The newly launched NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins (CosmicAI) seeks a part-time (50% Full Time Equivalent) communications director to manage all aspects of internal and public-facing communications.
The Communications Director will play a key role in managing communications for the CosmicAI Institute, enhance the Institute’s public presence, and contribute to promoting the Institute’s groundbreaking work for a variety of audiences. This position is based at the NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins, which is housed in the Oden Institute at UT Austin.
Responsibilities
Website Management: Oversee the design and maintenance of the CosmicAI website. Ensure content is current, accessible, and engaging for a broad audience, from researchers to the public. Assist the Managing Director in working with web developers and designers to enhance user experience and implement new features.
Content Creation: Develop and curate written, visual, and multimedia content for the website, newsletters, social media channels, press releases, and other promotional materials as well as monitor and analyze social media performance using analytics tools, adjusting strategies as needed.
Promotional Material & Swag: Design and purchase branded swag and promotional materials for outreach events, including conferences, seminars, and public engagement.
Conference & Event Support: Organize and manage CosmicAI’s booth presence at conferences. Assist in promoting and organizing events, seminars, workshops, and conferences hosted by the CosmicAI institute. Coordinate logistics, staffing, and material preparation to ensure seamless execution and high attendee engagement.
Public Communication: Manage communication channels, including email newsletters, public inquiries, and Slack. Ensure timely and professional responses. Represent the CosmicAI institute at university functions, community events, and industry conferences.
Branding & Graphic Design: Ensure cohesive and visually appealing branding across all institute communications, from web to print and digital materials.
Press & Media Coordination: Assist the Directors with press and media outlets to promote research findings, upcoming events, and key announcements.
This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Required Qualifications
Education qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a communications, marketing, or media related field. Experience or a portfolio in the field may compensate for education qualifications.
A strong eye for design and branding with an ability to design promotional materials and manage vendor relationships.
Excellent writing and technical media design and communications skills for varied audiences and scientific or public policy topics.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain effective positive and cooperative relationships with a varied group of internal/external stakeholders in higher education, campus and broader scientific community.
Experience with website design and content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace).
Experience with event coordination or conference management. Advanced skills in calendaring, AV equipment, and advanced knowledge of or experience in social media management and strategies for increasing engagement.
Comfortable using communication platforms such as Slack, Constant Contact/MailChimp, and Google Workspace.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously combined with attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
Ability to travel periodically to meetings and workshops.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in or communicating complex topics related to science, AI, or astrophysics or a strong curiosity and willingness to learn these topics.
Experience with university-based research concepts, principles, and conduct of research.
Familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) or other graphic design software.
Experience with public relations and working with media outlets.
Knowledge of campus policies and procedures to interpret inquiries and requests to formulate appropriate action or response.
Salary Range
$46,000+ depending on qualifications and experience, 50% FTE (equivalent to $92,000 FTE)
Required Materials
Resume
Cover letter
Contact information for three references; at least one should be a supervisor.