Assistant Director of University Communications
San Antonio, TX 
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Job Description


Assistant Director of University Communications


Location: San Antonio, TX
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 11797
Full/Part Time: Full Time

Org Marketing Statement

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution specializing in cybersecurity, health, fundamental futures, and social-economic transformation. With more than 34,300 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service, and with an intentional focus on career readiness the university produces more graduates for the workforce than any other institution in the region. It is a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world. UTSA has been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more , on or on , , , or .

Posting End Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 5/7/2024. At the discretion of the hiring department, this position posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Salary Range: $65,000/Annualized, commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.

Hours: 40 hours per week, exempt.

Required Application Materials:
  • Resume is required.
  • Cover letter is preferred.





Essential Functions

Job Summary

Under minimal supervision, responsible for planning and implementing public and media relations strategies to maintain the university's positive brand awareness and reputation for excellence. Supports the development and execution of the department's proactive media relations strategy, including oversight of the department's daily media outreach activities and management of incoming press inquiries. Coaches and trains team members in media relations tactics.

Core Responsibilities
  1. Develops, manages, and contributes to a comprehensive integrated communications strategy focused on short-term and long-term strategies and tactics to meet media relations targets.
  2. Oversees the daily operations of the public affairs team by reviewing work and providing counsel on media outreach approaches. Assists in the onboarding of new Public Affairs Specialist team members by providing training on university protocols and systems and media relations best practices.
  3. Fosters a network of national, international, trade, and local reporters. Analyzes and evaluates various courses of responsiveness to media interest, exercising independent decisions on matters within the scope of responsibilities.
  4. Directs the development of compelling editorial and multimedia content, within prescribed deadlines, among the public affairs team.
  5. Proactively responds to incoming calls from the news media from initial inquiry to placement of the resulting story including preparing talking points for expert interviews, escorting media members on campus, and working to ensure the integration of university strategic messages into earned coverage.
  6. Provides counsel to UTSA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and executive leadership to promote the UTSA brand, institutional messaging, and media relations-related best practices.
  7. Completes writing assignments for institutional communications platforms including UTSA Today, Sombrilla magazine, and the Twitter channel; writes news releases, media advisories, and university statements, and supports activities and events such as news conferences.
  8. Reviews and edits faculty commentaries/op-eds prior to media distribution.
  9. Provides monthly data analysis and measurement on story placements and earned media mentions.
  10. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Business, or a related field is required.
  • Six (6) years of experience editing and writing in a corporate, university, or nonprofit public affairs office, newspaper, or advertising agency, including a minimum of one (1) year supervising staff and providing editorial direction.
  • Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of earned media, social media, and multimedia strategies, including measurement and evaluation.
  • A substantial portfolio of local, national, and trade journalists.
  • Extensive research, interview, writing, editing, and verbal skills that demonstrate an ability to comprehend and explain to a general audience complex issues of research findings, educational programs, and institutional policies.
  • Possesses and applies in-depth knowledge of public relations and media relations principles.
  • Proven proficiency in writing and editing, particularly within omnichannel media platforms, including news release/news story writing.
  • Ability to analyze, compare, and evaluate various courses of action required in decision-making.
  • Strong leadership and a high degree of independence while still functioning within a team-oriented environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills (credible, cooperative, and supportive); ability to build trust and cooperation with key stakeholders including members of the university's executive leadership and faculty and representatives of the news media.
  • The ability to successfully and independently plan and manage projects at the strategic and operational levels, within prescribed deadlines.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize deadlines, meetings, training sessions, or other business-related events.
  • Demonstrated ability to earn national media coverage.
  • Tact, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality when required.
  • Exceptional judgment and creativity.
  • A keen sense of excellent customer service.
  • An understanding of institutional branding and its importance.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.





Preferred Qualifications
  • Working knowledge of video editing, graphic design, and website maintenance software/tools.
  • Proficient in Spanish.





Additional Information
  • UTSA is a tobacco-free campus.
  • This is a security-sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
  • Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

Working Conditions


  • Office environment.
  • After-hours and weekend work is required on an occasional basis.

Physical Demands:
  • Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary, - routinely.
  • Walking and standing - occasionally.
  • Bending and stooping - occasionally.
  • Lifting and exerting up to 10 lbs. of force - occasionally.
  • Repetitive hand motion - routinely.
  • Typing/texting - routinely.
  • Phone - make and answer calls and messages - frequently.

This position will be primarily located on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. UTSA campuses are accessible to persons with disabilities.


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Job Summary
Company
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full or Part Time
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
6 years
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