The University of Texas at El Paso
Communications Specialist- HSRU
The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, us, 88568
About UTEP
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.
UTEP is America’s leading Hispanic‑serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 85% of our 25,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open‑access, top‑tier research university in America.
About the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) The Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) is a collaboration of leading R1 institutions committed to graduate level pathways, research and workforce development. The Alliance is coordinated through the University of Texas at El Paso, which supports its shared programs, data initiatives, and cross‑campus activities. Staff supporting the HSRU contribute directly to the growth and success of this national Alliance—advancing program administration, facilitating institutional partnerships, and helping deliver initiatives that improve educational and research outcomes across member universities.
Position Information Hiring Department:
HSRU
Posting End Date:
Open until filled. This posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Hours:
40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with flexibility required on evenings and weekends.
FLSA status:
Exempt
Earliest Start Date:
As soon as possible.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience and education.
Required Application Materials
Resume
Cover Letter
List of three references
Additional Requirements and Notes To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA‑48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.
This position is Grant Funded and subject to availability of funds.
The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents’ performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents’ immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security‑sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver’s license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position’s essential functions.
Purpose of Position The communication specialist works with the leadership team to develop, plan, and implement marketing and communication initiatives for internal and external stakeholders. Communication efforts include the development of platforms and strategies to help strengthen networks among targeted groups. The communication specialist will create content and implement messaging and branding strategies for diverse audiences using multiple delivery modes, including web‑based and electronic delivery modes and social media. They oversee website architecture, design, and information organization, including all phases of website building, from design to post‑production. They will also oversee graphic design and branding design for the unit. The communication specialist has the ability to manage communication projects in a collaborative team environment.
Essential Functions Communication and Marketing Strategy
Work collaboratively with leadership team members for new ideas and content strategies to support the communication needs of various projects and initiatives.
Develop content strategy aligned with short‑term and long‑term goals and strategic initiatives by identifying regular new content opportunities, research project findings, monitoring and leveraging news and events, and following trends in higher education research.
Plan, create, and oversee the content production of communication and marketing materials for the Institute and the HSRU, including website, reports, social media pages, email campaigns, press releases, and announcements.
Ensure that the Institute’s and HSRU’s images are positive ones and that they are recognized in relevant internal and external spaces.
Co‑create and oversee the Institute’s and HSRU’s style and brand identity and monitor tone, quality, and consistency across both entities.
Communication Planning and Implementation
Work with a graphic designer to develop marketing materials, data visualization, and communication templates (e.g., boilerplate copy for staff use).
Create schedule and communication plans for content releases, dissemination activities, and events.
Research, write, edit, and proofread marketing and information copy, including website copy, blog posts, promotional copy (i.e., emails, announcements, letters, memos, and brochures).
Develop and communicate talking points for the leadership team to use at events and various speaking opportunities.
Partner with various functional and business unit stakeholders across the university to ensure coordination of short‑ and long‑term initiatives.
Support Institute and HSRU Leadership Team with board, committee, and group activities as needed.
Liaise and Collaborate with the University Communications Office
Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries related to Institute and HSRU matters.
Coordinate for reporting of Institute and HSRU events, including writing press releases, executive summaries, announcements, and web copy.
Collaborate with the University Communications Office to plan and develop website content, style, and layout.
Website and Social Media Oversight
Work with web designer and graphic designer to optimize website(s) appearance and functionality and online presence for marketing/branding success.
Create engaging content and periodically undertake website redesign to ensure currency and freshness.
Develop engaging content for social media and digital initiatives.
Monitor the Institute’s and HSRU’s website and social media presence; build a following on social media.
Manage content distribution to internal and external channels and social media platforms, using content management systems to analyze website traffic and user engagement metrics.
Enhance and solidify the use of the Institute and HSRU websites as hubs of information for internal and external constituents (e.g., write content and maintain a program‑oriented web page, deliver information and resources, and highlight strategic initiatives).
Operations
Monitor marketing costs to achieve goals within budget.
Attends and represents the Institute and HSRU at special events as needed, including off‑site events.
Assists Institute and HSRU staff with coordination of events and virtual webinars as assigned.
Comply with all State and University policies; ensure compliance with law (e.g., copyright and data protection) for all Office communications.
Other duties may be assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s objectives, policies, and applicable laws.
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must share a passion for the mission and values of the institute and the HSRU. They must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required.
Experience developing a marketing strategy, including research, messaging, positioning, copywriting, and campaign management.
Experience developing websites and social media platforms.
Strong strategic thinking and creative design skills.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
Project management skills.
Familiarity and proficiency with the use of social media for marketing and branding.
Effective use of data, research, and analytics to guide decision‑making.
Outstanding writing and editing skills; Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and ability to learn and use institutional software systems.
Ability to anticipate problems and address them proactively.
Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in written or presentation form.
Detail‑oriented with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to maintain positive, supportive relationships with all constituents.
Required Qualifications Education:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university.
Experience:
Three to five (3-5) years of related experience and training for the essential duties and responsibilities.
Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree; Prior work experience in higher education and/or research organization.
Additional Information The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 25 pounds.
The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.
In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.
