Communications Specialist

Role Overview

• Create, manage and execute effective communication strategies for multiple and versatile departmental programs, projects and initiatives to raise visibility of department and to reach its desired audience.
• Implement content calendars and campaign plans that support key departmental initiative (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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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 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).

Benefits

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