering, integrity, innovation, and student-athlete success. The Communications Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Strategic Communications department for Arizona Athletics including developing and strategizing communication efforts for the department. Direct and coordinates all communication efforts, managing a strategic communications plan and delivering messages to all stakeholders and managing all messages internally and externally. This position manages sensitive and critical messages requiring press releases and crisis communication. Ability to work nights, weekends, and travel as needed. Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of

A/ASU/NAU

tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. Duties & Responsibilities Manages and coordinates all strategic communications efforts which includes managing and implementing a strategic communications plan, delivering timely and key messaging to all internal and external stakeholders. Manages all public relations efforts for the Athletic Department including daily messaging and crisis management messaging as well. Oversees and maintains crisis communication plans and efforts, serving as department spokesperson as needed. Build and maintain relationships with campus, local, regional and national media. Building relationships with print and social media to showcase the Arizona Athletics story. Responsible for maintaining a communication strategy that is reflected in all communications and showcases the Athletics brand. Creates a philosophy of collaboration between Strategic Communications and other internal units within athletics to maximize the experience for student-athletes, fans, alumni and students. Works in partnership with external facing units on campus to strategize communication plans and efforts maintaining University policies and procedures in communication efforts. Leads efforts to proactively promote student-athletes' stories. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the media to generate stories that highlight significant achievements of the department, students, coaches, and staff. Leads all communications, public relations, and messaging efforts for Vice President and Director of Athletics. Manage and direct budget for units, including overseeing all expenses related to area of responsibility. Ensuring all staff complies with campus policies for expenses and reimbursements. Oversee budgets for all 22 sports working alongside sports staff to ensure highest quality of information is communicated both internal and externally keeping in mind fiscal responsibility to the department and campus. Develops and maintains operational plans and systems that impact the unit and department, working with campus leadership to comply with strategic vision for the university. Supervise staff responsible for hiring, performance management, promotions and day-to-day operational tasks. Provides strategic and professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their skills, leadership, and expertise. Oversees staff training and development in areas of expertise. Provide daily leadership and supervision for the Strategic Communications Department. Oversees, develops, strategizes, and executes communication efforts across the unit, departments, and athletics. Recommend policies and plans that help modernize the department and move unit forward in its modernization efforts. Budget accountability. Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of various communication theories, concepts, techniques, mediums, and strategies. Ability to write for various audiences and in various formats. Knowledge of NCAA, Conference, and University polices and procedures as they relate to this position. Ability to work and provide feedback to high-profile individuals such as head coaches and student-athletes. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions. Meticulous attention to detail. Fosters a collaborative work environment through respectful and effective communication. Critical thinking skills and ability to provide multiple solutions for situations. Knowledge of news productions, both written and broadcast media, strategic social media marketing and informational experience. This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required. Nine years of related work experience, including 5 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree. Ten years of experience. Management and/or leadership experience. Experience with a college or university's strategic communications operations. FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 + nights and weekends Job FTE 1.0 Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Communication and Marketing Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay Depends on Experience Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade 13 Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator. Career Stream and Level M4 Job Family Communications Job Function Communications & Marketing Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies 1 Target Hire Date Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Tony Daniel Open Date 4/21/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Resume, Cover Letter, and One Additional Document Special Instructions to Applicant Please submit Resume, Cover Letter, and the answers to the following questions as the Additional Document. Thank You. 1. Describe your knowledge and understanding of NCAA and Big-12 rules and regulations, as they pertain to recruitment and regulations. 2. Please list below any experience you have had since 2015 with high school or college student-athletes. This includes working or volunteering in any capacity with a high school, AAU, sports club, junior college or 4-year institution student-athlete, athletics team or department. 3. Applicants for this position are subject to the following NCAA Bylaws 11.4.2, 11.4.2.1, 11.4.2.2, 11.4.3, 11.4.3.1, 11.4.3.2, 11.4.4, 11.4.4.1, and 11.4.4.2. You may be asked about these Bylaws in an interview, and you may be asked to sign a future affirmation confirming the same prior to or upon your employment by The University of Arizona, if you are selected for employment. Do you understand that by submitting your application for employment, you are affirming that you have read these Bylaws, and that such Bylaws would not preclude your employment by The University of Arizona? 4. Are you the parent, coach, relative or guardian of a prospective student-athlete (i.e., student in 9-12 grade or 7-12 grade for men's basketball or junior college student) in the sport of men's basketball, women's basketball or football or have any other type of association with any prospective student-athlete in the sports of men's basketball, women's basketball or football? If yes, please explain. 5. Is your potential employment within the athletic department conditioned upon the enrollment of any prospective student-athlete (i.e., student in 9-12 grade, 7-12 grade for men's basketball or junior college) in the sport of men's basketball, women's basketball or football? If Yes, please explain. 6. Do you understand that failure to disclose any information related to your affiliation with a prospective student-athlete (student in 9-12 grade, 7-12 grade for men's basketball or junior college) in the sports of football, men's basketball, or women's basketball might render your application ineligible for consideration? Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at .