Manager, Communications

This position may be eligible for Hybrid Work, working remotely for up to two days per week after the initial 90 days of employment.

Salary Range: $65,866/year or higher, commensurate with experience and/or education

JOB SUMMARY 

The Manager of Communications oversees and manages all forms of communications and public relations for the university, including social media platforms and publications such as employee and alumni newsletters. The Manager writes articles and special messages for distribution to different audiences throughout the university.

DUTIES 

• Coordinates and produces an employee newsletter, the UHD News, twice a week; writes and edits content for the UHD News; assembles and distributes the newsletter
• Coordinates and produces a monthly alumni newsletter - Alumni Connect
• Coordinates and produces content for the university's social media platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, ensuring that all content is fresh and engaging
• Staffs events as required
• Handles media relations as needed.
• Pitches stories to the media to promote the university, its people, and programs
• Writes executive messaging, such as emails and webpage updates, for administrators and other departments

MARGINAL DUTIES 

• Performs all other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Direct Reports:

• None

Delegation of Work:

• N/A

Supervision Given:

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the local media
• Knowledge of journalism principles and AP style

Skills:

• Excellent writing, editing, social media, and basic office skills
• Good editorial judgment skills

Abilities:

• Ability to use computer and graphics programs, and the Microsoft Office suite and Smart sheets in particular
• Ability to apply critical thinking
• Ability to produce accurate data and information

WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment
• Limited travel

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a typical, comfortable interior work environment that does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements
• The individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing, etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks

EEO/AA

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field

Required Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of related job experience

License/Certification:

• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum of two (2) years working in higher education

About University of Houston Downtown

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.

U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions:  No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. TheStockWatcher.com called UHD a “notable institution providing high-quality online MBA programs. … UHD ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to succeed in their chosen career paths.”

UHD is one of the four distinct and separate components of the University of Houston System, which also includes the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, and University of Houston-Victoria. Instructional Sites operated by UHD are University of Houston-Downtown Northwest, University of Houston-Downtown at Lone Star College Kingwood, and University of Houston-Downtown at Lone Star College CyFair.

The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.

The University of Houston - Downtown is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution and recognizes protected classes of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, religion, age (40 and above), national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, and gender expression as required by federal law. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.