Communications Specialist, Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering

Job Posting Title:

Communications Specialist, Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering

----

Hiring Department:

Cockrell School of Engineering

----

Position Open To:

All Applicants

----

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

----

FLSA Status:

Exempt

----

Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

----

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

----

Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

----

Job Details:

General Notes

As a top-10 engineering school with the No. 1 program in Texas, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation’s most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care. Situated in the heart of Austin — named “America’s Coolest City” by Expedia and “The Best Place to Live in the U.S.” by U.S. News and World Report — the Cockrell School embodies the city’s innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders. 

The Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering (PGE) seeks a Communications Specialist to lead and execute strategic communications that advance the department’s mission in education, research, and service. This role plays a central part in shaping how PGE’s research, academic programs, people, and impact are communicated to internal and external audiences. The Communications Specialist works closely with department leadership, faculty, and staff to develop compelling, high-quality communications that enhance the department’s # 1 international ranking.

Purpose

The Communications Specialist supports the mission of the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering (PGE) by translating complex technical work into clear, engaging stories and materials that resonate with various audiences including prospective students, alumni, industry partners, donors, and peer institutions. As energy systems evolve to address global challenges related to sustainability, security, and affordability, PGE is positioned at the forefront of innovation in subsurface engineering. Therefore, the Communications Specialist should have interest in science and technology topics and inquisitive mindset and a highly collaborative work style. The role is that of an individual contributor that occasionally manages vendors and freelancers (or students).

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement a cohesive communications strategy aligned with departmental priorities and leadership direction.

• Anticipate communication needs related to academic programs, research initiatives, faculty and student achievements, alumni engagement, and departmental milestones.

• Regularly assess communication channels and tools to ensure effectiveness and relevance.

• Create and oversee high-quality written and visual communications that highlight PGE’s research, educational programs, faculty expertise, student experience, and alumni impact.

• Produce content such as feature stories, newsletters, reports, presentations, digital communications, and marketing materials that reflect the department’s brand and values.

• Translate complex research and technical topics into accessible narratives for broad audiences.

• Guide the development and upkeep of the department’s digital presence, including online content, digital signage, and social platforms, ensuring consistency with university branding and messaging standards. Identify opportunities to enhance visibility and engagement through thoughtful use of digital and visual media.

• Support and strengthen the PGE brand by ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across communications.

• Serve as a departmental point of contact for media-related requests, working in coordination with Cockrell School and University communications teams to support appropriate coverage of faculty research, awards, and initiatives.

• Manage multiple communications projects