Communications Specialist

Job Posting Title:

Communications Specialist

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Hiring Department:

Clements Center for National Security

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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 Aug 06, 2027

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

Purpose

The Communications Specialist manages projects that support the Clements Center for National Security’s communications efforts across multiple platforms and audiences. Responsibilities include developing and implementing content strategies, creating compelling written and visual content, maintaining digital platforms, and ensuring consistent and effective messaging. This role supports the Center’s brand and outreach goals, working independently under the direction of the Assistant Director for Events, Communications and Development. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, creative thinker, and strategic planner with experience in digital communications.

General Notes

This position is a 24-month assignment in the Clements Center for National Security with the option to extend to a permanent role based on performance. Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Marketing and Email Communications

• Drafts and distributes weekly and monthly email announcements featuring upcoming events and programs.

• Drafts and distributes triannual newsletter and other annual correspondence to email list.

• Manages targeted email campaigns using Mailchimp, including list maintenance, design, testing, and analytics.

• Ensures all email communications align with brand standards and follow best practices.

Social Media and Website Management

• Plans and posts social media content to promote programs and events across Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube.

• Maintains and updates website content via the content management system (CMS), ensuring accuracy, consistency, and usability.

• Works with the Assistant Director to refine and modernize the website’s design and structure.

Graphic Design and Photography

• Designs promotional graphics, flyers, and digital materials that follow the Clements Center’s visual identity.

• Attends and photographs events; manages and edits an image library for ongoing use.

• Prepares print-ready materials using Adobe InDesign and other design tools.

Collaboration and Outreach

• Supports partner and affiliate programs by providing communications assistance for co-sponsored events.

• Stays informed about the Center’s broader programming to ensure consistent messaging and promotion across channels.

Operations and Administrative Support

• Provides general office support, including hospitality for guests, answering phones, ordering supplies, and maintaining records.

• Assists with logistical tasks related to communications and events, including signage and collateral preparation.

• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

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

• Five years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or a related field with demonstrated responsibility for social media, website content management, or marketing campaigns.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clear, concise, and compelling content for various platforms and audiences.

• Experience managing website content using a content management system (CMS).

• Proficiency in managing and scheduling content for major social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, YouTube).

• Familiarity with basic graphic design tools and principles.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and digital communication tools (e.g., Mailchimp or similar platforms).

• Basic experience with photography for events or promotional purposes.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a university, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization.

• Interest in or familiarity with national security, international relations, or public policy topics.

• Skills in video editing, graphic animation, or multimedia storytelling.

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Experience using analytics tools such as Meltwater or native platform insights (e.g., Instagram Insights, X/Twitter Analytics) to inform content strategy.

• Experience designing marketing materials or publications that align with a visual brand/style guide.

• Experience supporting high-profile public events or speaker series.

• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional projects or campaigns involving multiple stakeholders.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to represent the organization professionally to a wide range of audiences.

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Salary Range

$55,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• This position is based in Austin, TX on the UT Main Campus. This position is not eligible for remote work.

• May work around standard office conditions.

• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

• Some nights and weekends required for special events.

• Domestic and international travel may be required for up to 4 weeks per year. 

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 2-3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

• Letter of interest

• Finalists will be asked to submit writing samples to include examples of original marketing materials (flyers, one pagers) from past events they have supported, past email newsletters they have written, and social media posts they have created.

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.