Communications Specialist, Department of Design

Hiring Department: Department of Design, College of Fine Arts at The University of Texas at Austin

Position open to all applicants. FLSA status: Exempt. Earliest start date: Immediately. Expected to continue. Location: UT Main Campus.

About the Role

The Department of Design 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.

Responsibilities

• Communications Strategy
  • Create, manage, and execute effective communication strategies for multiple and versatile departmental programs, projects, and initiatives to raise visibility of the department and 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
  • 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated communications experience including developing and executing communications strategies, writing and editing for digital channels, and managing multiple projects with deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience with building and maintaining content priorities and editorial calendars.
• 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).

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• More than five years 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.

Skills

• Initiative
• Effective Communications
• Teamwork
• Service Excellence
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking

Benefits

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

Pay

Salary range: $52,000 - $56,000 depending on qualifications.

Schedule

• On campus 5 days per week for at least the first 45 days; eligible for a minimum of 3 days on campus per manager approval thereafter.
• Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm with some night and weekend work to support seasonal department events.
• Prolonged screen time.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Use of manual dexterity.