Responsibilities

• Leads high-level communications strategy, planning and execution support primarily for the University of Tennessee System Division of Academic Affairs, Research and Student Success (AARSS). This position serves as the primary communications account lead for AARSS and is responsible for planning, developing and delivering integrated, multi-channel communications and marketing strategies and content that advance system priorities.
• Responsibilities include media relations support, executive-level writing, campaign development, web and content strategy, and oversight of communications workflows and student interns.
• 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 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.
• 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

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.