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The University of Texas at Austin · 1 month ago

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$125K/yr - $125K/yr

10+ years exp

The University of Texas at Austin is a prestigious institution that ranks among the top universities globally. They are seeking a Chief Marketing & Communications Officer to provide strategic leadership for marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, overseeing a dynamic team and enhancing the school's engagement and visibility.

Corporate TrainingEducationHigher EducationUniversities

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Dean’s Office and internal collaborators to develop speeches, talking points, event scripts, reports, graphic design and presentations that advance institutional priorities

Demonstrated capacity to lead, mentor, and motivate a multidisciplinary team; foster collaboration; build a positive and productive culture; and support professional growth for staff at all levels. Lead a team of marketing and creative professionals in advancing the LBJ School’s strategic priorities while supporting the professional and career development of each team member

Partner with the dean to monitor and manage reputational challenges and complex issues with clarity, speed and alignment across internal and external stakeholders. Develop action plans and coordinated responses in alignment with the Provost’s Office and University Marketing and Communications

Plan and manage the School’s marketing and communications budget and assets, ensuring effective and compliant use of resources

Serve as a member of the University Marketing and Communications (UMAC) leadership team and partner closely with communications directors, senior marketing professionals and stakeholders across UT Austin

Strengthen communications within and across LBJ units and centers by elevating research, educational programs and outreach efforts; identifying and reaching target audiences; improving internal communications; solving communications challenges; and advancing goals related to fundraising, reputation management and community engagement

Oversee the creation of a long-term marketing and communications plan that aligns with the School’s strategic vision. Clearly communicate institutional priorities through well-defined messaging frameworks and yearly action plans, maintaining consistency across all campaigns, programs, and leadership changes. Develop and execute digital strategies to provide a seamless experience for audiences on the LBJ website, social media, email campaigns, and other platforms. Establish reporting and analytics systems to measure effectiveness and promote ongoing improvement

Ability to develop comprehensive, long-range marketing and communications strategies that align with institutional priorities, anticipate emerging trends, and position the School for national leadership in public affairs. Provide strategic counsel to the dean and senior leadership on public relations, issues management, media relations, strategic communications, marketing, and branding

Serve as the School’s chief communications officer on matters influencing public image and reputation, working closely with the dean on developing impactful messaging, speeches, talking points, and executive-level communications that align with institutional priorities and enhance the School’s public profile. Develop internal communications plans that strengthen faculty engagement, staff alignment and student belonging

Oversee both proactive and responsive media relations to establish the School and its faculty as leading policy experts throughout Texas and across the nation. Track state and national developments impacting the School and analyze peer programs to enhance LBJ’s prominence and impact. Build media relationships, handle all types of media interactions, and positioning faculty and leaders as authoritative voices in policy discussions

Demonstrated expertise in developing engaging content tailored to various platforms and audiences, including evergreen materials that support enrollment, research impact, alumni engagement, fundraising, and policy influence. Direct content strategy for major campaigns, particularly in enrollment management. Oversee the creation and production of print, digital, and social media content targeted to prospective and current students, faculty and staff, policymakers, media representatives, donors, and external partners. Design strategic, evergreen content adaptable for print, web, social channels, email, and events to ensure consistent and cohesive messaging across all platforms. Create modular content packages to support a variety of organizational priorities, such as research achievements, faculty expertise, student success, enrollment initiatives, and fundraising efforts

Develop and implement digital strategies to ensure a cohesive constituent experience across the LBJ website, social platforms, email campaigns and other channels. Build reporting and analytics infrastructure to evaluate performance and drive continuous improvement

Demonstrates expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing, content development, advertising, audience segmentation, and enrollment marketing, with a record of successful integrated campaigns. Collaborates on short- and long-term strategies for programs and initiatives, leading marketing efforts that strengthen recruitment and boost the School’s reputation. Sets clear goals, tracks results, and adapts strategies to meet changing needs. Guides a multidisciplinary team, promotes collaboration, and supports staff growth in line with strategic priorities

Support and promote dozens of School events each year, driving audience engagement, messaging, logistics and overall impact in collaboration with faculty, staff and the marketing and communications team

Qualification

Strategic communicationsMedia relationsDigital marketingContent strategyPublic relationsStakeholder communicationsBrand managementLeadership experienceOutstanding communication skillsProject managementTeam leadership

Required

Bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of experience in public relations, communications, marketing, business, political science, public affairs, and/or a relevant combination of education and experience

Proven ability to build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and staff at all levels who will represent the organization with a high degree of integrity, diplomacy and professionalism

Comprehensive understanding of digital ecosystems, including websites, social media, CRM, and email platforms, with the ability to drive coherent digital experiences across channels

Leadership experience and a proven track record of delivering successful marketing and communications initiatives and strategies

Experience envisioning, developing, and implementing successful and comprehensive strategic communications plans based on an organization's goals and priorities. Using analytics, reporting, and performance metrics to guide strategy, evaluate outcomes, and optimize campaigns and communications efforts

Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively, work well under pressure, deliver against timelines, and manage details of concurrent projects. Proven experience in media relations, stakeholder communications, and social media strategy

Outstanding written and oral communication skills, keen ability to organize, and prioritize projects, manage budgets, and oversee complex initiatives with attention to detail and accountability

Preferred

Master's degree or higher in communications, marketing, business or a related field

More than ten years of leadership experience in delivering successful high-profile marketing and communications initiatives and strategies in a higher education environment

Familiarity with audience groups including undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, faculty, staff and external partners/stakeholders