Assistant Director of Communications

Provide department-level communications leadershipServe as a strategic advisor and right hand to the Director on messaging, positioning, and long-range planning.Lead department-wide communications coordination to ensure cohesive, audience-centered storytelling.Build strong relationships with faculty and staff; maintain clear intake processes and communicate editorial decisions diplomatically.Represent the communications office in cross-unit meetings and act as a proxy for the Director when needed.Supervise communications coordinators and writing staff, providing coaching on editorial judgment, workflow management, and message alignment.Oversee internal and executive communications including memos, leadership messaging, and major departmental announcements.Collaborate with College of Natural Sciences and central communications on shared initiatives and issues management.Lead editorial strategy and provide digital content oversightLead the departments editorial strategy: run editorial meetings, manage the Asana editorial calendar, and maintain visibility into all active projects.Evaluate story ideas for strategic fit, audience value, and resource implications; provide faculty with clear guidance on the most effective communication pathways.Establish and manage workflows for editorial submissions, accolades, and research highlights.Provide high-level editorial oversight and approval for major stories, digital features, and research reporting.Write and edit content including research features, profiles, impact stories, newsletters, and strategic web copy.Oversee digital channel strategy and ensure consistency across websites, emails, and social content.Manage website governance, content updates, and CMS operations; collaborate with technical partners on improvements, UX, and accessibility.Provide media relations direction and support and manage department reputationDevelop and execute a proactive media relations strategy aligned with departmental strengths.Guide the communications coordinators media outreach, including pitching, releases, briefings, and faculty prep.Serve as a departmental media contact and spokesperson when appropriate.Maintain tools and systems for tracking media placements and reporting outcomes.Monitor traditional and social media for trends, mentions, and potential risks; support issues management and crisis communications.Lead Texas AI communications and brandingLead all communications and marketing for Texas AI, ensuring alignment with departmental and campus-wide priorities.Shape Texas AIs narrative, messaging pillars, and storytelling priorities.Develop and implement communications plans including website content, newsletters, social messaging, event promotion, and media outreach.Proactively surface stories and build relationships across UT to gather information about AI research, partnerships, and initiatives.Manage and optimize the Texas AI website to ensure accuracy, usability, and brand consistency.Serve as liaison between Texas AI leadership, affiliated researchers, campus partners, and central MarCom teams.