Senior Associate AD / Chief Communications Officer

The Role & The Opportunity

The University of Pittsburgh, a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, invites applications for the position of Senior Associate AD/Chief Communications Officer. This is a premier leadership opportunity for a seasoned professional to spearhead the strategic vision and execution of all communications, public relations and content strategy efforts for a P4 athletic department with a rich history of excellence.

The Chief Communications Officer will serve as the department’s official spokesperson and be responsible for crafting, unifying and amplifying the voice of Pitt Athletics across all platforms. This individual will work closely with the athletics director, senior leadership, head coaches, media partners and campus communicators to develop and deliver compelling messaging that supports brand positioning, protects and promotes the Pitt Athletics reputation and aligns with institutional priorities.

A Tradition of Excellence

This role represents more than an athletic department; it is a key voice for one of the world’s most respected public research universities.

University Excellence

• A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) since 1974.
• A top public university in the nation for federal research and development funding.
• Home to the iconic Cathedral of Learning, the tallest educational building in the Western hemisphere.
• Site of monumental research, including Dr. Jonas Salk’s development of the first polio vaccine.
• Deeply integrated with the world-renowned University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

Athletic Distinction

• A culture of championship aspirations, including a recent ACC Football Championship.
• A nationally elite Women’s Volleyball program with multiple Final Four appearances.
• Consistent national success in Men’s Soccer (College Cup appearances) and Wrestling (NCAA Champions).
• A legacy of legendary athletes, including Aaron Donald, Larry Fitzgerald, Dan Marino, and Darrelle Revis.
• A commitment to academic achievement, with student-athletes consistently maintaining a department-wide GPA over 3.0.

Department Leadership

You will join a forward-thinking executive team dedicated to achieving comprehensive excellence and providing a world-class experience for student-athletes.

Allen Greene, Director of Athletics

Highly accomplished and nationally respected college athletics administrator Allen Greene was appointed Director of Athletics in October of 2024. Greene has been a lead figure in the management of NIL programs at three separate SEC institutions, including most recently at the University of Tennessee, where he served as senior deputy athletics director from December 2023 until his Pitt appointment.

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Kyle Bruce, Senior Deputy AD for External Relations & Chief Revenue Officer (Hiring Manager)

With a career that includes leadership roles at Ole Miss, Virginia Tech and Washington, Kyle Bruce brings a modern, analytical, revenue-conscious approach to external relations, ensuring communications and content strategy is fully integrated into the department’s strategic growth. This role reports directly to him.

View Official Bio

Your Team

Direct Reports

This role will directly oversee the leaders of the Broadcast & Video, Strategic Communications, and Football Communications units.

Paul Barto

Associate AD, Broadcast & Video Production

Matt Plizga

Associate AD, Strategic Communications

Mike Annarella

Director of Football Communications

Supporting Team Leaders

You will also provide executive leadership for a talented and diverse group of Communications, Creative, Broadcast, Digital and Video Production professionals.

Casey Graham

Asst. AD, Broadcast & Video Production

Ben Mitchell

Sr. Director, Creative & Digital Media

Joe Lassi

Director, Social Media

Isaiah Green

Director, Strategic Communications

Compensation & Benefits

The University of Pittsburgh offers a competitive compensation package and an outstanding portfolio of benefits that reflects its commitment to the well-being of its employees.

Key Benefit Highlights:

• Retirement Savings: A generous 401(a) plan with a University contribution of 150% of your contribution (up to 8% of your salary) after a three-year vesting period.
• Tuition Benefits: Extensive tuition coverage for employees, spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children at the University of Pittsburgh and other participating universities.
• Paid Time Off: A comprehensive time-off package including vacation days, 12 paid holidays, sick time, and a paid University-wide winter recess.
• Health & Wellness: A choice of comprehensive medical plans, plus dental, vision, and wellness programs to support you and your family.

Cost of Living in Pittsburgh

Your compensation goes further in Pittsburgh. The city’s cost of living is consistently below the national average and significantly more affordable than other major metropolitan areas, offering a high quality of life without the high price tag. This financial advantage allows for greater flexibility, from housing options in vibrant, historic neighborhoods to enjoying the city’s renowned dining, arts, and sports scenes.