Title: Assistant Director, Research Communications

Employee Classification: Asst Dir, Departmental Mktg

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Research & Innovation

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Research & Innovation

Department: UNT-DRI - Research Development-190410

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Salary to commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Department Summary

The Division of Research and Innovation supports the generation and dissemination of knowledge by assisting faculty and students in their research, scholarly work and creative activities. Our mission is to support, facilitate, and empower the growth of sustainable research at UNT. This mission is achieved by facilitating an interdisciplinary approach to research, a catalyst for discovery and innovation, that has cemented UNT's status as a Tier One research university.

Position Overview

This position is responsible for planning, development, and implementation of communication strategies, reporting, and marketing for the Division of Research Innovation. Coordinates with senior leadership staff, acting as team lead, to execute the project management, communications, reporting, marketing, and support in the dissemination of research impact. A strategic thinker, this individual should be adept at building relationships with faculty, media, and internal stakeholders, aligning communications with the university’s brand and goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, English, Journalism, Sociology or related field and 3 years of experience in Communications, Marketing, Advertising, or Public Relations; or any equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge and understanding of academic research environments, including familiarity with funding agencies like NSF, NIH, and DOE, and how research contributes to institutional reputation and strategy.
• Skills in translating the impact of research into accessible, engaging content for diverse audiences, using best practices in science communication and storytelling.
• Exceptional skills in writing, editing, and project management.
• Ability to create content across multiple formats, such as press releases, web articles, reports, and social media.
• Knowledge of digital communication tools, including content management systems, basic HTML/CSS, SEO, and analytics platforms like Google Analytics.
• Skills in utilizing Microsoft Office, Adobe, WordPress, and requisite publishing, graphic design, and media tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in academic or research communication.
• Knowledge of HTML, HTML editing tools, JavaScript, Visual Basic, Websphere, CMS, graphic design software or other web authoring languages.
• Understanding of technical requirements in web development and science communication.
• Experience with creating and managing social media content.

Job Duties:

• Develops and implements a comprehensive research communication strategy that showcases the innovative work of UNT’s faculty and researchers. This role requires staying current with industry best practices, tools, and trends to continuously improve communication approaches and support the university’s mission through cross-functional collaboration and participation in team initiatives.
• Creates and contributes to engaging, accurate, and accessible content (e.g., press releases, feature articles, and social media post) that promotes research initiatives and achievements. It also involves editing and reviewing research materials to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the university’s standards. The position contributes to print and digital publications and helps craft compelling marketing materials to attract top research talent.
• Oversees the Division’s web design, development, and content updates to ensure the university’s research communications are engaging and effective online. This includes managing digital platforms like the university website, newsletters, social media, to broaden the visibility and reach of UNT’s research accomplishments.
• Collaborates with faculty, researchers, DRI staff, and university communication teams to ensure that research stories are communicated effectively to diverse audiences and aligned with the university’s brand, tone, and messaging as guided by the Vice President for Research and Innovation.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. Occasional evenings and weekends as needed

Driving University Vehicle:

No

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.