Stanford Athletics
Associate Director, Digital Strategy
Welcome to Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 136 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.
Stanford Athletics is seeking a talented and innovative Assistant Director, Digital Strategy to oversee the digital presence for the Stanford Football and Stanford Men’s or Women’s Basketball digital platforms. This role will focus on developing and implementing comprehensive content strategies, managing social media channels, and working with other External Relations units to optimize business objectives through digital platforms, with an emphasis on the daily management of GoStanford.com and the acquisition and management strategy for the Stanford Athletics mobile app. The Associate Director, Digital Strategy, will also develop and lead Stanford Athletics' short-form video strategy for implementation on departmental TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts platforms. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the fast-evolving digital landscape in sports, demonstrate creativity in multimedia content creation, have a passion for engaging with fans and the broader community, and showcase a desire to push the Stanford Athletics brand forward.
Summary of essential job functions:
- Oversee digital strategy for Stanford Football and Men’s Basketball or Women’s Basketball, depending on your expertise.
- Develop annual content strategies for assigned sports.
- Manage social media channels (X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube) for assigned sports.
- Create branded multimedia content in accordance with brand guidelines.
- Develop and manage short-form video content for Stanford Athletics’ TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
- Create and execute strategies for the Stanford Athletics Mobile App, focusing on user acquisition, content curation, and driving fan engagement.
- Oversee the day-to-day management and upkeep of GoStanford.com. Address the web needs of other DAPER departments and teams.
- Assist in supervising digital interns.
- Demonstrate a commitment to evaluating digital strategies by developing analytics reports across all assigned digital platforms.
- Assist in digital coverage of marquee Stanford Athletics events, including postseason events, department campaigns, and department events.
- Assist in the development and deployment of digital campaigns.
- Provide digital strategy insights and best practices to External Relations personnel.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite software, specifically Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere.
- A demonstrated knowledge of the fast-changing landscape of digital media, particularly in sports and entertainment.
- Experience in managing digital platforms for a Division-I football program preferred, but not mandatory.
- Extensive functional knowledge of social media platforms and their respective audiences.
- Experience with content creation in graphic design, photography, or videography is a plus.
- Good interpersonal skills, judgment, and diplomacy required to interact effectively with and provide customer service to a broad audience.
- Ability to work independently as well as effectively in a collaborative team environment.
- Comfortability with tight deadlines and the ability to answer to multiple constituents and prioritize projects, including working on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Self-motivated individual who takes initiative on new projects, and proactively identifies new opportunities.
- Strong organizational and communication (both written and verbal) skills.
- Must maintain current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), as well as other associations and agencies to which Stanford University adheres, and, at all times avoid any and all violations of these rules and standards.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum 3 years of experience managing and executing digital strategy or social media for a brand.
Physical Requirements:
- Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
- Frequently stand/walk, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, and reach/work above shoulders.
- Occasionally sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat.
- Visual acuity including color vision.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a California Non-commercial Class license.
Working conditions:
- Work on weekends, evenings, holidays, and flexible shifts.
- May have exposure to high voltage electricity, noise > 80dB TWA, confined spaces, and working at heights above 10 feet.
This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics program, recreation and wellness department, and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that your involvement with DAPER activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, NCAA, and conference rules and regulations.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
*The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
