Communications Manager - Marketing & Communications

Communications Manager - Marketing & Communications

Hiring Department

The University of Texas Permian Basin's Marketing & Communications Department welcomes applications for the position of Communications Manager

Salary Range

$60,000.00 depending on qualifications

Essential Functions

Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Communications, the Communications Manager at The University of Texas Permian Basin plays a key role in advancing the University's academic mission by writing and promoting content that highlights the strengths of our academic programs. This position is responsible for creating SEO-focused blog content, assisting with website updates, media requests, and producing compelling stories that support student recruitment, reputation, and engagement. The Communications Manager will also contribute to social media strategy and content in collaboration with the communications and marketing team. This position requires excellent writing and editing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex academic information into clear, engaging, and accessible content. The Communications Manager will also serve as a brand steward, reviewing Canva submissions for design consistency and supporting the University's digital presence across platforms. This is an on-site role based in Odessa, Texas.

1. Write SEO-optimized blog content that promotes academic programs, career outcomes, and supports enrollment marketing goals.

2. Collaborate with academic departments, enrollment marketing, and subject-matter experts to identify content opportunities aligned with program needs.

3. Develop and manage content aimed at prospective students, including writing, editing, and basic formatting/layout for digital platforms.

4. Produce feature articles and success stories showcasing UTPB students, alumni, faculty, and online student experiences.

5. Serve as a point of contact for all media inquiries and interview requests, coordinate logistics, deliver media assets, and ensure timely responses.

6. Support storytelling initiatives that highlight career pathways and outcomes for UTPB graduates.

7. Collaborate to plan social media content that supports recruitment and storytelling efforts.

8. Edit and update University web content to ensure accuracy, accessibility, SEO performance, and brand alignment.

9. Coordinate and fulfill web update requests from departments using the University's content management system (CMS).

10. Review and approve Canva designs submitted by departments to ensure brand consistency and visual quality.

11. Provide support with email content creation using platforms such as Mailchimp.

12. Monitor blog, email, and social media performance metrics and contribute insights to optimize future content strategies.

13. Provide general writing, editing, and proofreading support for internal and external communications as needed.

14. 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.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.

2. One (1) year of experience in content writing, communications, or digital marketing (internships or student work acceptable).

3. Strong writing and editing skills, with an interest in creating blog, web, and email content for marketing purposes.

4. Familiarity with SEO best practices and how to apply them to web and blog content.

5. Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple content projects and meet deadlines.

6. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to brand consistency.

7. A collaborative team player with excellent communication skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Exposure to or experience using email platforms such as Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Slate.

2. Experience using a CMS to edit and manage web content (e.g., Omni CMS, WordPress).

3. Ability to review and provide constructive feedback on Canva or similar design templates.

4. Understanding of content performance metrics and ability to contribute insights for optimization.

Additional Information

Required Application Materials

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
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.

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