Director of Digital Strategy & Broadcast Operations Job at Pepperdine University

Overview The Director of Digital Strategy & Broadcast Operations is a senior leader within Pepperdine Athletics, responsible for setting the vision and execution of all digital, video, and broadcast initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Communications, the Director will oversee the production, distribution, and monetization of Pepperdine Athletics’ live events, original content, and emerging digital platforms. This position plays a critical role in shaping the Pepperdine Athletics brand, expanding audience reach, enhancing fan engagement, and maximizing exposure for Pepperdine’s 17 NCAA Division I programs.

The Director will manage all broadcast operations, lead a team of staff and student workers, serve as the department’s primary liaison to external broadcast partners, and integrate content strategies across social, digital, and in-venue platforms. This position requires strategic leadership, independent judgment, and innovative thinking to elevate Pepperdine Athletics to industry-leading standards.

Responsibilities Digital Strategy & Content Leadership : Lead, develop, and execute a comprehensive digital content strategy across streaming, social, and in-venue platforms to amplify the Pepperdine Athletics brand. Serve as the department's principal architect for creative storytelling, producing innovative video features, highlight packages, and digital-first campaigns. Lead the strategic integration of broadcast and digital content with overall marketing, ticketing, and fan engagement goals. Research and anticipate emerging trends and technologies in digital media, using independent judgment to develop strategies that position Pepperdine as a leader in the college athletics digital space.

Broadcast Operations & Production Oversight : Direct all broadcast operations for Pepperdine home athletic events, ensuring high-quality production across ESPN, additional digital platforms, and in-venue presentations. Oversee staffing, scheduling, and technical execution of control room and broadcasts. Serve as primary liaison with third-party broadcast vendors, ESPN, and external television partners, ensuring compliance with conference and NCAA broadcast standards. Establish and manage relationships with third-party vendors and technology partners, leveraging these collaborations to enhance the department's creative production capabilities and drive innovative content solutions.

Departmental Leadership & Team Oversight : Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to independent contractors and a team of student workers supporting digital and broadcast operations, fostering professional development and ensuring high-quality, creative output. Oversee the recruitment, hiring, scheduling, and professional development of the broadcast crew, exercising strategic judgment to build a high-performing team that delivers innovative and impactful production outcomes. Provide strategic leadership and oversight for in-game digital activations, collaborating with the athletics external team to design and execute engaging event presentations that enhance the fan experience and strengthen the Pepperdine Athletics brand.

Administration, Compliance & Collaboration : Manage budgets related to broadcast and digital operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic investment. Maintain broadcast archives, metadata, and content distribution for future use. Uphold NCAA, WCC, and institutional standards related to content, licensing, and compliance. Collaborate with coaches, student-athletes, and external partners to maximize brand exposure through digital storytelling.

Perform other duties as assigned

Uphold University mission through work performed

Skills and Qualifications

Required Bachelor’s degree in digital media, video production, communications, broadcast production, sport management, or a related field.

3–5 years of professional experience in digital media, live broadcast production, social media or sports communications.

Demonstrated experience managing live event broadcasts and working with broadcast control room technology.

Supervisory or leadership experience with staff, contractors, or student workers.

Ability to capture, develop and edit short-form and long-form video content.

Strong knowledge of NCAA and / or professional sports broadcast standards and compliance.

Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and make strategic decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Master’s degree in communications, digital media, sports administration, or related field.

4–6 years of experience in digital strategy and broadcast operations within intercollegiate athletics or professional sports.

Strong creative portfolio showcasing digital storytelling, content production, and brand-building campaigns.

Experience collaborating with major media and broadcast partners (e.g., ESPN, conference networks).

Advanced skills in emerging digital platforms, live streaming technologies, and social media strategies.

Demonstrated success in budget management and vendor negotiations.

This is a Regular, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range : $68,640 - $72,500 per year

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education / training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive workforce benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets, including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose any criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

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