Assistant Director of Communications, Division of Communications and Marketing - UT System Administration

Knoxville, TN (On-site)

$60K/yr – $70K/yrSenior Level5+ years expFull time

Posted 12 days ago

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Job Summary

Own leadership of AARSS communications across campaigns, executive writing, media relations, and digital strategy, coordinating cross‑functional teams and mentoring student interns.

  • Primary account lead for AARSS communications.
  • Develop and execute integrated, multi‑channel campaigns aligned with UT System priorities.
  • Oversee workflows, intern mentoring, and cross‑team collaboration.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Media relations support, executive-level writing, campaign development, web and content strategy, and oversight of communications workflows and student interns.
  • This position requires flexibility, strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple high-visibility priorities in a fast-paced, complex environment.
  • Strategic Communications and Campaign Leadership
  • - Serve as the primary communications account lead for AARSS, managing intake, prioritization, timelines and deliverables
  • - Develop and execute integrated, multi-channel communications strategies aligned with UT System priorities
  • - Translate complex academic, research and student success initiatives into clear, compelling narratives for a variety of audiences
  • - Provide communications and marketing support for AARSS-led special events and initiatives
  • - Provide strategic communications support to AARSS leadership, including messaging, timing, audience targeting and risk considerations
  • - Lead campaign development from concept through execution and evaluation
  • - Serves in an advisory capacity to division leadership on communications strategy, messaging and risk considerations, including support for issues and crisis communications as needed

Requirements

  • Successful candidate will hold a Bachelors degree 4 in a relevant field, such as communications, public relations, advertising/marketing, journalism, or English and will have 5–7 years of relevant professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism or a related strategic communications role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Additional Skills, Experiences And Qualifications Include - Understanding of, appreciation for, and commitment to the Be One UT values - Uncompromised integrity and ethics - Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to reach diverse audiences - Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail with the proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities - Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment - Excellent writing and editorial skills with exceptional knowledge of Associated Press Style - Demonstrated experience in media relations, strategic message development and advising leadership - Ability to translate complex academic, research and policy content into accessible communications - Strong project management, cross-team coordination and prioritization skills - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use data to improve communications effectiveness - Strong relationship management skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with executive-level leadership - Ability to develop and execute multi-channel communications campaigns - Experience writing in multiple formats, including executive communications, speeches, talking points, news releases, web content and social media - Ability to remain calm, professional and solution-oriented in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations - Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and adapt quickly to changing priorities - Ability to delegate work effectively and provide clear direction to student employees or interns - Knowledge of digital accessibility requirements (ADA Title II compliance) - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related communications tools (Adobe or equivalent preferred) - Ability to manage confidential and sensitive institutional information appropriately

Preferred

  • Experience in higher education or large, complex organizational environments
  • Experience developing and using communications metrics and performance dashboards
  • Experience with web content strategy, SEO or digital engagement practices
  • Experience managing executive leadership communications
  • Experience managing special events
  • Experience supporting issues management or crisis communications

Benefits

  • The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax.
University of Tennessee System logo

University of Tennessee System

The University of Tennessee System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Space Institute at Tullahoma; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service.The UT System has a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations and citizens statewide.

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
179 employees (16 in marketing)

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