Director of Strategic Engagement

The Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA), founded in 1891, is a nonprofit organization whose objective is to "promote, influence, and assist in financing the varsity athletic programs of the midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy" in accordance with the policy of the Superintendent of the Academy. Through an intercollegiate athletics program that is one of the largest in the country, every midshipman is afforded the opportunity to compete in athletics at the Division I level. The emphasis on physical fitness is borne out in the first line of the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy: To develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically.

Summary

The Director of Strategic Engagement serves as the primary oversight of strategic engagement with local, regional and national stakeholders for the NAAA. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this role leads the design and execution of integrated outreach, partnership and communication strategies to grow the brand of Navy athletics.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify, map, and cultivate high-value relationships with external stakeholders and influencers to create brand awareness for Navy athletics.

• Develop multi-channel engagement campaigns (events, digital outreach, executive convenings, and strategic communications) designed to convert audience interest into active support for the NAAA.

• Oversee storytelling campaigns for all announcements related to the business enterprise of NAAA and Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium (NMCMS).

• Secure and prepare executives for speaking engagements, panel discussions, and industry conferences by creating presentations and other materials as needed.

• Identify, solicit and coordinate brand exposure and thought leader opportunities for NAAA Executives with event/media/podcast opportunities.

• Create collateral materials to enhance storytelling of NAAA mission and objectives.

• Draft organization-wide announcements, crisis responses, business updates and organizational change memos.

• Ghostwrite high-impact content including keynotes, op-eds, social media posts, board presentations and stakeholder letters.

• Create a written, annual review of accomplishments that can be shared with stakeholders.

• Assist with the documentation of all messaging within the department.

Qualifications

• Experience, Education, & Certification(s)

  • Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of experience in college or professional athletics

  •  Proven experience of working with brand engagement

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Strong strategic branding skills

  •  Experience with graphic design

  •  Strong written and verbal communication skills

  •  Broad based knowledge of athletic administration

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Must be eligible to work in the United States of America, without sponsorship.

• Must be eligible to work on a military installation, including a willingness to submit to a background screen.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• This is an in-person position. 

Work Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods (typically 6–8 hours per day)

•  Occasional standing or walking (e.g., to retrieve files, go to meetings)

•  Hand and finger dexterity (e.g., typing, using a mouse, handling paperwork)

•  Repetitive hand and wrist movements (e.g., keyboarding, data entry)

•  Visual acuity (e.g., reading screens, documents)

•  Hearing ability (e.g., participating in phone calls, video conferences)

•  Minimal lifting requirements (usually under 10–15 lbs, such as files, laptops)

•  Basic upper body movement (e.g., reaching for office supplies, opening drawers)

•  Occasional bending or twisting (e.g., picking up items, adjusting seating)

•  Cognitive focus and mental stamina (e.g., prolonged concentration on tasks)

Travel

• As requested by the Chief of Staff and/or Director of Athletics

The NAAA Featured Benefits

• Medical 

• Dental

• Vision

• 403(b) retirement plan 

• Paid holidays

• Paid accrued vacation and sick days

• NAAA paid life/AD&D insurance

Pay Range

$50,000 - $60,000

Application Process

• Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references 

• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. .

Disclaimer Statement

This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.