Communications Director

University of North Texas - Fort Worth, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Fort Worth, TX

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Communications Director for the University of North Texas Health Science Center's Division of Research and Innovation is a pivotal role that serves as the primary communications strategist and coordinator for the division. This position is responsible for planning, creating, and implementing comprehensive internal and external communications strategies across various channels, including print, web, and social media. The Director will work closely with leaders of various institutes and centers within the division to effectively reach specific audiences, enhancing programming, development, and recruitment efforts for both undergraduate and graduate programs. The role requires a strong focus on branding and marketing, ensuring that the division's messaging aligns with institutional goals and resonates with the community. In this capacity, the Communications Director will oversee the development of a robust, integrated communication plan that encompasses strategic messaging, media relations, and crisis management. This includes writing and editing content for the division's website, crafting talking points and speeches, and proactively seeking out newsworthy stories from departments. The Director will also coordinate with the UNTHSC Office of Marketing and Communications to arrange press conferences and media coverage for events, ensuring that the division's initiatives receive appropriate visibility. The position demands excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining effective relationships with staff, faculty, and students. The Director will be expected to lead a dynamic social media program and participate in strategic planning efforts, contributing to the production of special events as needed. This role is essential for driving communication and engagement both internally and externally, ultimately delivering value to the community through effective media placements and editorial commentary.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior communications strategy officer for the Division overseeing a robust, integrated, strategic communication plan to achieve objectives and goals.
• Bring together all facets of strategic messaging, media relations, print and online communications, issues and crisis management, and messaging in coordination with the communications team at UNTHSC.
• Plan and develop content for the website to effectively promote the division, providing strategic leadership in identifying media/communications for targeted audiences.
• Write and/or edit talking points and speeches as requested.
• Proactively seek interesting news and stories from departments and program directors based on current business topics.
• Work with UNTHSC Office of Marketing and Communications to arrange press conferences and media coverage of events.
• Coordinate and maintain a robust social media program based on sound strategy.
• Coordinate media tours on new program launches or innovative initiatives, participate in strategic planning efforts, and assist with the production of special events as needed.
• Develop and maintain an appropriate system of internal controls for management of communications, branding, and community relations activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to conceptualize, plan and organize multiple programs and assignments effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain strong relationships.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and conduct multiple tasks.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and collaborate with staff, faculty, and students.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of communications, marketing, and branding practices.
• Skill in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows navigation.
• Strong business acumen and excellent leadership skills.
• Experience managing marketing collateral design.
• Familiarity with development processes for print and digital communications channels.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options