Phase2 Technology is hiring: Communications Specialist, Department of Art and Ar

Job Posting Title

Communications Specialist, Department of Art and Art History

Hiring Department

Department of Art and Art History

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

FLSA Status

Exempt

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Position Duration

Expected to Continue

Location

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Salary

$56,000, fixed salary

Benefits Package

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays
• Other services and perks

Purpose

The purpose of the Communications Specialist role in the Department of Art and Art History is to advance its visibility and reputation by developing and executing strategic, creative, and cohesive communication initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Content Creation

  Responsible for developing and maintaining the Department of Art and Art History (AAH) and Visual Arts Center (VAC) editorial calendar, developing content and strategies for social media platforms, editorial outlets (print and digital), and digital storytelling initiatives. Duties include writing feature-length articles for Arts Next, the College of Fine Arts' annual magazine, and producing photographic and video content for use on Instagram and the department website. The Communications Specialist will photograph and video classroom activities, events, and exhibition openings, edit visual assets for departmental print materials, and ensure that high-quality images are available for online outlets, print publications, and press requests. Additional responsibilities include drafting informational content for departmental print collateral and supporting the communication of key messages and program highlights across multiple channels.

• Editorial Planning

  The Communications Specialist will maintain the AAH and VAC editorial calendar and conceptualize year-round communication initiatives for social media platforms, internal to UT and external editorial outlets (print and digital), and digital storytelling using video, web, and interactive media. This role requires proactive collaboration and relationship building with colleagues across the College of Fine Arts and the broader university community to plan strategic editorial calendars, develop news stories and pitches, and support department-wide communication initiatives. The specialist will ensure a cohesive, forward-thinking content strategy that aligns with departmental goals and enhances overall visibility.

• Newsletter Management

  The Communications Specialist is responsible for the development and distribution of quarterly AAH email newsletters and weekly events newsletters for the AAH and VAC. Duties include soliciting newsletter stories from AAH staff and faculty, writing feature articles covering AAH and VAC events, classes, and exhibitions, and designing newsletters that highlight the Department's impact while ensuring equitable coverage of all departmental programs.

• Department Outreach

  The Communications Specialist will partner with the College of Fine Arts to promote departmental achievements by proactively pitching and distributing stories to both internal University of Texas channels and external media outlets (owned and earned media). Responsibilities include highlighting the accomplishments of faculty, students, alumni, and the Visual Arts Center to enhance the department's visibility and reputation.

• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 2 years' experience working in a communications role
• Experience producing and editing photographic and video content for digital and social platforms; familiarity with visual storytelling and brand-aligned content development.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple projects on deadline.
• Demonstrated ability to write, edit, and proofread clear, engaging, and accurate content for a range of audiences and platforms (print, web, and social media).
• Competencies:
  • Accuracy and Attention to Detail
  • Initiative, Decision Making and Critical thinking
  • Effective Communication
  • Interpersonal Relationships
  • Service Excellence
  • Problem-solving

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• Proficiency with Adobe Pro, Microsoft Suite
• Knowledge of Content Management Systems including:
  • Sprout Social
  • Meltwater PR
  • Campaign Monitor
  • Drupal Kit
• Prior administrative work experience at the University of Texas at Austin

Working Conditions

• This position may be eligible for hybrid work location flexibility upon successful completion of the probationary period, in accordance with departmental needs and university policies
• Prolonged screen time
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Letter of interest
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Writing sample, between 250-500 pages.
• Video sample of previous work of your choosing.

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) PDF
• Right to Work Poster (English) PDF
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) PDF

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). They must also have access to the annual security and fire safety report.