Senior Communications Coordinator

University of Texas; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

On-site work at UT Austin

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Senior Communications Coordinator to lead development of strategic content and oversee marketing and communications that generate donor leads. You will guide print and digital fundraising collateral, donor stories, and event materials, while collaborating with University Marketing and Communications.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, you will mentor staff, manage editorial calendars, and ensure brand-consistent messaging

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing or related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, including leading projects or mentoring junior team members.
• Experience developing content strategy for multi-channel fundraising campaigns.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead, prioritize and manage multiple high-priority projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead story ideation and interview strategy for development communications.
• Oversee assignments to freelance writers and photographers from brief through delivery.
• Cultivate a university-wide network to source stories for key publications.
• Own the approval process and serve as primary contact for stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain editorial calendar aligning with strategic priorities.
• Partner with design to source photo assets for donor storytelling.
• Write content for impact reports to thank and steward donors.
• Lead writing/editing for Grateful and Texas Leader magazine.
• Manage marketing deliverables for key Development Events from concept to execution.
• Develop university-wide story collection and author original content for campaigns.
• Mentor colleagues to elevate storytelling quality and consistency.
• Write and post content for Development's digital properties ensuring consistent voice.
• Coordinate with University Communications to place stories on UT channels.
• Set editorial standards and ensure accuracy, clarity, and brand voice.
• Collaborate with Annual Giving to refine campaign materials.
• Ensure brand-consistent campaign messaging across touchpoints.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Storytelling

Content strategy

Leadership

Project management

Editing/AP Style

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism/communications/marketing or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Posting Title: Senior Communications Coordinator, Hiring Department: University Development Office, Position Open To: All Applicants, Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40, FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA, Earliest Start Date: Immediately, Position Duration: Expected to Continue, Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

About The University of Texas at Austin

What starts here changes the world. The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, ranks among the best universities in the world. With 76 programs ranked in the top 10, UT Austin is the #1 public university in Texas and the #7 public university in the nation. Like the state it calls home, The University of Texas at Austin is a bold, ambitious leader supporting more than 55,000 students, 4,750 faculty, 15,000 staff and top national programs across 18 colleges and schools. Amid the backdrop of Austin, Texas, a city recognized for its creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the University provides a place to explore countless opportunities for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes, doctors, entrepreneurs and engineers. Learn more about UT’s mission and values and leadership.

Why Join Texas Development?

The University of Texas at Austin is a thriving hub of learning and discovery that anchors our city and enables excellence and innovation on the highest level. And it’s only possible because generous supporters believe in the power and promise of our state’s flagship university to change the world. With more than $6 billion raised in the What Starts Here campaign, Texas Development is quickly becoming one of the best fundraising programs in public higher education. Texas Development is a dynamic community of 500+ fundraising professionals across the Forty Acres. We strive to reach the highest levels of achievement and success in all that we do by creating meaningful and powerful experiences for our donors. Follow your passion, grow your career and help us change the world.

Benefits

• The University provides a competitive benefits package that includes insurance and retirement benefits in addition to other programs and services.
• Texas Development supports growth by offering professional development opportunities that help every team member accomplish their goals, enrich their skillset and deepen their engagement with UT.

Purpose

Under the direction of the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Senior Communications Coordinator is a seasoned, highly skilled storyteller who will lead development of strategic content and oversee marketing and communications efforts that generate leads for teams within University Development. They will guide the creation of high-quality print and digital fundraising collateral including campaign materials, magazine and newsletter articles, donor stories, impact reports, video scripts and event materials – and serve as liaison between University Development and University Marketing and Communications. Bringing strategic judgment and editorial leadership to every project, they will drive storytelling that inspires, acknowledges and promotes philanthropy at The University of Texas at Austin.

Responsibilities

• Lead story ideation and interview strategy, directing and creating the development of content for all forms and channels of development communications.
• Lead and oversee assignments to freelance writers and photographers, from brief through final delivery.
• Cultivate a university-wide network of campus communicators to source stories for inclusion in key publications.
• Own the approval process, serving as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders.
• Work with Director to develop and maintain editorial calendar that aligns with strategic priorities.
• Partner with the design team to source and curate photo assets that elevate donor storytelling.
• Write content for impact reports that thank and steward donors, reinforcing the university’s culture of philanthropy.
• Serve as lead writer and editor for Grateful and the biannual Texas Leader magazine, including content development from concept through publication and direction of in-house submissions and editorial direction for both publications.
• Take full ownership of all marketing deliverables for key Development Events (e.g. Texas Leadership Society Luncheon), from concept through execution. This includes creation of all content such as speaker talking points, marketing materials, and save-the-date messages. Serve as liaison with the Events Team.
• Develop university-wide story collection and cataloging, and author original content to support key fundraising campaigns.
• Mentor and provide editorial guidance to colleagues, elevating the quality and consistency of the team's storytelling.
• Write and post content for Development's digital properties, including giving.utexas.edu, ensuring consistent voice and messaging.
• Serve as a liaison with University Communications to secure placement of Development stories across UT’s main channels.
• Serve as in-house editor and set the editorial standard: edit and proof development materials, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, clarity and brand voice.
• Partner with the Annual Giving team to edit and refine campaign materials.
• Ensure consistent, brand-compliant use of campaign messaging and UT branding across all touchpoints.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Salary

Salary $75,000+ depending on qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing or related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, writing/editing, marketing or general communications, including experience leading projects or mentoring junior team members.
• Experience developing content strategy for multi-channel fundraising campaigns.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the judgment to represent the university at an executive level.
• Proven ability to lead, prioritize and manage multiple high-priority projects that consistently meet deadlines and budget.
• Proven ability to write clear, concise, accurate and compelling donor-centric content.
• Highly detail-oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and AP Style.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience mentoring or providing informal leadership to junior communications staff.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit or philanthropic communications.
• Familiarity with donor databases and CRM systems.
• Experience with video-based storytelling.
• Experience with Asana project management tool.

Working Conditions

This position is based in Austin, Texas. Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship. Works in standard office conditions, in a shared office environment, with repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on-site work is the standard expectation for this position. May require additional hours during peak periods and special events. Regular and consistent attendance is required in this job.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Three writing samples
• Letter of Interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action.

The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and Title IX. If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail].

For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services.

Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment.

For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone].

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