Senior Communications Coordinator

About the Role

Under the direction of the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Senior Communications Coordinator is a seasoned, highly skilled storyteller who will lead development of strategic content and oversee marketing and communications efforts that generate leads for teams within University Development. They will guide the creation of high-quality print and digital fundraising collateral, serve as liaison between University Development and University Marketing and Communications, and drive storytelling that inspires, acknowledges, and promotes philanthropy at The University of Texas at Austin.

Responsibilities

• Lead story ideation and interview strategy, directing and creating content for all forms and channels of development communications.
• Lead and oversee assignments to freelance writers and photographers, from brief through final delivery.
• Cultivate a university-wide network of campus communicators to source stories for key publications.
• Own the approval process, serving as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders.
• Work with the Director to develop and maintain an editorial calendar that aligns with strategic priorities.
• Partner with the design team to source and curate photo assets that elevate donor storytelling.
• Write content for impact reports that thank and steward donors, reinforcing the university’s culture of philanthropy.
• Serve as lead writer and editor for Grateful and the biannual Texas Leader magazine, including content development from concept through publication.
• Take full ownership of all marketing deliverables for key Development Events, from concept through execution.
• Develop university-wide story collection and cataloging, and author original content to support key fundraising campaigns.
• Mentor and provide editorial guidance to colleagues, elevating the quality and consistency of the team's storytelling.
• Write and post content for Development's digital properties, ensuring consistent voice and messaging.
• Serve as a liaison with University Communications to secure placement of Development stories across UT’s main channels.
• Serve as in-house editor, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, clarity, and brand voice.
• Partner with the Annual Giving team to edit and refine campaign materials.
• Ensure consistent, brand-compliant use of campaign messaging and UT branding across all touchpoints.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, writing/editing, marketing, or general communications, including experience leading projects or mentoring junior team members.
• Experience developing content strategy for multi-channel fundraising campaigns.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the judgment to represent the university at an executive level.
• Proven ability to lead, prioritize, and manage multiple high-priority projects that consistently meet deadlines and budget.
• Proven ability to write clear, concise, accurate, and compelling donor-centric content.
• Highly detail-oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and AP Style.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience mentoring or providing informal leadership to junior communications staff.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or philanthropic communications.
• Familiarity with donor databases and CRM systems.
• Experience with video-based storytelling.
• Experience with Asana project management tool.

Working Conditions

• This position is based in Austin, Texas.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.
• Works in standard office conditions, in a shared office environment, with repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on-site work is the standard expectation for this position.
• May require additional hours during peak periods and special events.
• Regular and consistent attendance is required.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Three writing samples
• Letter of Interest

Salary: $75,000+ depending on qualifications