Communications Specialist, Department of Art and Art History

Job Posting Title

Communications Specialist, Department of Art and Art History

Department of Art and Art History

All Applicants

40

Exempt

Immediately

Expected to Continue

UT MAIN CAMPUS

$56,000, fixed salary

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

The purpose of the Communications Specialist role in the Department of Art and Art History is to advance its visibility and reputation by developing and executing strategic, creative, and cohesive communication initiatives.

• Content Creation

  Responsible for developing and maintaining the Department of Art and Art History (AAH) and Visual Arts Center (VAC) editorial calendar, developing content and strategies for social media platforms, editorial outlets (print and digital), and digital storytelling initiatives. Duties include writing feature-length articles for Arts Next, the College of Fine Arts' annual magazine, and producing photographic and video content for use on Instagram and the department website.
  
  The Communications Specialist will photograph and video classroom activities, events, and exhibition openings, edit visual assets for departmental print materials, and ensure that high-quality images are available for online outlets, print publications, and press requests. Additional responsibilities include drafting informational content for departmental print collateral and supporting the communication of key messages and program highlights across multiple channels.

• Editorial Planning

  The Communications Specialist will maintain the AAH and VAC editorial calendar and conceptualize year-round communication initiatives for social media platforms, internal to UT and external editorial outlets (print and digital), and digital storytelling using video, web, and interactive media. This role requires proactive collaboration and relationship building with colleagues across the College of Fine Arts and the broader university community to plan strategic editorial calendars, develop news stories and pitches, and support department-wide communication initiatives.
  
  The specialist will ensure a cohesive, forward-thinking content strategy that aligns with departmental goals and enhances overall visibility.

• Newsletter Management

  The Communications Specialist is responsible for the development and distribution of quarterly AAH email newsletters and weekly events newsletters for the AAH and VAC. Duties include soliciting newsletter stories from AAH staff and faculty, writing feature articles covering AAH and VAC events, classes, and exhibitions, and designing newsletters that highlight the Department's impact while ensuring equitable coverage of all departmental programs.

• Department Outreach

  The Communications Specialist will partner with the College of Fine Arts to promote departmental achievements by proactively pitching and distributing stories to both internal University of Texas channels and external media outlets (owned and earned media). Responsibilities include highlighting the accomplishments of faculty, students, alumni, and the Visual Arts Center to enhance the department's visibility and reputation.

• Other related functions as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree and 2 years' experience working in a communications role
• Experience producing and editing photographic and video content for digital and social platforms; familiarity with visual storytelling and brand-aligned content development.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple projects on deadline.
• Demonstrated ability to write, edit, and proofread clear, engaging, and accurate content for a range of audiences and platforms (print, web, and social media).
• Competencies:
  • Accuracy and Attention to Detail
  • Initiative, Decision Making and Critical thinking
  • Effective Communication
  • Interpersonal Relationships
  • Service Excellence
  • Problem-solving

• Master's Degree
• Proficiency with Adobe Pro, Microsoft Suite
• Knowledge of Content Management Systems including:
  • Sprout Social
  • Meltwater PR
  • Campaign Monitor
  • Drupal Kit
• Prior administrative work experience at the University of Texas at Austin

• This position may be eligible for hybrid work location flexibility upon successful completion of the probationary period, in accordance with departmental needs and university policies
• Prolonged screen time
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity

• Resume/CV
• Letter of interest
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Writing sample, between 250-500 pages.
• Video sample of previous work of your choosing.

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are…