Communications Specialist, Department of Art and Art History

Communications Specialist, Department of Art and Art History

Department of Art and Art History, within the College of Fine Arts, is a dynamic academic community dedicated to creativity and innovation. The department brings together artists, scholars, and educators who engage in the exploration and advancement of the visual arts. It is organized into three academic divisions:
Art Education, Art History, and Studio Art, and also encompasses the Visual Arts Center.

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

The Communications Specialist role advances the Department`s visibility and reputation by developing and executing strategic, creative, and cohesive communication initiatives.

• Content Creation
  :
  Develop and maintain the Department of Art and Art History (AAH) and Visual Arts Center (VAC) editorial calendar; create content for social media platforms, editorial outlets (print and digital), and digital storytelling initiatives. Write feature‑length articles for Arts Next, produce photographic and video content for Instagram and the department website, photograph and video classroom activities and events, edit visual assets, and draft informational content for print collateral.
• Editorial Planning
  :
  Maintain the AAH and VAC editorial calendar; conceptualize year‑round communication initiatives for social media, internal and external editorial outlets, and digital storytelling using video, web, and interactive media. Collaborate with colleagues across the College and the broader university community to plan strategic calendars, develop news stories and pitches, and support department‑wide initiatives.
• Newsletter Management
  :
  Develop and distribute quarterly AAH email newsletters and weekly event newsletters for AAH and VAC. Solicit stories, write feature articles covering events and exhibitions, and design newsletters that highlight departmental impact.
• Department Outreach
  :
  Partner with the College of Fine Arts to promote achievements by pitching and distributing stories to internal University of Texas channels and external media outlets. Highlight faculty, student, alumni, and Visual Arts Center accomplishments.
• 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

$56,000, fixed salary

• 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
• Manual dexterity required

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

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. The university is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.