The University of Texas Permian Basin's Marketing & Communications welcomes applications for the position of Assistant Director of Communications and Media Relations.

Salary Range

$65,000.00 depending on qualifications

The Assistant Director of Communications and Media Relations leads day-to-day media relations and social media content strategy for The University of Texas Permian Basin, shaping timely, accurate, and engaging communications that strengthen the University's public voice and reputation. The position serves as the central operational contact for external media inquiries and interview coordination; plans and executes content across official social channels; develops news, storytelling, and multimedia content; and works with campus partners, the Creative Director, and web and marketing colleagues to align communications with University priorities and brand standards.
Institutional Media Relations and Response Coordination
1. Serve as the central operational point of contact for external media inquiries and interview requests; assess the request,
coordinate subject-matter experts and logistics, provide approved media assets, and maintain timely follow-through.
2. Draft and distribute media advisories, press releases, statements, background materials, and related news content within
established review and approval processes.
3. Coordinate routine media-response planning and interview preparation with the Executive Director of Strategic
Communications and campus partners; escalate crisis communications, sensitive issues, official institutional statements,
legal matters, and open-records requests through designated University authorities.
Social Media Strategy and Audience Engagement
4. Lead day-to-day planning and execution of content strategy across official UTPB social media channels, including channel
priorities, editorial calendars, publishing schedules, platform-native formats, and recurring engagement campaigns within
approved University strategy and standards.
5. Maintain the University social media calendar in alignment with institutional priorities, academic and student-life events,
recruitment and reputation goals, and timely platform trends.
6. Monitor, moderate, and engage with social audiences; identify emerging issues or high-risk conversations; and apply
established escalation protocols when content requires leadership, legal, safety, or crisis review.
7. Review social media performance and audience engagement data using approved scheduling and analytics tools and
recommend content, timing, channel, and format adjustments.
Digital Content Creation and Storytelling
8. Create and publish platform-appropriate digital content, including captions, photography, graphics, short-form video, Reels,
Shorts, and comparable mobile-first content using approved tools such as Canva, Adobe Express, CapCut, InShot, or
similar platforms.
9. Develop and edit stories for University news, blogs, newsletters, and other communications highlighting student, faculty,
staff, alumni, research, academic, and community achievements.
10. Translate complex University topics into clear, accurate, audience-appropriate content while maintaining editorial quality,
accessibility, and brand voice.
Campus Content Partnerships, Brand, and Web Support
11. Collaborate with colleges, departments, programs, and campus partners to identify story opportunities, collect information
and assets, coordinate approvals, and amplify approved University content.
12. Partner with the Creative Director and other Marketing and Communications colleagues to ensure visual and written
content aligns with University brand standards and communication priorities.
13. Assist with timely updates to marketing, news, and related University web content in coordination with designated web
owners and established publishing processes.
Student Influencer Program and Continuous Improvement
14. Develop and coordinate the student influencer initiative, including recruitment support, content guidance, calendars,
campaign participation, brand expectations, and engagement activities; formal personnel authority is not implied unless
separately assigned.
15. Monitor changes in social platforms, digital-media practices, audience behavior, and content technology and recommend
practical updates to University content approaches, tools, and workflows.

Required Application Materials

1. Cover Letter
2. Résumé
3. List of References
4. Transcripts (Preferred)
5. Letters of Recommendation (Preferred)

Conditions of Employment

1. The job description is not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor.
2. Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance.
3. Once hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of the hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire. UTPB participates in e-Verify.
4. Employees must be able and willing to travel and perform duties away from campus as necessary and must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver's license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver's record.
5. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
6. UT Permian Basin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Schedule

Generally, the normal work hours for the university are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 – 5:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm with a one-hour lunch. The individual holding this position may need to be available early morning, evening, and on weekends to meet the needs of the department. Hours worked may differ with some departments.

Standard Working Conditions

1. Able to lift various materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
2. Able to bend, crouch, and reach continuously.
3. Physically able remain seated, frequently to continuously.
4. Able to remain standing up to 15% of the time.
5. Possesses dexterity abilities required to perform job duties including extensive keyboard work, operating office equipment, performing filing, and other job-related responsibilities that include extensive wrist and hand movement.
6. Standard working conditions may differ depending on department and occupation

University Benefits

1. UT Permian Basin offers an excellent compensation package including heath, retirement, & fringe benefits for eligible employees.
2. Coverage includes medical, prescriptions, life insurance, AD&D, and matching retirement provided by UTPB.
3. You may also be eligible to add dental, vision, family coverage, & flex-spending accounts, additional retirement, and a few other coverages as options too.
4. Fringe benefits include tuition reimbursement (after one year of service), wellness breaks, employee assistant program (EAP), and meal deals, among other perks and discounts!
5. Our benefits package, along with an ample leave policy, make for a great total compensation package.

About the University

The University of Texas Permian Basin is located in Odessa, Texas. It was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1969 and founded in 1973. The Permian Basin is one of the fastest-growing, culturally vibrant, economically invigorated regions of the country – full of industry, culture, and wide-open spaces. At the academic heart of this area sits The University of Texas Permian Basin – which every year, delivers smart, savvy leaders across the U.S. 

As a regional, comprehensive institution, The University of Texas Permian Basin serves a diverse community of students from the region, the state, and beyond. Through excellence in student-centered teaching, learning, research, and public service, the University cultivates engaged citizens and impacts lives while advancing the technology and public interests of West Texas. 

Our vision is that the University of Texas Permian Basin will be an innovative, responsive university that thinks large and lives local. We will lead in advancing education, research, economic competitiveness, and cultural enrichment. 
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Thank you for your consideration in today's job market. We look forward to connecting with you more in the future.