Big 12 Conference

Vice President, Communications
Irving, TX

Reports to Chief Brand and Business Officer

---

Background:

The Big 12 Conference enters its 30th year as one of the nation’s premier conferences in college athletics under the leadership of Commissioner Brett Yormark. Since joining the Conference in August 2022, Yormark has elevated the Big 12 to new heights, emphasizing marketing, brand building and instilling an innovative strategy that has resonated across the college athletics landscape.

Starting Aug. 2, 2024, the Conference is composed of 16 universities spanning 10 states and four time zones. The Big 12 members include Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, Utah and West Virginia.

The Big 12 began play in 1996 and is the home of 91 team NCAA national championships, and 775 individual national champions. The Big 12 Conference office is located in Irving, Texas.

 

Any interested candidates should contact ZRG directly.

Contacting Big 12 Conference will only delay consideration of your qualifications.

 

Position Summary:

The Big 12 Conference is seeking an accomplished and contemporary communications leader to serve as its Vice President, Communications. This individual will oversee all aspects of the Conference’s communications strategy, operations, and execution—spanning sport, business, legal and legislative strategies, and crisis management—while serving as the primary spokesperson for the Big 12.

This position requires a forward-thinking professional who possesses exceptional media instincts, a deep rolodex, and an innate ability to craft and amplify stories that shape the perception of the Big 12 across sport, culture, and business. The successful candidate will bring a blend of creativity, strategy, and leadership to elevate the Conference’s voice and brand presence on every stage.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee all communications operations for the Big 12 Conference, including sport communications, business and corporate communications, public affairs, and crisis management.
• Day-to-Day management of all Business communications strategies and execution.
• Serve as primary spokesperson for the Big 12 Conference, representing the organization across media outlets and public platforms.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to the Commissioner, senior leadership, Athletic Directors, campus Sports Information Directors (SIDs), and other university communications leaders.
• Directly manage and oversee the Big 12 Alumni Council and Advisory Board.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the Communications Department staff by establishing clear goals, strategy, and execution plans to drive visibility and consistency. Directly supervise the Senior Director and Director of Communications, with the Senior Director providing day-to-day oversight of three full-time Communications staffers.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with a vast network of national, regional, and local media across sports, business, and entertainment.
• Generate strategic coverage opportunities that position the Big 12 as an innovative, culturally relevant, and forward-leaning conference.
• Collaborate closely with ESPN, FOX, and other broadcast and digital partners to identify storytelling opportunities and enhance media coverage.
• Oversee press operations and communications planning for Big 12 Championship events, Pro Day, Media Days, and additional high-profile programming.
• Lead and coordinate all crisis communications response efforts for the Conference, including media strategy, messaging development, and reputation management.
• Partner with the Commissioner, Chief Business Officer, and Chief Competition Officer to align communications with overall brand and business strategy.
• Develop messaging and materials for key announcements, executive communications, and organizational initiatives.
• Serve as liaison and communications advisor to Big 12 institutions, providing leadership on issues management, media relations, and collaborative storytelling efforts.
• Manage relationships with external PR and communications agencies to ensure consistent narrative alignment and amplification.

Qualifications, Skills and Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in professional or collegiate sports communications, media relations, or public affairs.
• Demonstrated success leading high-profile communications and managing crisis response.
• Extensive and active network of national and local media contacts across sports, business, and entertainment.
• Superior writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Deep understanding of college athletics, particularly football, and the broader media and cultural landscape.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with senior executives, coaches, and student-athletes, and providing counsel at the highest organizational levels.
• Media-savvy, proactive, and highly strategic communicator.
• Trusted advisor with strong leadership presence and sound judgment.
• Innovative thinker who blends traditional PR fundamentals with a modern, cultural storytelling mindset.
• Passionate about student-athlete storytelling, brand building, and advancing the Big 12’s position as a leader in collegiate athletics.

ZRG’S Commitment:

At ZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. ZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.?