Assistant Director of Public Relations

Job Posting Title:

Assistant Director of Public Relations

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Hiring Department:

Jack S Blanton Museum of Art

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2028

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin is known for its bold vision, from a dynamic reinstallation of the collection galleries in 2017, to the opening of Ellsworth Kelly’s monumental work of art, Austin, in 2018, and redesign of its grounds by Snøhetta in 2023, and the exhibitions and educational programs that define the museum’s role in the community.

There is even more to come for the Blanton and the thousands of school and university students and visitors we serve.  With a proven track record as a museum that is deeply relevant, and where education is embedded into everything we do, we have put The University of Texas at Austin, and the city of Austin, on the forefront of the visual arts.

Benefits eligible Blanton Museum of Art staff enjoy the same competitive benefits, programs and services available to the University of Texas at Austin employees.  Blanton staff also have access to complimentary admission to the museum, selected museum events, and a 20% discount at the Museum Store. 

The Blanton is home to a vast array of roles matching a wide range of interests and talents.  No matter the staff position at the Blanton, all contribute to the preservation of culture and history for the entire community.  We invite you to view and apply for this professional opportunity.

- Please note this is a three-year term position (subject to renewal based on funding and performance).

Purpose

The Assistant Director of Public Relations is responsible for developing and executing the museum’s public relations strategy to enhance visibility, strengthen reputation, and expand engagement with local, regional, and national audiences. This position oversees media relations, press outreach, partnerships, advertising, and internal communications while producing compelling written content—including press releases, media kits, copywriting, and editing—to ensure consistent and effective storytelling. The role works closely with senior leadership, curators, and marketing colleagues to amplify the Blanton’s exhibitions, programs, collections, and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement proactive PR strategies that promote the museum’s mission, exhibitions, programs, and initiatives.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with local, regional, national, and international media outlets, serving as the museum’s primary press contact.

• Oversee collaboration with the external PR firm to expand national and international visibility and earned media opportunities.

• Plan and coordinate press previews, media events, and opening receptions to secure impactful media coverage.

• Develop and manage advertising strategies, including negotiating and executing media buys across print, radio, digital, outdoor, and broadcast platforms.

• Monitor, track, and report on media coverage, PR performance, and advertising ROI to inform strategy and maximize reach.

• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media kits, fact sheets, and official statements, ensuring clear, compelling, and consistent storytelling.

• Write, edit, and proofread communications across channels, maintaining a unified brand voice and translating curatorial and program content into clear language.

• Prepare and coach leadership, curators, and staff for interviews through talking points, briefings, and media training.

• Lead and mentor direct reports to foster professionalism, accountability, and a high-performing, collaborative team culture.

• Build promotional and cross-marketing partnerships with cultural organizations, corporate sponsors, and tourism partners while representing the Blanton at museum events, networking events, and community forums.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, media relations, or communications; 3-5 years supervisory or leadership experience.

• Proven experience writing press releases, speeches, and public-facing communications.

• Strong media relationships and demonstrated ability to secure press coverage across multiple platforms.

• Demonstrated experience with advertising strategy and media buying.

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, arts administration, or related field.

• Experience in museums, cultural institutions, higher education, or nonprofit organizations.

• Knowledge of Austin and Texas media landscape.

• Familiarity with project, design, and digital content management tools (e.g., Asana, Adobe Creative Suite, Meltwater, etc.).

• Experience preparing leadership and curators for press interviews.

• Experience managing partnerships and sponsorship activations.

Salary Range

$78,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard Office Environment

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• Letter of interest

• Work Samples

• 3 work references with their contact information including email address; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. 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.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.