Communications Coordinator, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, UT

12d•Onsite

About The Position

As the new space age emerges, the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at The University of Texas at Austin has the exciting opportunity to establish ourselves as the nucleus for technology development for new space and as the hub for the next generation of computational methods and data analytics for aerospace. This role has a high impact on our ability to promote our cutting-edge research and efforts in areas such as space engineering/science, aviation, robotics, computation, mechanics and more. At UT Aerospace, where our academic programs rank among the top 10 in the nation, the sky is not the limit! UT Austin provides outstanding employee benefits and total rewards packages that include: Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%) Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b) Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities Tuition assistance Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or equivalent experience and at least seven years of experience.
Proven experience with digital communication strategies and social media (preferably LinkedIn and Instagram).
Demonstrated experience writing press releases and or news and feature articles.
Ability to make complex subject matter accessible and compelling to a range of audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge about the topics presented.
Strong project management skills.
Experience with publishing content to web-based content management systems.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in a dynamic environment.
Demonstrated professionalism.
Strong attention to detail.
Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Seven or more years of experience in communications or marketing.
Experience in strategic planning.
Experience with media relations.
Photography skills and experience.
Experience with graphic design tools for print and online communications, including Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

Develop and coordinate a strategic communications plan – Anticipate and plan for strategic communications needs for the department – in concert with department leadership, including (but not limited to): the promotion of large-scale initiatives, events, awards, or special projects, and the regular assessment of communication tools or channels to keep PR efforts aligned with current relevant trends. Collaborate with leadership, faculty and staff to develop and maintain an overarching strategic communications plan and implement lower-level communications plans for specific activities as needed. Identify new opportunities to increase awareness of ASE. Establish relationships and liaise with other university units, departments and colleges for the purposes of coordinating communications and PR efforts and reporting information for broader audiences when appropriate. Represent ASE on college communications team.
Content creation – Create high-quality graphic design and written materials and digital content to enhance the department’s reputation and national standing, with a focus on priority areas including (but not limited to) ground-breaking research; graduate student and faculty recruiting; the student experience; alumni and corporate relations; and fundraising. Create and oversee production of key communication pieces such as magazine, newsletters, press releases, news and feature articles, short videos, marketing email campaigns, messaging for ASE leadership, etc.
Social media and website management – Oversee maintenance of the department’s social media channels, digital screens and website, promote department achievements and activities, actively seek out and identify new opportunities and ways to enhance the department’s visibility and ensure content is delivered in accordance with university branding guidelines. In managing social media, monitor comments and conversations, actively engage with audiences, track trends, and seek opportunities to improve and expand the department’s presence. Utilize analytics reports to provide strategic direction and elevate communications efforts. Supervise social media student associate.
Project management – Coordinate and oversee communications projects, such as any re-branding initiatives, build-out of new communications tools, developing new marketing materials, the selection, design and branding of promotional items, vendor coordination, etc.
Brand Management and Media relations – Act as the department’s media contact and assist media relations efforts driven by the College and University communications teams. Help produce press releases and pitch strategies to place stories within university channels and in targeted media outlets to increase coverage. Field questions from reporters and set up media interviews for faculty and researchers as needed. Develop strategies to strengthen ASE brand and identity and serve as band manager regarding University rules and regulations for trademark policies.
Event support – As a member of the department’s external relations team, promote, execute and enhance events, outreach and development efforts. Act as the designated photographer for events and PR efforts as required, provide day-of event support including assisting the event coordinator with set-up and break-down tasks and work with and direct volunteers as needed. Coordinate with department leadership and the alumni and industry engagement coordinator regarding alumni relations projects.
Other related functions as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
Tuition assistance
Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card