Senior Communications Coordinator

Senior Communications Coordinator

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

$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