Communications Specialist - School Of Art

Communications Specialist - School of Art

Duties: In close partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Communications Team, this position facilitates and promotes the development of marketing materials for a nationally ranked visual arts program, including websites, social media platforms, print materials, and recruitment-related advertising. Develops and executes undergraduate and graduate recruitment strategies; assists school director with alumni and donor relations and advancement; and supports community outreach efforts and events. Works independently in a fast, deadline-driven environment and prioritizes work based on the goals of the school director.

Goals: Promote the School of Art's graduate and undergraduate programs; increase enrollment of highly qualified and diverse students to the School of Art; increase engagement with alumni; and expand the School of Art's endowments and donor base.

Job Duties Description:

1. COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING - In coordination with the CAS Communications Team:

• Request, gather assets, and help to coordinate the development of professional, cohesive print and digital materials including graduate catalogs, program brochures, posters, mailings, virtual tours, newsletters, press releases, and digital ads that promote and communicate the vision, programs, services, and achievements of the School of Art.
• Propose news items to the CAS Writer/Communications Team and request the development of stories and articles to promote the School of Art.
• Track communications projects and production schedules to ensure deadlines are met.
• Advise and support staff with publicity and marketing of programing and events at 3 public-facing galleries.
• Ensure compliance with College and University style and branding guidelines.
• Identify, purchase, and inventory UT School of Art branded promotional merchandise for distribution at recruitment events and to prospective students and donors.

2. RECRUITMENT STRATEGY, PHILANTROPIC ADVANCEMENT, AND EVENT PLANNING

• Assist and advise School of Art leadership in the market analysis of peer institutional competitors.
• Assist and advise School of Art leadership in the development, planning, and implementation of graduate and undergraduate recruitment strategies.
• Develop and maintain departmental system for tracking prospective student inquiries; in coordination with College and University staff, create and implement a departmental marketing and recruitment strategies to lead prospective students to application and enrollment.
• Plan, coordinate, and represent department at recruitment events, including High School Art Academy (KCS) and TAEA conferences; facilitate faculty involvement at events and school visits.
• Develop, plan, and facilitate outreach events with arts, cultural, educational, governmental, and community partners.
• Develop, plan, and facilitate department philanthropic events, including biannual scholarship ceremonies.
• Support cultivation and management of donor relationships; publicize advancement campaigns; draft quarterly donor acknowledgment letters and liaise with CAS Communications team to design annual holiday cards in collaboration with School Director.
• Lead prospective student departmental tours of School of Art studios and labs; collaborate with College Recruitment Coordinator to train and supervise student ambassadors.

3. DIGITAL / SOCIAL MEDIA - In coordination with the CAS Communications Team:

• Draft, design, schedule, and post content to 3 department social media platforms to promote departmental programming and events; graduate and undergraduate recruitment; and faculty, alumni, and graduate and undergraduate achievements. Monitor and respond to social media feed comments.
• Develop, solicit, and compile department website content and asset updates.
• Monitor and cyclically assess website SEO and social media metrics to continually improve marketing and recruitment efforts.
• Ensure all digital and social media content complies with guidelines, policies, and procedures set forth by the College and University.
• Organize and maintain School of Art image database and archive.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with two years of relevant experience in an arts, design, writing, and/or marketing-related setting.
• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, work on multiple projects at once, and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate with multiple audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of graphic design principles and graphic design skills.
• Knowledge of web design and website hosting platforms.
• Knowledge of style, branding, and communications standards.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative and Microsoft Office suites.
• Ability to collaborate and facilitate collaboration among groups of people.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in arts, design, writing, and/or marketing-related field.
• Knowledge of UT style and communication standards.
• Knowledge of WordPress.