Media Relations Professional (Athletics)

Arizona Athletics is seeking a dynamic Media Relations Professional, a Public Relations and Media Strategist to elevate the visibility and brand presence of our programs on campus, across the state, and nationally. This position plays a central role in telling the Arizona story through earned media, digital communications, and strategic content development. The ideal candidate will be equally skilled at building relationships with media outlets, crafting compelling stories, and developing integrated campaigns that highlight student-athletes, coaches, and initiatives. This role strengthens Arizona Athletics' brand positioning while supporting University-wide priorities, revenue generation, recruiting, and donor engagement.

This position requires the ability work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, and travel as needed.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please click here.

Media Relations and PR

• Serve as a liaison with local, regional, and national media to secure placements that enhance the brand equity of Arizona Athletics.
• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, and official statements.
• Coordinate proactive media outreach, manage interview requests, and prepare student-athletes, coaches, and staff for media opportunities.
• Plan and conduct continuous news coverage efforts, ensuring timely, accurate, and compelling stories are shared.

Content Development and Communications

• Write, edit, and produce content for multiple platforms including press releases, features, newsletters, social media, and websites.
• Research and interview student-athletes, staff, and stakeholders to deliver authentic and impactful storytelling.
• Ensure messaging consistency across communications channels and align with University and Athletics branding.

Digitial and Social Media Strategy

• Oversee and execute social media content calendars in coordination with the communications and marketing teams.
• Create platform-specific content (short-form video, graphics, reels, live coverage) that drives engagement and visibility.
• Integrate earned media efforts with digital strategy to amplify stories and maximize reach.

Strategic Communicatiosn and Brand Building

• Develop and execute communication strategies that reinforce Arizona Athletics' competitive advantage, celebrate student-athlete success, and showcase community impact.
• Collaborate with University Relations, Marketing, Development, and campus partners to highlight institutional priorities.
• Support revenue-generating initiatives through storytelling tied to ticketing, merchandise, NIL, and donor engagement.

Analytics and Evaluation

• Track media impressions, digital performance, and fan engagement.
• Provide regular reports on coverage, reach, and ROI of communication strategies.
• Use insights to refine approaches and optimize impact.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong writing, editing, and social media communication skills across multiple formats.
• Ability to build relationships with media outlets and stakeholders.
• Ability to research and interview.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and maintain message alignment.
• Familiarity with analytics and performance metrics to guide planning and engagement.

Why Arizona Athletics
As a Power 4 athletics department with 22 teams, Arizona Athletics combines tradition, innovation, and a bold vision for the future. Our mission is simple: win championships, graduate student-athletes, and galvanize the Wildcat community. With national reach and a passionate fan base, Arizona is not just adapting to the new era of college sports-we're leading it.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Three years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Experience managing PR or media efforts for a Division I athletics department or large organization.
• Experience with collegiate athletics communications.
• Experience in public relations, social media creation, and graphic design.

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?