📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director for Marketing and Communications
🔹 Company: University of Texas at Austin
🔹 Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (5-10 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing marketing and outreach strategies for University Unions
- Supervising and reviewing the work of the graphic design team
- Serving as the primary media contact and representative for University Unions
- Managing the marketing and communications budget
- Prioritizing work and resources based on short and long-term needs
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and excellent communication abilities. The ideal candidate will have experience in higher education and be comfortable working in a dynamic environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement the marketing and outreach strategy for University Unions, interacting with staff to establish, execute, and evaluate campaigns and initiatives promoting activities and services
✅ Supervise, review, and approve the work of the graphic design team in the production of web, print, and digital collateral, ensuring output accurately addresses messaging goals and the needs of the organization
✅ Serve as the primary media contact for University Unions and as the primary University Unions representative for university and Student Affairs communications teams, maintaining departmental compliance with Student Affairs and UT communications processes, policies, and timelines
✅ Prioritize spending and keep costs in line with budget
✅ Prioritize work and resources based on short and long-term needs, establishing production schedule by collaborating with designers, senior leadership, and other stakeholders
✅ Provide marketing/communications support at special events outside normal working hours
✅ Train and develop student employees for successful engagement outcomes
✅ Other related functions as assigned
ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive and may change based on the needs of the organization. The ideal candidate will be adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field
Experience: Three years or more of experience in marketing or communications
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to develop and implement marketing strategies
- Excellent project management skills
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills
- Excellent communication and writing skills for various platforms
- Proven experience with media relations or as a member of media
- Familiarity with higher education environment
Preferred Skills:
- Master’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field
- Five years or more of relevant experience
- Supervisory experience
- Public speaking experience
ASSUMPTION: While a Master’s degree and five years of experience are preferred, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience will also be considered. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)
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
- 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
- Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Occasional work on nights, evenings, and weekends as specific business needs require.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in higher education. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: Large (20,000+ employees)
Founded: 1883
Company Description:
- The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university and the flagship institution of the University of Texas System
- It is one of the largest universities in the United States, with over 50,000 students and 24,000 faculty and staff members
- The university offers more than 170 undergraduate and 200 graduate degree programs
- It is known for its research output and contributions to various fields, including engineering, computer science, and business
Company Specialties:
- Research
- Education
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business
- Arts and Humanities
Company Website: https://www.utexas.edu/
ASSUMPTION: The University of Texas at Austin is a large, research-intensive university with a strong focus on academic excellence and innovation. It offers a wide range of degree programs and research opportunities, making it an attractive employer for individuals seeking a challenging and dynamic work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (5-10 years)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Executive Director of University Unions
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with occasional work on nights, evenings, and weekends as needed
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to Executive Director or similar leadership roles within University Unions or other departments
- Opportunities to expand skills and expertise through professional development and training programs
- Possibility to transition to a management role within the University's central administration or other departments
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the University of Texas at Austin. The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking out professional development opportunities and taking on new challenges to advance their career.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-campus office
Office Location(s): UT MAIN CAMPUS
Geographic Context:
- The University of Texas at Austin is located in Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its live music scene, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities
- Austin is the state capital and the fourth-most populous city in Texas
- The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, from historic districts to modern urban areas
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional work on nights, evenings, and weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: The University of Texas at Austin offers a dynamic and engaging work environment, with a diverse student body and a strong focus on academic excellence. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment and be able to balance the demands of the role with their personal life.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screening
- On-campus interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Executive Director of University Unions
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication and presentation skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Leadership and supervisory skills
- Knowledge of higher education environment
- Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your marketing and communications work, including strategies you've developed and implemented
- Be ready to discuss your experience with media relations and your ability to work with a graphic design team
- Research the University of Texas at Austin and University Unions to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, communications plan, graphic design supervision, media relations, higher education, University Unions, strategic communications, event coordination, student engagement, leadership development, social media management, strategic planning, outreach strategy
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the position through a thorough interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with a variety of marketing and communications tools and be comfortable learning new technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching, research, and public engagement
- Integrity and ethical behavior
- Respect for individuals and diverse perspectives
- Responsibility for the well-being of the university community
- Innovation and continuous improvement
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Data-driven and analytical
- Creative and strategic
- Committed to the university's mission and values
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated your commitment to the university's values in your previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment, and how did you handle it?
- How do you approach working with a diverse team, and how have you fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles?
ASSUMPTION: The University of Texas at Austin values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. The ideal candidate will be able to work effectively with a diverse team and contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The University of Texas at Austin is a large and complex organization, which can present challenges in navigating internal processes and politics
- The role may require working with multiple stakeholders, each with their own priorities and expectations
- The University Unions department may have limited resources, requiring the candidate to prioritize and manage their time effectively
- The role may require occasional work on nights, evenings, and weekends, which can impact work-life balance
- The University of Texas at Austin is a high-profile institution, and the candidate may face scrutiny from external parties, such as the media or the public
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to navigate complex organizations, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Marketing and Communications Manager or Director in a higher education setting, but with a focus on university unions and student engagement
- Unlike similar roles in other industries, this position requires a deep understanding of the higher education environment and the unique needs of university students
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to Executive Director or similar leadership roles within University Unions or other departments, or transition to a management role within the University's central administration
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in higher education marketing and communications and be familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this environment.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy for a major university event, such as a commencement ceremony or a campus-wide open house
- Creating and executing a targeted social media campaign to increase student engagement with university unions and their services
- Designing and distributing a quarterly newsletter to keep university faculty, staff, and students informed about university unions' programs, events, and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with a wide range of marketing and communications projects and be able to tailor their approach to the unique needs of the University of Texas at Austin and its students.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the University Unions' strategic plan for the next three to five years, and how does this role fit into that plan?
- How does the University of Texas at Austin support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the biggest challenges facing University Unions in the next year, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the University of Texas at Austin measure the success of its marketing and communications efforts, and how can this role contribute to those metrics?
- What is the University of Texas at Austin's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those initiatives?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive in asking insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and their commitment to the University of Texas at Austin's mission and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
