Title: Senior Communications Strategist [President Communications] – Office of the President
Employee Classification: Sr Communications Strategist
Campus: University of North Texas
Division: UNT-Office of the President
SubDivision-Department: UNT-Office of the President
Department: UNT-Office of the President-100000
Job Location: Denton
Salary: $90,000.00

ABOUT US - VALUES OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The Communications Strategy personnel within UNT’s Office of the President operates under the overarching goals of presenting the University’s mission effectively to internal and external constituents and is responsible for coordinating all presidential communication in accordance with the president’s vision.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Communications Strategist is the lead writer and content developer for the President of UNT, responsible for crafting speeches, remarks, correspondence, and strategic communications that reflect the President’s voice, style, tone, and priorities. Reporting to the Deputy to the President, this role works closely with senior leadership to ensure clear, consistent, and compelling messaging across various stakeholder groups. This position must demonstrate exceptional writing skills, clear reasoning, and the ability to communicate effectively on behalf of executive leadership in a dynamic and fast-paced administrative environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Strategic Communications or related field and seven years of professional writing experience or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to consult with cabinet level leadership with autonomy.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate novel top-level university projects and the work of others.
• Ability to conceptualize, write and edit strategic, accurate and concise content for internal and external audiences to best present the university’s story and messaging.
• Knowledge of higher education trends, as well as national and world news, with the ability to apply that knowledge to university goals and initiatives to make valid content strategy recommendations that move the university forward.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, conduct multiple tasks, establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Extensive knowledge of spelling, grammar, punctuation and Associated Press and Chicago Manual styles, as well as the ability to employ these skills in the inspection of print and online copy and proofs.
• Knowledge of writing styles and guidelines for various media formats and ability to create, coordinate and edit copy for each format (print, digital/social media, video, broadcast, etc.).
• Knowledge of and ability to research industry best practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in higher education, government, or mission-driven organizations.
• Familiarity with speechwriting, strategic messaging, and communications planning for executive leadership.
• Understanding of issues and trends in public higher education.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Communicating with others to exchange information.

• Lead the development of presidential communications, including speeches, scripts, letters, op-eds and media quotes, internal and external memos, emails, and other executive materials.
• Develop remarks and talking points for public appearances, events, and special activities involving the President. Work with the Special Events team to support logistics and message coordination as needed.
• Maintain a consistent, approachable, and strategic presidential voice tailored to a wide range of stakeholders and platforms.
• Collaborate with university leadership and subject-matter experts to develop messaging and content for major initiatives, events, and institutional priorities.
• Review and edit sensitive or high-profile communications for accuracy, clarity, accessibility, and tone.
• Ensure presidential communications reflect the President’s priorities and the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, including student success, research and innovation, academic excellence, and community engagement.
• Develop proactive communication strategies to support institutional goals, major initiatives, and key announcements, ensuring alignment with the university’s mission and values.
• Support the planning and execution of major university communications initiatives that involve the President and his strategic priorities, working in partnership with University Brand Strategy & Communications and other colleges, schools, and units as required.
• Work closely with and guide the Communications Specialist as they advance social media strategies and engagement for the President.