Job Title
Director of University Communications
Agency
Tarleton State University
Department
Marketing and Communications
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Stephenville, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Director of University Communications in the Department of Marketing & Communications. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.
At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.
The Director of University Communications, under general direction, manages the development and implementation of university news and publications, leads internal and external communication efforts, and serves as the focal point for developing, coordinating, writing, and editing publications, news stories, and other appropriate exposure for research and activities.
Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or as work requirements indicate; This position requires work beyond normal business hours, weekends, and holidays; This is an on-site position located in Stephenville, Texas.
Responsibilities:
Leads in the strategic planning and coordination of public relations efforts including press conferences, executive media training, and relevant communication with regional and National media.
Develops and maintains ongoing relationships with local, state, and national media representatives and responds to media requests. Also serves as the primary point of contact to the Texas A&M University System.
Conducts media relations programs for selected events or activities. Serves as campus representative at selected events as assigned.
Initiates and coordinates television, radio, digital, and print media for important events and announcements.
Leads, monitors, analyzes, and evaluates news outlets regarding the university image.
Lead strategist for university internal communication
Leads the production of scripts and speeches. Documents executive meeting sessions and transcribes for staff, as requested.
Maintains media archives.
Leads in proactively responding to crises and other media inquiries.
Establishes and maintains communications with departments and the media for the purpose of promoting and disseminating information to the public.
Manage and direct the members of the News and Information and Social Media staff for the Marketing and Communications department to serve the communication needs of the university strategically and effectively.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, business, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ten years of related experience in marketing, media or public relations, social media, communications, or related field with recent experience in higher education or in a higher education supporting organization; Including three years of supervisory experience
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Superior writing, editing, presentation, and organizational skills. Demonstrated knowledge and expertise with technology-assisted communications and marketing.
Experience and expertise in crisis communication
Proven ability to generate imaginative solutions and create cost-effective alternatives, including the ability to proactively position university experts and news stories with media outlets.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Interpersonal and communication skills. Planning and organizational skills.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Salary Range:
The target base annual salary range is $74,541 to $85,000 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position. Tarleton State University offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. As part of the Tarleton family, the following benefits are also available to full time and qualifying part time employees:
Educational Benefits - employee perks that help enrich, grow, and foster career and professional development:
Family Education Benefit (Tuition Scholarship) – scholarship opportunities for Tarleton employees, their spouses, or their dependents available after 6 months of continued full-time employment. Click the link to learn more about this incredible Texan benefit!
Masters Educational Assistance – is designed to invest in and assist employees further their knowledge, skills, and job effectiveness through 100% of eligible tuition and fees being paid on enrollment. Click link for additional guidelines and details!
Employee Health, Wellness, and Financial Planning
Fully covered employee health insurance
Reimbursement of Insurance Premium Deductions! The State of Texas contributes to eligible employees’ insurance coverages as of the 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment in an eligible position. For those who elect coverage PRIOR to the first of the month after 60 days of employment, Tarleton State University will reimburse employees the State contribution towards health coverage during those first 60 days.
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Retirement and Insurance programs
Paid Leave
Tarleton employees enjoy one of the greatest PTO packages in the area!
Paid sick leave
Holiday pay
Vacation
Longevity pay
Paid Birthday Leave – Tarleton State University awards all leave-eligible employees paid time off for their birthday!
Other
Complimentary tickets to all Athletic and Performing Fine Arts events!
Tarleton Employees enjoy two complimentary general admission tickets for athletics and performing fine arts events on campus! Join Texan Nation on the bleachers or in the auditorium.
Employee Wellness Release Time
Staff Gym Membership Discount with Campus Recreation
and other Tarleton Discounts
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.
Application Procedure:
During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.
Employment applications must include:
Completed online application
Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information
Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
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