Job Details

Writer - Speechwriter

Position Number: 6356469
Location: El Paso, TX
Position Type: Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

Writer - Speechwriter

Job ID: 13685
Location: El Paso, TX
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About UTEP

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.

UTEP is America's leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 85% of our 25,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

Position Information

Hiring Department: Marketing & Communications

Posting End Date: Open until filled. This posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Hours: 40 hours per week, standard Monday- Friday, flexibility is required on evenings and weekends for this position.

FLSA status: Exempt

Earliest Start Date: 8/4/2025

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Required Application Materials:

Resume
Cover Letter
List of three references
Applicants are required to submit three writing samples that have been produced in a professional capacity. Samples can include speeches, articles, press releases, meeting briefs, or similar. The samples should be no longer than 2,000 words in length.

The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents' performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents' immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver's license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.

Purpose of Position

The Speechwriter works with the media relations team within the Division of Marketing and Communications to support the University President and other University executives in researching and drafting executive communications. The focus is on researching and writing speeches that reinforce key University messages in support of the University's strategic plan and mission. The speechwriter will possess an excellent command of writing for public performance and be able to adapt to the preferred tone and style of the executive they are writing for. The speechwriter reports to the Assistant Vice President for Media Relations and the Vice President of Marketing and Communications and works closely with the President's staff to deliver engaging and relevant materials in a timely fashion.

Essential Functions

Plan and draft verbatim speeches and talking points for presentations by the President and other key University executives.

Draft and edit internal and external presidential communications.

Plan and produce creative content for the President's social media accounts weekly.

Work with the Media Relations team to showcase the President and key executives through earned media that promotes the University's mission.

Coordinate with other team members in Marketing and Communications in the creation of communication materials (presentation decks, fact sheets, etc.) that support the President's executive communications and presentations.

Support the Media Relations team by drafting press releases and other materials that showcase the University's strengths.

Support the Media Relations team by assisting with the coordination of media events.

Work with the Vice President and others to develop innovative language to articulate the University's mission and key messages.

Provide other writing support for Marketing and Communications as needed.

Flexibility to work after hours and on weekends for special events (Commencement, etc.).

Complies with all State and University policies.

Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisor responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in journalism, writing, English, composition, communications, public relations, or related fields.

and

Experience: Three years of experience in communications and/or writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

Specific experience with executive speechwriting highly preferred

Professional bilingual ability with Spanish highly preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written)

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to produce creative, succinct and meaningful content for a variety of platforms and audiences

Strong writing and editing skills, including familiarity with various style manuals (AP, Chicago Manual of Style, etc.)

Proactive, creative, action-oriented and willing to immerse themselves in the University environment to develop written communication products.

Capacity to work efficiently across a range of subject areas, while multitasking and meeting

Additional Information

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 50 pounds.

The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.

In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.

To apply, visit https://zahr-prd-candidate-ada.utshare.utsystem.edu/psp/ZAHRPRDADA/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=2&JobOpeningId=13685&PostingSeq=1