Communications Specialist (Nuclear and Radiation Engineering)

Job Posting Title:

Communications Specialist (Nuclear and Radiation Engineering)

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Hiring Department:

Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

20

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Apr 01, 2027

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

This is a fixed term state funded position, funded through August 31, 2027, with the possibility of renewal upon performance and continuation of funding. As a top-10 engineering school, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. 

The Nuclear and Radiation Engineering (NRE) area within the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering includes six faculty, along with researchers and students, in the study and application of nuclear and radiation engineering, including imaging, robotics, high-performance computing, reactor design and materials development.  The groups provide a supportive community striving to solve the most pressing challenges of the 21st century through world class research, unsurpassed student education, and dedicated service to the community.

Purpose

The Communications Specialist is responsible for all communications efforts of the Nuclear and Radiation Engineering Area including creating news content for all mediums (print, e-newsletter, web and social media, engaging target audiences and promoting news stories

Responsibilities

• Serves as the writer, content creator, copy editor and public affairs specialist for the Nuclear and Radiation Engineering Area. Researches, writes, and edits news releases and stories. Updates and creates original content for the NRE websites and for distribution on social media accounts. Constructs and sends regularly scheduled NRE e-newsletters.

• Create short-form videos, reels, graphics and social copy

• Works directly with Area Leadership to ensure that key Area messages, news and research breakthroughs are publicized appropriately across all platforms. Provides basic photography needs for news pieces and events.

• Produce select print materials, including flyers, promotional items, signage

• Plans and executes integrated NRE communications strategies. Develops and maintains direct and email distribution lists and serves as project manager on a variety of NRE communications initiatives.

• Supports event programming as needed, creating and ordering print materials, emails, digital signage, and social promotion.

Required Qualifications

• Two years of experience in content creation, strategy, social media, or digital communications

• Demonstrated ability to develop content that resonates with tech-savvy audiences

• Interest in nuclear engineering and storytelling that elevates research and impact

• Ability to commit to working in this position for at least the remainder of Spring 2026 and Summer and Fall 2026.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to commit to working in this position through August 2027

• More than two years of experience in content strategy, social media, or digital communications

• Experience working in a complex organization such as a university, nonprofit, or mission-driven institution

• Familiarity with web and email marketing best practices and coordination

• Understanding of brand strategy and content planning in an academic or professional environment

Salary Range

• $30/hour, part time 20 hours per week

• This position is based on currently available funding that will continue through August 31, 2027.  Extensions beyond this time are possible, based performance and the availability of funding.

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions.

• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

• Use of manual dexterity.

• This position may be eligible for a hybrid (on-campus and off-campus) work based on business needs and at the discretion of the supervisor.

Required Materials

• Letter of interest that includes links to or examples of your work

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.