Assistant Director of Communications

University of Texas at Austin

6d • $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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. This places UT among the most significant intellectual hubs for computer science research and education anywhere in the world. 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. Purpose 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or public affairs.
• Demonstrated experience in editorial operations, communications planning, and/or complex content workflows.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities across digital formats.
• Strong project management skills, including running meetings, developing timelines, and managing deadlines.
• Experience building relationships with senior leaders, faculty, or experts and translating complex topics into compelling narratives.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic communication skills, including the ability to deliver editorial decisions tactfully.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and make editorial choices grounded in strategy, audience needs, and resources.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with media relations and working with reporters.
• Experience managing websites and working within a CMS.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in higher education, research communications, or large, decentralized organizations.
• Experience in science/technology communication, with demonstrated judgment about story potential in computing, AI, and related fields.
• Experience with Asana or similar project management tools.
• Knowledge of UX writing principles and digital content best practices.
• Experience managing editorial intake processes and communicating “yes/no/not now” decisions to technical or research stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• 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 content, newsletters, social messaging, event promotion, and media outreach. Proactively surface stories and build relationships across UT to gather information about AI research, partnerships, and initiatives. Manage and optimize the Texas AI website to ensure accuracy, usability, and brand consistency. Serve as liaison between Texas AI leadership, affiliated researchers, campus partners, and central MarCom teams.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees