"Communications Manager - Arts - (494570 )"

Manages communications activities to promote the advancement of a major university program or center through the planning and coordination of its publications and media relations.

1. Designs and coordinates publications for the program, including brochures, newsletters, annual reports and other marketing and promotional materials.
2. Manages the design and update of program web sites.
3. Coordinates the procurement and management of graphic design, printing and other publication-related services.
4. Writes and disseminates news and press releases for the program.
5. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with external media organizations, as well as the university's media relations department.
6. Manages advertising, marketing and publications for promotional events and other special programs.
7. Participates in the strategic planning process related to marketing and promotion of the program.
8. Writes and edits articles, speeches, and other communication projects as assigned.
9. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Communications Manager Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage compelling content across web, print, email, video, and social media to promote the college’s programs, events, and milestones.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media relations, including drafting and distributing press releases, coordinating media inquiries, and tracking media coverage.
• Create and maintain the KGMCA media list; monitor and report on media mentions and press activity.
• Oversee internal and external communications, including newsletters, email campaigns, announcements, push notifications, and stakeholder messaging.
• Develop feature stories spotlighting students, faculty, alumni, and initiatives; conduct interviews and manage story production from concept to publication.
• Manage and schedule content for KGMCA’s social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, etc.), aligning messaging with brand and campaign goals.
• Coordinate a centralized communications request system to organize and track content submissions and project timelines.
• Collaborate on the annual McGovern College marketing campaign and assist in broader branding and strategic initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to support communications planning and ensure consistent, effective messaging across departments.
• Stay informed on industry trends and best practices in marketing and communications to drive innovation.
• Use engagement metrics and analytics to measure campaign performance and refine content strategy.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing or related field Minimum 2 years of experience in professional writing, PR, or marketing communications Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and storytelling with a strong portfolio Proficient in AP style, with experience writing press releases and long-form content Experience managing content across digital and social platforms Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365; project/request management software (e.g., Monday.com) a plus Familiarity and understanding of digital tools including Modern Campus CRM, Slate, BBIS, Stripo Email Builder, and Shorthand Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities Comfortable conducting interviews and translating complex ideas into engaging stories Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, creative environment

Preferred Attributes: Passion for the arts and the ability to communicate its impact to diverse audiences Strategic thinker with a creative approach to content development Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or arts-focused organizations Skilled in crafting messaging across multiple formats and channels Detail-oriented with a strong sense of brand and voice consistency

Reports to: Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

MQ: Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline is normally obtained through a formal, directly job-related 4 year degree from a college or university or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed. Requires a minimum of three (3) years of directly job-related experience.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.