The University of Texas at Austin
Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, us, 78716
Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
Hiring Department:
Lyndon B Johnson School of Public Affairs
Position Open To:
All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Earliest Start Date:
Dec 15, 2025
Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
Job Details:
General Notes
About the University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, ranks among the 40 best universities in the world with top national programs across 19 colleges and schools. By creating educational opportunities for all and leading cutting‑edge research at scale, the University fosters positive social change, technological advancement, and economic progress, showing the world that change really does start here. An organizational priority is to successfully make UT the world’s highest‑impact public research university, unleashing knowledge, opportunity, and innovation from the heart of Texas.
Learn more about UT’s mission and values, and leadership.
Benefits
100% employer‑paid basic medical coverage
Retirement contributions
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid holidays
Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.
About the Lyndon B Johnson School Of Public Affairs The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the nation’s premier public policy schools. As Texas’ top‑ranked policy school for over 50 years, the LBJ School provides unmatched opportunities for students to engage with policymakers, industry leaders, accomplished faculty members and innovators in Austin and beyond. The School is committed to improving the quality of public service in the United States and abroad at all levels of governance and civic engagement. Our goals are to prepare students and professionals for leadership positions in public service, produce interdisciplinary research to advance our understanding of complex societal problems and create solutions, promote effective public policy and management practice and foster civic engagement on issues of public concern.
Committed to advancing the quality of public service, the LBJ School continues to drive education, research and civic engagement at all levels of governance.
Purpose Reporting directly to the Dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) provides strategic leadership for marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives for the LBJ School. This role oversees a dynamic team, manages media relations, and ensures alignment with university brand standards to enhance engagement, visibility, and support School goals by driving and executing strategic communications, promotional activities and outward‑facing initiatives across the full LBJ portfolio.
Responsibilities
Executive Leadership
Work closely with the Dean’s Office and internal collaborators to develop speeches, talking points, event scripts, reports, graphic design and presentations that advance institutional priorities.
Lead a team of marketing and creative professionals in advancing the LBJ School’s strategic priorities while supporting the professional and career development of each team member.
Partner with the dean to monitor and manage reputational challenges and complex issues with clarity, speed and alignment across internal and external stakeholders. Develop action plans and coordinated responses in alignment with the Provost’s Office and University Marketing and Communications.
Operational Oversight & Collaboration
Plan and manage the School’s marketing and communications budget and assets, ensuring effective and compliant use of resources.
Serve as a member of the University Marketing and Communications (UMAC) leadership team and partner closely with communications directors, senior marketing professionals and stakeholders across UT Austin.
Strengthen communications within and across LBJ units and centers by elevating research, educational programs and outreach efforts; identifying and reaching target audiences; improving internal communications; solving communications challenges; and advancing goals related to fundraising, reputation management and community engagement.
Strategic Communications & Planning
Oversee the creation of a long‑term marketing and communications plan that aligns with the School’s strategic vision. Clearly communicate institutional priorities through well‑defined messaging frameworks and yearly action plans, maintaining consistency across all campaigns, programs and leadership changes.
Develop and execute digital strategies to provide a seamless experience for audiences on the LBJ website, social media, email campaigns and other platforms. Establish reporting and analytics systems to measure effectiveness and promote ongoing improvement.
Provide strategic counsel to the dean and senior leadership on public relations, issues management, media relations, strategic communications, marketing and branding.
Marketing Leadership
Oversee both proactive and responsive media relations to establish the School and its faculty as leading policy experts throughout Texas and across the nation.
Develop and produce engaging content tailored to various platforms and audiences, including evergreen materials that support enrollment, research impact, alumni engagement, fundraising, and policy influence. Direct content strategy for major campaigns, particularly in enrollment management.
Develop and implement digital strategies to ensure a cohesive constituent experience across the LBJ website, social platforms, email campaigns and other channels.
