Communications Specialist, Department of Design
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
Communications Specialist, Department of Design
Department of Design, College of Fine Arts, University of Texas at Austin.
Position Open To: All Applicants.
Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 hours per week. FLSA Status: Exempt.
Earliest Start Date: Jun 01, 2026.
Position Duration: Expected to Continue.
Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS.
Job Details
The Department of Design in the College of Fine Arts at The University of Texas at Austin is launching an exciting new phase as a stand‑alone department. We aim to amplify the impact of our students, faculty, and programs through thoughtful storytelling and compelling communications. We’re looking for a curious, proactive collaborator to help strengthen our public presence in this next chapter.
This job description may not contain all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. Even if you don't qualify or have specific experience in every facet of this role, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits
100% employer‑paid basic medical coverage
Retirement contributions
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid holidays
Other services and perks.
Responsibilities
Communications Strategy
Create, manage and execute effective communication strategies for multiple departmental programs, projects and initiatives to raise visibility of the department and to reach its desired audience.
Implement content calendars and campaign plans that support key departmental initiatives (e.g., showcases, exhibitions, recruitment periods) and adjust based on performance insights.
Maintain a steady pipeline of content ideas through active stakeholder engagement and editorial planning.
Draft and pitch story ideas, respond to media inquiries, and coordinate press materials in collaboration with college/university communications staff.
Content Development & Storytelling
Propose, research, write, edit, and publish original content highlighting Design students, faculty, programs, projects, exhibitions, and initiatives across web, email, and social platforms.
Create compelling written, visual, and multimedia posts and stories.
Web & Social Channel Management (Design‑owned channels)
Maintain and publish content for the Department of Design website (CMS‑based) and department social accounts, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with college and UT standards and brand.
Events: External Marketing + Internal Documentation
Develop and execute communications support for public‑facing events: create promotion plans, produce and schedule event announcements, and prepare day‑of and post‑event storytelling content.
Document departmental events by sourcing and coordinating photographers/videographers, developing shot lists, managing timelines and deliverables, and organizing assets for future reuse across channels (web/social/marketing materials).
Project Management & Editorial Operations
Manage multiple communications projects concurrently, set timelines, coordinate inputs and reviews, and deliver final materials on schedule.
May lead regular editorial meetings and guide development of story ideas and pitches in coordination with departmental stakeholders.
Analytics & Continuous Improvement
Monitor analytics for web and social content; translate results into recommendations to improve visibility, reach, and engagement across departmental channels.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of professional experience.
Demonstrated communications experience including developing and executing communication strategies, writing and editing for digital channels, and managing multiple projects with deadlines.
Demonstrated experience with building and maintaining content priorities and editorial calendar.
Experience sourcing and coordinating photographers/videographers, developing shot lists, managing timelines and deliverables, and organizing assets for future reuse across channels (web/social/marketing materials).
Required Competencies:
Initiative
Effective Communications
Teamwork
Service Excellence
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
Decision Making and Critical Thinking
Preferred Qualifications
More than five years’ experience of relevant professional experience.
Experience managing content on a large website and applying information architecture/content strategy principles.
Professional journalistic writing experience for digital channels and/or online marketing/communications experience.
Experience coordinating multimedia production (photo/video) and working with external creative vendors.
Salary Range
$52,000 - $56,000 depending on qualifications.
Working Conditions / Schedule
On Campus 5 days per week for the first at least first 45 days, eligible for minimum 3 days on campus per manager approval.
Prolonged screen time.
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
Use of manual dexterity.
Work Shift
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm with some night and weekend work to support seasonal department events.
Required Materials
Resume/CV.
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
Letter of interest.
Employment Eligibility Verification
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I‑9 form and present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment.
E-Verify
The University of Texas at Austin uses E‑Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E‑Verify is 854197.
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.
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Department of Design, College of Fine Arts, University of Texas at Austin.
Position Open To: All Applicants.
Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 hours per week. FLSA Status: Exempt.
Earliest Start Date: Jun 01, 2026.
Position Duration: Expected to Continue.
Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS.
Job Details
The Department of Design in the College of Fine Arts at The University of Texas at Austin is launching an exciting new phase as a stand‑alone department. We aim to amplify the impact of our students, faculty, and programs through thoughtful storytelling and compelling communications. We’re looking for a curious, proactive collaborator to help strengthen our public presence in this next chapter.
This job description may not contain all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. Even if you don't qualify or have specific experience in every facet of this role, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits
100% employer‑paid basic medical coverage
Retirement contributions
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid holidays
Other services and perks.
Responsibilities
Communications Strategy
Create, manage and execute effective communication strategies for multiple departmental programs, projects and initiatives to raise visibility of the department and to reach its desired audience.
Implement content calendars and campaign plans that support key departmental initiatives (e.g., showcases, exhibitions, recruitment periods) and adjust based on performance insights.
Maintain a steady pipeline of content ideas through active stakeholder engagement and editorial planning.
Draft and pitch story ideas, respond to media inquiries, and coordinate press materials in collaboration with college/university communications staff.
Content Development & Storytelling
Propose, research, write, edit, and publish original content highlighting Design students, faculty, programs, projects, exhibitions, and initiatives across web, email, and social platforms.
Create compelling written, visual, and multimedia posts and stories.
Web & Social Channel Management (Design‑owned channels)
Maintain and publish content for the Department of Design website (CMS‑based) and department social accounts, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with college and UT standards and brand.
Events: External Marketing + Internal Documentation
Develop and execute communications support for public‑facing events: create promotion plans, produce and schedule event announcements, and prepare day‑of and post‑event storytelling content.
Document departmental events by sourcing and coordinating photographers/videographers, developing shot lists, managing timelines and deliverables, and organizing assets for future reuse across channels (web/social/marketing materials).
Project Management & Editorial Operations
Manage multiple communications projects concurrently, set timelines, coordinate inputs and reviews, and deliver final materials on schedule.
May lead regular editorial meetings and guide development of story ideas and pitches in coordination with departmental stakeholders.
Analytics & Continuous Improvement
Monitor analytics for web and social content; translate results into recommendations to improve visibility, reach, and engagement across departmental channels.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of professional experience.
Demonstrated communications experience including developing and executing communication strategies, writing and editing for digital channels, and managing multiple projects with deadlines.
Demonstrated experience with building and maintaining content priorities and editorial calendar.
Experience sourcing and coordinating photographers/videographers, developing shot lists, managing timelines and deliverables, and organizing assets for future reuse across channels (web/social/marketing materials).
Required Competencies:
Initiative
Effective Communications
Teamwork
Service Excellence
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
Decision Making and Critical Thinking
Preferred Qualifications
More than five years’ experience of relevant professional experience.
Experience managing content on a large website and applying information architecture/content strategy principles.
Professional journalistic writing experience for digital channels and/or online marketing/communications experience.
Experience coordinating multimedia production (photo/video) and working with external creative vendors.
Salary Range
$52,000 - $56,000 depending on qualifications.
Working Conditions / Schedule
On Campus 5 days per week for the first at least first 45 days, eligible for minimum 3 days on campus per manager approval.
Prolonged screen time.
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
Use of manual dexterity.
Work Shift
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm with some night and weekend work to support seasonal department events.
Required Materials
Resume/CV.
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
Letter of interest.
Employment Eligibility Verification
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I‑9 form and present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment.
E-Verify
The University of Texas at Austin uses E‑Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E‑Verify is 854197.
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.
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