Director of Brand Strategy

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

1d•$140,000

About The Position

This position will lead the development, execution, and stewardship of SCL’s institutional brand identity. The Director of Brand Strategy will serve as the school’s chief storyteller, responsible for defining SCL’s voice, shaping messaging strategy, and ensuring cohesive editorial direction across all communications platforms and media channels. The role addresses a critical institutional need for consistent brand positioning, strategic messaging alignment, and narrative leadership across the school’s rapidly growing communications portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Strategic Communications, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in brand strategy, strategic communications, marketing, or institutional messaging, including demonstrated leadership responsibility.
Proven experience developing and implementing organizational brand strategy, messaging frameworks, and integrated communications initiatives.
Demonstrated experience advising senior or executive leadership on communications strategy, reputation management, and high-visibility messaging.
Experience supervising professional staff and leading cross-functional collaboration across complex organizations.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Responsibilities

Lead development and governance of SCL’s institutional brand strategy, voice, and messaging framework.
Serve as chief storyteller and senior advisor on institutional messaging, narrative development, and brand positioning.
Establish editorial direction and ensure consistent, high-level messaging across digital, media, executive, academic, and public-facing communications.
Translate strategic priorities from Executive Director into integrated communications narratives and campaigns.
Exercise independent judgment on high-visibility communications initiatives and reputational considerations.
Supervise and provide strategic leadership to the Communications team.
Oversee brand governance and develop and maintain standards for visual identity, editorial quality, and messaging alignment across the school.
Partner with the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications to operationalize schoolwide communications strategy and long-term positioning.
Collaborate with school leadership and faculty to identify priority initiatives and elevate institutional stories that advance SCL’s reputation and visibility.
Guide messaging strategy supporting major announcements, institutional initiatives, and public engagement efforts.
Collaborate with Executive Director of Marketing and Communication to contribute to long-term reputation management and strategic growth of the School of Civic Leadership’s internal and external presence.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)
Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)
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
Training and conference opportunities
Tuition assistance
Athletic ticket discounts
Access to UT Austin's libraries and museums
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Capital Metro buses with staff ID card