Job Description:

Posting Number:

S05857P

Position Title:

Strategic Communication Specialist

UTSystem Title:

Strategic Communication Specialist

Department:

President

Location:

Arlington

Job Family:

Communications/Public Affairs

Position Status:

Full-time

Work Hours:

Standard

Work Schedule:

Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Occasional nights and weekends.

Open to:

External and Internal

Salary:

Salary is commensurate based on qualifications and relevant experience.

Duration:

Funding expected to continue

Pay Basis:

Monthly

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Benefits at UTA:

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.


https://www.uta.edu/hr/employee-benefits



To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link:


https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php

University Information:

The University of Texas at Arlington is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. UTA is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. The University is committed to providing access and ensuring student success, and to a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization of discoveries by our community of scholars. With an enrollment of more than 40,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 "Very High Research Activity" institution. UTA ranks No. 4 nationally in Military Times' annual "Best for Vets: Colleges" list and is among the top 30 performers nationwide for promoting social mobility of its graduates (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). UTA is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and it has one of the top 5 most ethnically diverse undergraduate student bodies in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). Its approximately 270,000 alumni, including some who occupy leadership positions at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas, contribute to UTA's $22.2 billion annual economic impact on Texas.


Furthermore, UTA is poised to experience widespread growth in the near future. The university recently launched the first phase of its RISE 100 initiative aimed at recruiting 100 new tenure-system faculty to amplify research standing and position UTA as a leader in key scholarly areas; more details are available at
https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100. The successful candidate for this position will have the opportunity to join UTA during an exciting period of growth and contribute as the university broadens its impact.

Job Summary:

The Strategic Communications Specialist will work closely with and under the supervision of the Executive Director of Strategic Communications to support the Office of the President's communications and engagement efforts, crafting persuasive and articulate messages that align with the UTA 2030 strategic plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Craft persuasive and articulate speeches and/or talking points for internal and external events, ensuring clarity and alignment with the University's strategic objectives.


• Develop and write internal campus messages, while also maintaining and updating an editorial calendar to ensure timely messaging. Examples include messages for the beginning and end of semesters, for holidays, for commencement, and more.


• Draft scripts for video messages, op-eds, correspondence, legislative remarks, and quotes and statements, as needed.


• Develop PowerPoint presentations and other materials for public engagement and events.


• Coordinate the Office of the President's digital content. Maintain biographies for the president and ensure that the president's website and web assets-including videos, messages, and speeches-are updated.


• Assist in managing the President's social media channels, creating engaging content that reflects the president's voice and the University's priorities.


• Collaborate with the University's social media team in the Office of Marketing, Messaging, and Engagement.


• Provide strategic support by collaborating with key teams across the University-including Development and Alumni Relations, Government Relations, colleges, and others- to understand key messages and objectives and incorporate relevant data, information, and talking points into communications that will resonate with multiple audiences and stakeholders.


• Conduct extensive research on events and engagements the president will attend and develop appropriate briefing materials.


• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, public relations, or related fields along with at least eight (8) years of professional experience in public relations, internal communications, executive/corporate communications, journalism, or editorial publications or (12) years of an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional experience creating engaging visual content.


• Proven experience in strategic communications in higher education or a similar environment.


• Positive, collegial, and collaborative work style.


• Professional experience in computer skills and ability to utilize a variety of programs, including Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, etc.), social media platforms (X and LinkedIn), and other presentation tools.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Effective strategy, planning and delivery skills for remarks, presentations, and campus messages.


• Ability to help develop and implement messaging strategies.


• Ability to analyze and interpret issues and prepare leaders to respond, while upholding the reputation of the institution.


• Ability to communicate and interact with University leadership and key stakeholders.


• Proficiency in social media platforms and content management systems.


• Demonstrated aptitude for understanding complex issues, and the ability to translate and simplify them for key audiences.


• Ability and willingness to meet leadership expectations for written style and content, and to accept and respond to revisions and advice rapidly and effectively.


• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.


• Ability to take initiative and work independently.


• Ability to work in collaborative and cross-functional teams.


• Work discreetly and with confidentiality on sensitive or delicate assignments.


• Exercise sound editorial judgement.


• Exceptional organizational skills and proven ability to keep track of and meet numerous deadlines.


• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner and effectively re-prioritize responsibilities.


• Excellent writing skills.

Other Requirements :

CBC Requirement:

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.

EEO Statement:

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University's compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations:

The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email
ADADocs@uta.edu.

Number of Vacancies:

1

Minimum Number of References Required:

3

Maximum Number of References Accepted:

3

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants must include in their online resume the following information: 1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and 2) Education: school name, degree type, and major.

Apply Now