Head of Communications & Marketing, The Harry Ransom Center

Head of Communications & Marketing
Hiring Department: Harry Ransom Center

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

Start Date: August 1, 2026

Location: UT Main Campus

About the Harry Ransom Center
The Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. Its extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists, deepening our understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts. Visitors engage with the Center's collections through research and study, exhibitions, publications, and a rich variety of program offerings including readings, talks, symposia, and film screenings.

The Ransom Center encourages discovery, inspires creativity, and advances understanding of the humanities for a broad audience through the preservation and sharing of its extraordinary collections.

Purpose
Develop and manage a comprehensive communications and marketing program to increase media and public awareness and understanding of the Ransom Center's work and its value to local, state, national, and international audiences. Ensure consistency of the Ransom Center's brand.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement internal and external communications for the Ransom Center; coordinate and execute the Center's media strategy, promote news coverage of major announcements, cultivate media relations, and respond to media inquiries, aligning activities with the University's public affairs strategy.

Develop and implement all marketing strategies for the Ransom Center, in print and online, to support exhibitions, membership, and programs; demonstrate effectiveness against measurable goals; manage all advertising, including media planning and placement, and create copy for print, digital, and broadcast media; manage budget for marketing and advertising initiatives.

Oversee editorial coordination, design, production, and completion of the biannual Ransom Center Magazine, the annual report, and other collateral materials, ensuring consistent communication about the Ransom Center; collaborate closely with internal departments and external designers, printers, contributors, and vendors.

Maintain institutional branding, ensuring consistency in communications and design, and develop a strong, clear visual identity.

Collaborate with the webmaster and stakeholders to manage the Center's website, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of online content.

Establish goals and develop strategies to increase membership and philanthropic support, including membership recruitment and development of marketing collateral for the capital campaign, under guidance of the Director.

Serve on the Ransom Center's leadership team and provide regular updates to senior leadership on the effectiveness of communications and marketing initiatives.

Manage the Center's social media presence and monitor public image, with assistance from the Manager of Communications and Marketing.

Cultivate community partnerships and sponsorships that enhance the Center's role within the wider Austin community; oversee the Ransom Center's constituent database, including individual and organizational contacts.

Perform other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in marketing, business, or communications with a demonstrated commitment to the humanities.

Five years of experience in public affairs and promoting media coverage.

Five years of experience in a marketing or communications position, including developing marketing campaigns, managing a brand, using marketing and email platforms, working in traditional and digital advertising, web design, and video production; experience managing staff and budgets.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Fluency with digital and social media platforms.

Excellent organizational and project management skills.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in a library, museum, other cultural institution, or non‑profit.

Salary Range
$75,000 plus additional compensation depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

Standard office conditions with repetitive keyboard use.

Ability to move and lift up to 40 lbs.

Background Checks
A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and 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.

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