The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries—including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident—about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747‑8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.
For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP’s Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.
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UTEP is America’s leading Hispanic‑serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 85% of our 25,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open‑access, top‑tier research university in America.
About the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) The Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) is a collaboration of leading R1 institutions committed to graduate level pathways, research and workforce development. The Alliance is coordinated through the University of Texas at El Paso, which supports its shared programs, data initiatives, and cross‑campus activities. Staff supporting the HSRU contribute directly to the growth and success of this national Alliance—advancing program administration, facilitating institutional partnerships, and helping deliver initiatives that improve educational and research outcomes across member universities.
Position Information Hiring Department:
HSRU
Posting End Date:
Open until filled. This posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Hours:
40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with flexibility required on evenings and weekends.
FLSA status:
Exempt
Earliest Start Date:
As soon as possible.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience and education.
Required Application Materials
Resume
Cover Letter
List of three references
Additional Requirements and Notes To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA‑48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.
This position is Grant Funded and subject to availability of funds.
The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents’ performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents’ immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security‑sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver’s license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position’s essential functions.
Purpose of Position The communication specialist works with the leadership team to develop, plan, and implement marketing and communication initiatives for internal and external stakeholders. Communication efforts include the development of platforms and strategies to help strengthen networks among targeted groups. The communication specialist will create content and implement messaging and branding strategies for diverse audiences using multiple delivery modes, including web‑based and electronic delivery modes and social media. They oversee website architecture, design, and information organization, including all phases of website building, from design to post‑production. They will also oversee graphic design and branding design for the unit. The communication specialist has the ability to manage communication projects in a collaborative team environment.
Essential Functions Communication and Marketing Strategy
Work collaboratively with leadership team members for new ideas and content strategies to support the communication needs of various projects and initiatives.
Develop content strategy aligned with short‑term and long‑term goals and strategic initiatives by identifying regular new content opportunities, research project findings, monitoring and leveraging news and events, and following trends in higher education research.
Plan, create, and oversee the content production of communication and marketing materials for the Institute and the HSRU, including website, reports, social media pages, email campaigns, press releases, and announcements.
Ensure that the Institute’s and HSRU’s images are positive ones and that they are recognized in relevant internal and external spaces.
Co‑create and oversee the Institute’s and HSRU’s style and brand identity and monitor tone, quality, and consistency across both entities.
Communication Planning and Implementation
Work with a graphic designer to develop marketing materials, data visualization, and communication templates (e.g., boilerplate copy for staff use).
Create schedule and communication plans for content releases, dissemination activities, and events.
Research, write, edit, and proofread marketing and information copy, including website copy, blog posts, promotional copy (i.e., emails, announcements, letters, memos, and brochures).
Develop and communicate talking points for the leadership team to use at events and various speaking opportunities.
Partner with various functional and business unit stakeholders across the university to ensure coordination of short‑ and long‑term initiatives.
Support Institute and HSRU Leadership Team with board, committee, and group activities as needed.
Liaise and Collaborate with the University Communications Office
Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries related to Institute and HSRU matters.
Coordinate for reporting of Institute and HSRU events, including writing press releases, executive summaries, announcements, and web copy.
Collaborate with the University Communications Office to plan and develop website content, style, and layout.
Website and Social Media Oversight
Work with web designer and graphic designer to optimize website(s) appearance and functionality and online presence for marketing/branding success.
Create engaging content and periodically undertake website redesign to ensure currency and freshness.
Develop engaging content for social media and digital initiatives.
Monitor the Institute’s and HSRU’s website and social media presence; build a following on social media.
Manage content distribution to internal and external channels and social media platforms, using content management systems to analyze website traffic and user engagement metrics.
Enhance and solidify the use of the Institute and HSRU websites as hubs of information for internal and external constituents (e.g., write content and maintain a program‑oriented web page, deliver information and resources, and highlight strategic initiatives).
Operations
Monitor marketing costs to achieve goals within budget.
Attends and represents the Institute and HSRU at special events as needed, including off‑site events.
Assists Institute and HSRU staff with coordination of events and virtual webinars as assigned.
Comply with all State and University policies; ensure compliance with law (e.g., copyright and data protection) for all Office communications.
Other duties may be assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s objectives, policies, and applicable laws.
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must share a passion for the mission and values of the institute and the HSRU. They must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required.
Experience developing a marketing strategy, including research, messaging, positioning, copywriting, and campaign management.
Experience developing websites and social media platforms.
Strong strategic thinking and creative design skills.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
Project management skills.
Familiarity and proficiency with the use of social media for marketing and branding.
Effective use of data, research, and analytics to guide decision‑making.
Outstanding writing and editing skills; Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and ability to learn and use institutional software systems.
Ability to anticipate problems and address them proactively.
Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in written or presentation form.
Detail‑oriented with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to maintain positive, supportive relationships with all constituents.
Required Qualifications Education:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university.
Experience:
Three to five (3-5) years of related experience and training for the essential duties and responsibilities.
Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree; Prior work experience in higher education and/or research organization.
Additional Information The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 25 pounds.
The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.
In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.
The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries—including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident—about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747‑8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.
For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP’s Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.
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