Director of Marketing and Communications

Job Posting Title:

Director of Marketing and Communications

Job Details:

General Notes

About The University of Texas at Austin

What starts here changes the world.

The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, ranks among the best universities in the world. With 76 programs ranked in the top 10, UT Austin is the #1 public university in Texas and the #7 public university in the nation.

Like the state it calls home, The University of Texas at Austin is a bold, ambitious leader supporting more than 55,000 students, 4,750 faculty, 15,000 staff and top national programs across 18 colleges and schools. Amid the backdrop of Austin, Texas, a city recognized for its creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the University provides a place to explore countless opportunities for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes, doctors, entrepreneurs and engineers.

Learn more about UT’s mission and values and leadership.

Why Join Texas Development?

The University of Texas at Austin is a thriving hub of learning and discovery that anchors our city and enables excellence and innovation on the highest level. And it’s only possible because generous supporters believe in the power and promise of our state’s flagship university to change the world. With more than $6 billion raised in the What Starts Here campaign, Texas Development is quickly becoming one of the best fundraising programs in public higher education.

Texas Development is a dynamic community of 500 fundraising professionals across the Forty Acres. We strive to reach the highest levels of achievement and success in all that we do by creating meaningful and powerful experiences for our donors.

Follow your passion, grow your career and help us change the world.

Benefits

The University provides a competitive benefits package that includes insurance and retirement benefits in addition to other programs and services.

Texas Development supports growth by offering professional development opportunities that help every team member accomplish their goals, enrich their skillset and deepen their engagement with UT.

Purpose of Position

The Director of Marketing and Communications is a key leadership role that helps tell the story of how philanthropy advances The University of Texas at Austin’s mission. This position supports the Executive Director of Development, Marketing and Communications in translating institutional priorities into compelling, high- performing marketing campaigns to generate leads and inspire, promote and acknowledge gifts to UT. The position has a strong focus on storytelling through numerous channels (print and digital magazines and reports, video, web, social, etc.) and is responsible for creating and managing the team’s editorial calendar. Successful candidates will have strong skills in collaborative leadership, strategic communications planning, and team management and mentoring. A passion for higher education and curiosity about how UT students, faculty, programs and research change the world is a must.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to implement marketing and communication strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
• Oversee Development campaigns from marketing strategy to results with minimal direction, including campaigns to build donor pipeline and automated journeys that nurture prospective donors to make a gift.
• Develop content strategy across multiple channels, including web; create and manage a comprehensive editorial calendar ensuring alignment with strategic goals, campaign timelines and time-sensitive story hooks.
• Develop, implement and regularly evaluate processes for effective donor story collection from UT collaborators, including administrators, faculty, staff and fundraisers across all colleges, schools, and units.
• Write compelling content and stories – from long-format profiles to punchy marketing copy – that adhere to AP Style and UT standards; edit content written by team members.
• Serve as managing editor for University Development publications, including Texas Leader magazine and the Grateful impact report.
• Work with video production crews to create inspiring impact stories used across multiple channels.
• Provide programming support for donor events, including the Texas Leadership Society Luncheon and others assigned.
• Lead and mentor team members and foster a culture of service, care and high performance.
• Work with University Marketing and Communications to coordinate gift announcements and media relations requests.
• Monitor trends and technologies that will place University Development at the forefront of marketing innovations.
• Manage budgets.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in a marketing and communications role with at least 3 years of experience in a managerial role.
• Proven track record creating and executing successful marketing and communications campaigns in a development, higher education or comparable industry, that generate leads and build pipelines.
• Ability to translate campaign strategy into executable project plans with defined scopes, owners, dependencies and deadlines.
• Experience writing for higher education or nonprofit communications focused on donors or alumni.
• Experience working with video production teams to identify and create inspiring impact stories.
• Experience managing a complex and comprehensive editorial calendar.
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g. Asana) and editorial planning tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with digital analytics and performance reporting: familiarity with CRM-driven communications and segmentation.
• Familiarity with the higher education landscape and the unique communication needs of a university environment.
• PR/media relations experience.
• Video production skills.

Salary Range

$90,000 depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• 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 in this job.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.
• This position is based in Austin, Texas.

How to Apply

Applications must include:

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