Job Description
JOB TITLE: Chief Content & Communications Officer LAST UPDATE: 2025
EXEMPTION STATUS: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Communications & Content Strategy SUPERVISOR: COO
COLLABORATIONS: Director Strategic Initiatives & Technology, Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer, public relations firm.
DIRECT REPORTS: Communications Manager, Senior Editor, Editor, Media Coordination
BASIC FUNCTION
The Chief Content & Communications Officer (CCCO) is responsible for developing and executing a cohesive content and communications strategy that enhances USA Track & Field’s (USATF) visibility, brand engagement, and storytelling across all platforms. This role will lead the organization’s global communications strategy, oversee media relations, and drive high-impact content creation to engage diverse stakeholders, including global fans, sponsors, and athletes. The CCCO will serve as a strategic leader, managing relationships with key partners such as NBC and other media outlets, while innovating digital and social media engagement strategies.
This individual must be a visionary leader capable of elevating USATF’s brand through compelling storytelling, proactive public relations, and cutting-edge media production techniques. They will also play a critical role in ensuring USATF’s messaging aligns with both traditional track & field audiences and emerging sports and entertainment consumers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a unified content and communications strategy that aligns with USATF’s vision, brand, and revenue goals.
- Act as the key media spokesperson, overseeing all proactive and reactive media relations, crisis communications, and public relations efforts.
- Lead the internal and external communications strategy to ensure consistent messaging across digital, broadcast, and print media.
- Provide strategic oversight of the department’s structure, identifying best practices from professional leagues and governing bodies.
Content Strategy & Production
- Oversee all USATF content initiatives, including broadcast partnerships, social media, and digital storytelling.
- Manage relationships with NBC and other broadcast partners, ensuring effective television and digital coverage of events.
- Oversee production of original video content, including promotional materials, documentaries, podcasts, and in-venue experiences.
- Direct the content team in producing high-quality editorial, visual, and video content that engages diverse audiences, including youth, grassroots, elite athletes, and sponsors.
- Identify and implement cutting-edge digital media trends to enhance fan engagement and brand reach.
Public Relations & Media Engagement
- Oversee USATF’s public image, managing national and international press relations, crisis communications, and media partnerships.
- Develop key messaging strategies for executive leadership, board members, and athletes.
- Organize and manage press conferences, media availabilities, and promotional campaigns for USATF events and initiatives.
- Ensure athlete media training and engagement strategies are in place, coordinating efforts with USATF’s High Performance and Athlete Commission teams.
Revenue Generation & Sponsorship Support
- Drive sponsorship activation strategies, working with partners like Nike and Toyota to maximize brand visibility through content and campaigns.
- Oversee commercial ad inventory for television and digital broadcasts and ensure alignment with revenue goals.
- Identify and develop opportunities for content monetization, including international rights distribution, sponsorship integrations, and digital commerce initiatives.
Team Leadership & Operations
- Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, including senior and junior content creators, communications specialists, and external production partners.
- Collaborate with internal departments such as Marketing and High Performance to ensure aligned storytelling and branding efforts.
- Work with USATF’s strategy and technology teams to optimize content distribution across platforms.
- Maintain USATF’s editorial calendar, media schedules, and strategic communications planning to ensure streamlined execution of key initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of experience in media, content strategy, and communications, preferably in the sports or entertainment industries.
- Proven leadership experience managing teams across multiple content and communications disciplines.
- Extensive background in media relations, public relations, and crisis communications at a national or global level.
- Deep knowledge of digital, social media, and broadcast platforms, with experience in video production, live streaming, and interactive content.
- Ability to balance traditional sports journalism with modern digital storytelling to engage both core and casual audiences.
- Experience overseeing sponsorship activation and revenue-generating content initiatives.
- Exceptional writing, public speaking, and presentation skills.
- A collaborative and adaptable mindset, capable of navigating complex internal and external stakeholder relationships.
- Experience working with high-profile athletes, influencers, and entertainment figures is a plus.
- Bilingual or multilingual capabilities are an asset.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Location: Indianapolis, IN (preferred). Open to discussing hybrid structures but requires a strong in-office presence.
- Travel: Extensive domestic and international travel is required for events and media engagements.
- Physical Demands: Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure event environments, including standing for long periods and walking extensive distances.
COMPENSATION RANGE
- $175,000 – $250,000, commensurate with experience.
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
This is a high-impact leadership role designed for an innovative and dynamic professional who can elevate USATF’s storytelling, media engagement, and global brand presence. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between traditional track & field audiences and new digital-first consumers, ensuring that USATF remains at the forefront of sports media, athlete engagement, and sponsorship activation.
If you are a visionary strategist, a media innovator, and an expert communicator, we want to hear from you.