Communications Specialist, Department of Art and Art History

Job Posting Title:

Communications Specialist, Department of Art and Art History

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Hiring Department:

Department of Art and Art History

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Department of Art and Art History, within the College of Fine Arts, is a dynamic academic community dedicated to creativity and innovation. The department brings together artists, scholars, and educators who engage in the exploration and advancement of the visual arts. The Department is organized into three distinct academic divisions: Art Education, Art History, and Studio Art. In addition to these divisions, the department also encompasses the Visual Arts Center.

Benefits Package

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage

• Retirement contributions

• Paid vacation and sick time 

• Paid holidays 

• Other services and perks

Purpose

The purpose of the Communications Specialist role in the Department of Art and Art History is to advance its visibility and reputation by developing and executing strategic, creative, and cohesive communication initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Content Creation: Responsible for developing and maintaining the Department of Art and Art History (AAH) and Visual Arts Center (VAC) editorial calendar, developing content and strategies for social media platforms, editorial outlets (print and digital), and digital storytelling initiatives. Duties include writing feature-length articles for Arts Next, the College of Fine Arts’ annual magazine, and producing photographic and video content for use on Instagram and the department website. The Communications Specialist will photograph and video classroom activities, events, and exhibition openings, edit visual assets for departmental print materials, and ensure that high-quality images are available for online outlets, print publications, and press requests. Additional responsibilities include drafting informational content for departmental print collateral and supporting the communication of key messages and program highlights across multiple channels.

• Editorial Planning: The Communications Specialist will maintain the AAH and VAC editorial calendar and conceptualize year-round communication initiatives for social media platforms, internal to UT and external editorial outlets (print and digital), and digital storytelling using video, web, and interactive media.
  This role requires proactive collaboration and relationship building with colleagues across the College of Fine Arts and the broader university community to plan strategic editorial calendars, develop news stories and pitches, and support department-wide communication initiatives. The specialist will ensure a cohesive, forward-thinking content strategy that aligns with departmental goals and enhances overall visibility.

• Newsletter Management: The Communications Specialist is responsible for the development and distribution of quarterly AAH email newsletters and weekly events newsletters for the AAH and VAC. Duties include soliciting newsletter stories from AAH staff and faculty, writing feature articles covering AAH and VAC events, classes, and exhibitions, and designing newsletters that highlight the Department’s impact while ensuring equitable coverage of all departmental programs.

• Department Outreach: The Communications Specialist will partner with the College of Fine Arts to promote departmental achievements by proactively pitching and distributing stories to both internal University of Texas channels and external media outlets (owned and earned media). Responsibilities include highlighting the accomplishments of faculty, students, alumni, and the Visual Arts Center to enhance the department’s visibility and reputation.

• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years' experience working in a communications role

• Experience producing and editing photographic and video content for digital and social platforms; familiarity with visual storytelling and brand-aligned content development.

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