Assistant Director of Communications

Assistant Director of Communications

Department of Computer Science, UT Austin. 40 weekly scheduled hours (Exempt, FLSA). Earliest start date:
Jan 01, 2026. Position duration:
Expected to Continue.

Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS.

This position will support the university’s Department of Computer Science (UTCS), which boasts a top ten ranking from US News and more than 6,500 students across all programs. UTCS has a close relationship with Austin’s thriving tech culture and works at the forefront of fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.

The Assistant Director of Communications & Texas AI Communications Lead serves as a key strategic partner to the Director of Marketing and Communications. The role leads execution of the department’s editorial, digital, and media strategy; manages major storytelling and internal communications efforts; and directs all communications and marketing for Texas AI, a university‑wide initiative. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong project management skills—someone who can shape communications direction while also driving day‑to‑day execution.

Serve as a key strategic partner to the Director of Marketing and Communications. Lead execution of the department’s editorial, digital, and media strategy; manage major storytelling and internal communications efforts; and direct all communications and marketing for Texas AI, a university‑wide initiative.

• Provide department‑level communications leadership
  • Serve as a strategic advisor and right hand to the Director on messaging, positioning, and long‑range planning.
  • Lead department‑wide communications coordination to ensure cohesive, audience‑centered storytelling.
  • Build strong relationships with faculty and staff; maintain clear intake processes and communicate editorial decisions diplomatically.
  • Represent the communications office in cross‑unit meetings and act as a proxy for the Director when needed.
  • Supervise communications coordinators and writing staff, providing coaching on editorial judgment, workflow management, and message alignment.
  • Oversee internal and executive communications including memos, leadership messaging, and major departmental announcements.
  • Collaborate with College of Natural Sciences and central communications on shared initiatives and issues management.
• Lead editorial strategy and provide digital content oversight
  • Lead the department’s editorial strategy: run editorial meetings, manage the Asana editorial calendar, and maintain visibility into all active projects.
  • Evaluate story ideas for strategic fit, audience value, and resource implications; provide faculty with clear guidance on the most effective communication pathways.
  • Establish and manage workflows for editorial submissions, accolades, and research highlights.
  • Provide high‑level editorial oversight and approval for major stories, digital features, and research reporting.
  • Write and edit content including research features, profiles, impact stories, newsletters, and strategic web copy.
  • Oversee digital channel strategy and ensure consistency across websites, emails, and social content.
  • Manage website governance, content updates, and CMS operations; collaborate with technical partners on improvements, UX, and accessibility.
• Provide media relations direction and support and manage department reputation
  • Develop and execute a proactive media relations strategy aligned with departmental strengths.
  • Guide the communications coordinator’s media outreach, including pitching, releases, briefings, and faculty prep.
  • Serve as a departmental media contact and spokesperson when appropriate.
  • Maintain tools and systems for tracking media placements and reporting outcomes.
  • Monitor traditional and social media for trends, mentions, and potential risks; support issues management and crisis communications.
• Lead Texas AI communications and branding
  • Lead all communications and marketing for Texas AI, ensuring alignment with departmental and campus‑wide priorities.
  • Shape Texas AI’s narrative, messaging pillars, and storytelling priorities.
  • Develop and implement communications plans including website…