Demonstrate expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing, content development, advertising, audience segmentation and enrollment marketing. Collaborate on short‑ and long‑term strategies for programs and initiatives, leading marketing efforts that strengthen recruitment and boost the School’s reputation.
Support and promote dozens of School events each year, driving audience engagement, messaging, logistics and overall impact in collaboration with faculty, staff and the marketing and communications team.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of experience in public relations, communications, marketing, business, political science, public affairs, and/or a relevant combination of education and experience.
Proven ability to build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and staff at all levels who will represent the organization with a high degree of integrity, diplomacy and professionalism.
Comprehensive understanding of digital ecosystems, including websites, social media, CRM, and email platforms, with the ability to drive coherent digital experiences across channels.
Leadership experience and a proven track record of delivering successful marketing and communications initiatives and strategies.
Experience envisioning, developing, and implementing successful and comprehensive strategic communications plans based on an organization’s goals and priorities. Using analytics, reporting, and performance metrics to guide strategy, evaluate outcomes, and optimize campaigns and communications efforts.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively, work well under pressure, deliver against timelines, and manage details of concurrent projects. Proven experience in media relations, stakeholder communications, and social media strategy.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills, keen ability to organize, and prioritize projects, manage budgets, and oversee complex initiatives with attention to detail and accountability.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in communications, marketing, business or a related field. More than ten years of leadership experience in delivering successful high‑profile marketing and communications initiatives and strategies in a higher education environment.
Familiarity with audience groups including undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, faculty, staff and external partners/stakeholders.
Salary Range $125,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
Standard office conditions.
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
Some additional work hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required.
Supervision of communications team staff.
May be eligible for a flexible work arrangement after initial review period.
Required Materials
Resume/CV, please include link to available portfolio.
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
Letter of interest.
Important. For applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers, you will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi‑select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers. As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log‑in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University‑Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I‑9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
E‑Verify The University of Texas at Austin uses E‑Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E‑Verify is 854197. For more information about E‑Verify, please see the following:
E‑Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
Compliance Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP‑3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Lyndon B Johnson School of Public Affairs
Position Open To:
All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Earliest Start Date:
Dec 15, 2025
Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
Job Details:
General Notes
About the University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, ranks among the 40 best universities in the world with top national programs across 19 colleges and schools. By creating educational opportunities for all and leading cutting‑edge research at scale, the University fosters positive social change, technological advancement, and economic progress, showing the world that change really does start here. An organizational priority is to successfully make UT the world’s highest‑impact public research university, unleashing knowledge, opportunity, and innovation from the heart of Texas.
Learn more about UT’s mission and values, and leadership.
Benefits
100% employer‑paid basic medical coverage
Retirement contributions
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid holidays
Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.
About the Lyndon B Johnson School Of Public Affairs The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the nation’s premier public policy schools. As Texas’ top‑ranked policy school for over 50 years, the LBJ School provides unmatched opportunities for students to engage with policymakers, industry leaders, accomplished faculty members and innovators in Austin and beyond. The School is committed to improving the quality of public service in the United States and abroad at all levels of governance and civic engagement. Our goals are to prepare students and professionals for leadership positions in public service, produce interdisciplinary research to advance our understanding of complex societal problems and create solutions, promote effective public policy and management practice and foster civic engagement on issues of public concern.
Committed to advancing the quality of public service, the LBJ School continues to drive education, research and civic engagement at all levels of governance.
Purpose Reporting directly to the Dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) provides strategic leadership for marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives for the LBJ School. This role oversees a dynamic team, manages media relations, and ensures alignment with university brand standards to enhance engagement, visibility, and support School goals by driving and executing strategic communications, promotional activities and outward‑facing initiatives across the full LBJ portfolio.
Responsibilities
Executive Leadership
Work closely with the Dean’s Office and internal collaborators to develop speeches, talking points, event scripts, reports, graphic design and presentations that advance institutional priorities.
Lead a team of marketing and creative professionals in advancing the LBJ School’s strategic priorities while supporting the professional and career development of each team member.
