Associate Director of Outreach & Engagement

University of Texas at Austin

1d•$75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director for Outreach & Engagement supports the strategic execution of communication initiatives for ceremonial, reputational, presidential, and development events. This role is responsible for copywriting and editing all event and experience-related materials, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency across digital, print, and social media platforms. The Associate Director applies knowledge of event communication strategy, fundraising communications, and executive-level messaging to elevate the university’s profile and advance institutional objectives. Working collaboratively with the Director of Outreach & Engagement, design team and other stakeholders, this position contributes to a cohesive outreach and engagement plan that maintains a polished institutional brand and supports fundraising goals. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional copywriting and editing skills, a strong understanding of event and fundraising communication strategies, and the ability to craft executive-level content that enhances the university’s reputation. Attention to detail, the ability to meet multiple deadlines, and experience working in a high-profile academic environment are essential.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
At least four years of progressively responsible experience in communications, event marketing, or related roles, including substantial experience supporting large-scale, multi-stakeholder events and managing both print and digital content.
Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and manage communications plans, including content creation, editorial oversight, and brand alignment.
Proven track record overseeing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, including editorial calendars, event communications, and stakeholder coordination.
Strong knowledge of digital analytics, CRM-based communications, and audience segmentation to support targeted event outreach and reporting.
Understanding of digital marketing skills, including segmentation of contact lists and use of analytics tolls within email marketing platforms for strategic event communications.
Ability to plan, execute, and evaluate end-to-end event communications across multiple platforms and engage a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Exceptional attention to detail and editorial accuracy, particularly in high-visibility communications and executive-level messaging.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines with minimal supervision.
Outstanding writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.
Experience collaborating with senior leadership, faculty, high-profile speakers, students, and external partners in a university or comparable environment.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Six or more years of relevant professional experience in a university or similarly complex institutional setting, with increasing responsibility in communications and event management.
One or more years of supervisory or managerial experience, including leading communications or events teams.
Significant experience supporting executive leadership, high-profile stakeholders, and ceremonial events, including the development of executive-level messaging and materials.
Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Smartsheet, Adobe Workfront) and editorial planning systems to coordinate event communications and deliverables.
Experience collaborating with video production teams to create compelling event and impact stories for digital and on-site use.
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in managing shifting priorities, urgent deadlines, and the communications needs of multiple university stakeholders.
Hands-on experience with enterprise email marketing systems (e.g., Eloqua, Emma) and CRMs (e.g., Salesforce, VIP) for audience engagement and reporting.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to represent the university at a high level to students, faculty, senior leaders, and external partners.
Demonstrated ability to translate event strategies into comprehensive outreach plans, including defining clear scopes of work, assigning responsibilities, and setting deadlines.
Proven experience developing and overseeing editorial calendars and managing multiple projects simultaneously under time constraints.
Experience in managing organizational social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn), including campaign planning, content development, and performance analysis.
Capable of independently managing multiple complex projects and deadlines, demonstrating strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

Draft, edit, and maintain comprehensive outreach plans and content for all UEE-owned events, including copywriting for brand/graphic identities, communication strategies, on-site materials, and digital/web assets, in alignment with university standards.
Support the development, production, and execution of print and digital content for presidential and development events, including invitations, landing pages, digital assets, and on-site materials, with a strong focus on editorial quality and fundraising communications strategy.
Ensure all public-facing communications, including event promotions, website, social media, and outreach materials, adhere to university brand standards and reflect executive-level messaging.
Play a key role in the planning and execution of strategic communications for ceremonial events (such as commencements, inaugurations, and milestone celebrations for ceremonial events (such as commencements, inaugurations, and milestone celebrations), coordinating messaging, press-facing materials, and planning in collaboration with multiple university stakeholders, colleges, schools and units, and external relations.
Serve as primary copy editor with graphic designers to ensure all visual assets, print, digital, and on-site, are aligned with approved copy with timely feedback throughout the design process.
Collaborate with communications staff in other colleges, schools, and units to coordinate messaging and ensure the consistency of ceremonial and event communications across the university, sharing best practices and offering consultation as needed.
Develop, review, and update web copy for the campus calendar, working closely with web managers to ensure content is current, engaging, and accessible to diverse audiences.
Contribute to the creations and execution of the annual communications plan by identifying key outreach opportunities, proposing innovative engagement strategies, and providing regular progress updates to the Director and senior leadership.
Additional duties as assigned