Director of Athletics Communications

Working Title: Director of Athletics Communications

State Role Title: Public Relations and Marketing Specialist IV

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Intercollegiate Athletics

Department: 300055 - Athletics Communications

Pay Band: 5

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $60,000 - $70,000 

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 07/15/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

JMU Athletics is seeking a Director of Athletics Communications to lead the JMU Athletics Communications team in executing strategies for the betterment of the JMU Athletics brand, public perception and storytelling via both direct distribution and through collaboration with traditional local, state and national news media sources. This position will help marshal digital content, historical records and statistics for JMU Football and other assigned sports, while providing primary supervision of JMU Athletics Communications staff to do the same with remaining varsity sports. The person in the role will also collaborate with departmental leaders throughout JMU Athletics support staff to further the department-wide mission and goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategize:

• Develop large-scale departmental strategy for communications, media relations and sports information activities for JMU Football and other assigned sports, working alongside coaches and other JMU Athletics entities to broaden and promote the JMU Athletics brand while aligning with departmental vision and guiding principles.

Execute:

• Help develop organizational and logistical plan for communications office, leading communications staff meetings and developing staff operational structure to execute mission and goals of the unit.

Develop:

• Supervise JMU Athletics Communications staff, developing skills and workflow to better support departmental goals through communications and branding efforts and strategies.

Promote:

• Foster positive relationships with external media partners while identifying opportunities to maximize coverage and proactively position JMU Athletics among local, regional and national media outlets.

Collaborate:

• Develop and cultivate strong working relationships with leadership in other support areas of JMU Athletics in order to easily collaborate across departmental lines to simplify and further department-wide operations and objectives.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Experience in the athletic communications field or similar communications or public relations role.
• Ability to supervise and develop staff while effectively managing multiple priorities.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills.
• Proficiency in NCAA Live Stats or Stat Crew Experience
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Additional Considerations

• Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign, Photoshop etc.)
• Experience serving as the primary communications contact for a high-profile Division I sport, preferably in football.

Additional Posting Information:

For Documents #1, #2, and #3, please include one of each work sample: game story, feature story, and press release.

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.