Partner with the dean to monitor and manage reputational challenges and complex issues with clarity, speed and alignment across internal and external stakeholders. Develop action plans and coordinated responses in alignment with the Provost’s Office and University Marketing and Communications.
Operational Oversight & Collaboration
Plan and manage the School’s marketing and communications budget and assets, ensuring effective and compliant use of resources.
Serve as a member of the University Marketing and Communications (UMAC) leadership team and partner closely with communications directors, senior marketing professionals and stakeholders across UT Austin.
Strengthen communications within and across LBJ units and centers by elevating research, educational programs and outreach efforts; identifying and reaching target audiences; improving internal communications; solving communications challenges; and advancing goals related to fundraising, reputation management and community engagement.
Strategic Communications & Planning
Oversee the creation of a long‑term marketing and communications plan that aligns with the School’s strategic vision. Clearly communicate institutional priorities through well‑defined messaging frameworks and yearly action plans, maintaining consistency across all campaigns, programs and leadership changes.
Develop and execute digital strategies to provide a seamless experience for audiences on the LBJ website, social media, email campaigns and other platforms. Establish reporting and analytics systems to measure effectiveness and promote ongoing improvement.
Provide strategic counsel to the dean and senior leadership on public relations, issues management, media relations, strategic communications, marketing and branding.
Marketing Leadership
Oversee both proactive and responsive media relations to establish the School and its faculty as leading policy experts throughout Texas and across the nation.
Develop and produce engaging content tailored to various platforms and audiences, including evergreen materials that support enrollment, research impact, alumni engagement, fundraising, and policy influence. Direct content strategy for major campaigns, particularly in enrollment management.
Develop and implement digital strategies to ensure a cohesive constituent experience across the LBJ website, social platforms, email campaigns and other channels.
Demonstrate expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing, content development, advertising, audience segmentation and enrollment marketing. Collaborate on short‑ and long‑term strategies for programs and initiatives, leading marketing efforts that strengthen recruitment and boost the School’s reputation.
Support and promote dozens of School events each year, driving audience engagement, messaging, logistics and overall impact in collaboration with faculty, staff and the marketing and communications team.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of experience in public relations, communications, marketing, business, political science, public affairs, and/or a relevant combination of education and experience.
Proven ability to build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and staff at all levels who will represent the organization with a high degree of integrity, diplomacy and professionalism.
Comprehensive understanding of digital ecosystems, including websites, social media, CRM, and email platforms, with the ability to drive coherent digital experiences across channels.
Leadership experience and a proven track record of delivering successful marketing and communications initiatives and strategies.
Experience envisioning, developing, and implementing successful and comprehensive strategic communications plans based on an organization’s goals and priorities. Using analytics, reporting, and performance metrics to guide strategy, evaluate outcomes, and optimize campaigns and communications efforts.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively, work well under pressure, deliver against timelines, and manage details of concurrent projects. Proven experience in media relations, stakeholder communications, and social media strategy.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills, keen ability to organize, and prioritize projects, manage budgets, and oversee complex initiatives with attention to detail and accountability.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in communications, marketing, business or a related field. More than ten years of leadership experience in delivering successful high‑profile marketing and communications initiatives and strategies in a higher education environment.
Familiarity with audience groups including undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, faculty, staff and external partners/stakeholders.
Salary Range $125,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
Standard office conditions.
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
Some additional work hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required.
Supervision of communications team staff.
May be eligible for a flexible work arrangement after initial review period.
Required Materials
Resume/CV, please include link to available portfolio.
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
Letter of interest.
Important. For applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers, you will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi‑select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers. As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log‑in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University‑Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I‑9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
E‑Verify The University of Texas at Austin uses E‑Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E‑Verify is 854197. For more information about E‑Verify, please see the following:
E‑Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
Compliance Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP‑3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.
#J-18808-Ljbffr