Keith Mann
Lincoln
Summary
Dynamic communications strategist with over three decades in college athletics, notably at the University of Nebraska. Proven leader in enhancing program visibility and fostering relationships with media and stakeholders. Expert in public relations and crisis management, driving successful initiatives that elevate student-athlete engagement and community support. Experience in working closely with all areas of external relations in college athletics.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Associate Athletic Director-Communications
University of Nebraska Athletics
10.2024 - Current
- Develop and implement strategic communication plans to promote and increase the visibility of Nebraska Athletics.
- Serve as the primary media point of contact for the Husker football program and the head coach.
- Serve as primary media point of contact for Director of Athletics and athletic administration.
- Provide public relations and communications advice, and talking points, to numerous staff members and student-athletes, including the Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach.
- Manage crisis communication efforts to protect University reputation during sensitive situations.
- Work closely with broadcast and multimedia partners to provide information for broadcasts and event logistics for home games.
- Oversee a staff of eight full-time team members and approximately 20 part-time student assistants, who work to promote and publicize NU's 24 varsity sports.
- Collaborate on a daily basis with the digital media team, marketing, HuskerVision, and the Huskers Radio Network to plan and strategize communication efforts.
- Regularly collaborate with the Huskers Athletic Fund, Ticketing, and other areas to assist with communication strategies and timing on key initiatives.
- Member of the Athletic Directors' Cabinet, reporting directly to the Deputy AD/Chief Operating Officer.
- Regular communication, coordination, and strategy discussions with other key university communicators in the University President's and Chancellor's office.
- Regular communication with the Big Ten Conference Office and key members of the national media.
Associate Athletic Director-Communications
University of Nebraska
07.2019 - 10.2024
- Developed and implemented strategic athletic programs to enhance student-athlete performance and engagement.
- Oversaw budgeting and resource allocation for athletic departments, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
- Cultivated partnerships with local organizations to boost community involvement and support for athletic events.
- Led recruitment efforts for coaching staff, focusing on diversity, experience, and alignment with institutional values.
Assistant AD-Communications
University of Nebraska
07.2009 - 07.2019
- I served as the primary media contact for the Husker football program and as a spokesperson for Nebraska Athletics.
- Provide leadership for communications staff that manages communication efforts for all Nebraska athletic teams.
Media Relations Director
University of Nebraska Athletics
08.2004 - 07.2009
- Developed and executed strategic media relations plans to enhance university visibility and engagement.
- Cultivated relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to promote athletic programs.
- Oversaw press releases, media advisories, and event coverage to ensure accurate messaging.
- Managed crisis communication efforts to protect university reputation during sensitive situations.
Associate Media Relations Director
University of Nebraska Athletics
08.2002 - 08.2004
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance athletic program visibility and community engagement.
- Developed and implemented policies to ensure compliance with NCAA regulations and institutional standards.
- Oversaw budget management, optimizing resource allocation for athletic programs and facilities.
- Facilitated partnerships with local organizations to promote collaborative events and sponsorship opportunities.
Assistant Sports Information Director
University of Tennessee Athletics
08.2000 - 08.2001
- Served as the primary football sports information contact for the Tennessee football program.
- Managed media requests for the head football coach, coaching staff, and football players.
- Worked closely with broadcast partners to provide information and content to assist with broadcasts.
Assistant Sports Information Director
University of Nebraska Athletics
08.1995 - 07.2000
- Coordinated media relations and press releases to enhance visibility of athletic programs.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive statistical databases for sports teams and events, working specifically with Husker football, men's basketball, and wrestling programs.
- Trained student interns in communication strategies and best practices for information dissemination.
Education
Bachelor's of Journalism -
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska12-1994
Skills
- Professional Communications Strategist
- Public Relations Advisor
- Three Decades of Experience in College Athletics
- Effective Team Leader
- Relationship Builder with Internal and External Consituents
Accomplishments
- Nebraska Communications office has received Football Writers Super 11 Communications staff recognition 11 times since 2009
Certification
- Member of College Sports Communicators
Timeline
Senior Associate Athletic Director-Communications
University of Nebraska Athletics
10.2024 - Current
Associate Athletic Director-Communications
University of Nebraska
07.2019 - 10.2024
Assistant AD-Communications
University of Nebraska
07.2009 - 07.2019
Media Relations Director
University of Nebraska Athletics
08.2004 - 07.2009
Associate Media Relations Director
University of Nebraska Athletics
08.2002 - 08.2004
Assistant Sports Information Director
University of Tennessee Athletics
08.2000 - 08.2001
Assistant Sports Information Director
University of Nebraska Athletics
08.1995 - 07.2000
Bachelor's of Journalism -
University of Nebraska-Lincoln