Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC

Posted Date: Jun 03, 2026

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QUALIFICATION

Salary Expectation
Not Provided
Years of Experience
5+ Years
Work Type
Full-time

ABOUT PROGRAM

Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem Athletics, Athletics Wikipedia Page

Athletic Director

Conference

CIAA (DII)

SPORTS/DEPARTMENT

External Relations

About the Job

Job Description

Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title

Deputy Chief Athletics Officer

FLSA

Exempt

Position Class

89702

Position Overview

Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title

Deputy Chief Athletics Officer

FLSA

Exempt

Position Class

89702

Position Overview

| Join the Ramily! |
Join the Ramily!

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. We are proud to be North Carolina’s only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education (ACE). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportive environment, the university fosters a close-knit community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence.

Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina—known as the city of Arts and innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston-Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering both students and faculty unique collaboration opportunities and professional development pathways.

With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.

Find information about our current benefits and retirement options, our holiday schedule, and other discounts and perks at the links below:

UNC System Employee Benefits Central

UNC System Retirement Benefits

WSSU Holiday Schedule

WSSU Discounts and Perks | | Position Summary |
Winston-Salem State University seeks a dynamic, innovative, and strategic leader to serve as the Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs. This position serves as a member of the Athletics Department senior leadership team and is responsible for providing vision, oversight, and strategic direction for all external operations, including marketing, strategic communications, brand management, fan engagement, ticket initiatives, and athletic development/fundraising efforts.

The Deputy AD for External Affairs will play a key role in advancing the department’s mission by enhancing the WSSU Athletics brand, increasing revenue opportunities, strengthening alumni and community engagement, and elevating the overall game-day and student-athlete experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs:

External Affairs Leadership

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all external units including marketing, strategic communications, athletic development, digital media, fan engagement, and branding initiatives
Serve as a member of the Athletics Department senior leadership team and assist with department-wide planning and decision-making
Develop and execute comprehensive external strategies that support departmental and institutional priorities
Supervises: Marketing, Strategic Communications, Athletic Development staff and assigned external units

Marketing & Brand Strategy

Oversee development and implementation of integrated marketing plans to increase attendance, engagement, and visibility
Lead efforts to strengthen and elevate the WSSU Athletics brand locally, regionally, and nationally
Develop promotional campaigns and game-day initiatives that enhance the fan experience
Analyze attendance and engagement trends to identify growth opportunities

Strategic Communications

Provide oversight for athletic communications, media relations, content strategy, storytelling, social media, and public relations
Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all athletics platforms
Coordinate strategic communication plans related to major announcements, events, and initiatives
Serve as a key liaison with University Communications and external media partners

Athletic Development & Revenue Generation

Provide leadership for athletic fundraising initiatives in partnership with University Advancement
Develop and implement annual giving campaigns, donor engagement strategies, and stewardship plans
Cultivate relationships with alumni, corporate partners, and donors
Identify and pursue new revenue-generating opportunities and sponsorship initiatives

Community & External Relations

Strengthen relationships with alumni, supporters, and community stakeholders
Oversee outreach efforts designed to increase visibility and support of WSSU Athletics
Coordinate special events and initiatives that enhance community engagement

Leadership & Supervision

Supervise assigned staff and provide mentoring and professional development
Establish goals and performance expectations for supervised areas
Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability

Compliance Responsibilities

Ensure full compliance with all NCAA, conference, University, and departmental policies and procedures
Promote and maintain a culture of compliance and ethical conduct

Position Information

Requirements and Preferences

| Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies | Not Mandatory | | Normal Work Schedule |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Nights and weekends required | | Department Required Skills |
- Bachelor’s degree required - Five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in athletics external operations, communications, marketing, advancement, or related field - Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, fundraising, brand development, and external relations - Supervisory and budget management experience - Strong communication and relationship-building skills

| | Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education |
- Master’s degree preferred - Experience within NCAA intercollegiate athletics, preferably in a Division II environment - Experience working collaboratively with university advancement offices - Demonstrated success leading revenue generation and fan engagement initiatives - Knowledge of digital media strategy and athletics branding

Posting Details

Please Note:
* A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
* If it is determined that no applicants meet the minimum competency, education, and experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
* Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
* Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
* Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
* Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
* If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834. |

Supplemental Questions

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