Communications Manager - Tennessee RiverLine - UTIA

Knoxville, TN (On-site)

$60K/yr – $70K/yrMid Level2+ years expFull time

Posted 4 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Own content and event communications for a regional river program, shaping social content, field storytelling, and accessible digital publishing with a focus on community events and partner outreach.

  • Digital Content & Social: Lead content creation and visuals, plus calendar execution across social, website, and newsletters.
  • Event & Field Communications: Capture live content at RiverLine events, publish real-time posts, and support conference materials and awards.
  • Accessibility & Website Support: Ensure WCAG compliance, manage media library, and oversee ongoing website updates.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Digital Communications
  • Serve as organization’s primary content developer, producing high quality visual content for use across social media, website, newsletter, media materials, and organizational presentations
  • Create graphics, visual assets, and digital collateral using design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or equivalent)
  • Maintain library of photos, videos, and graphics
  • Develop campaigns and write compelling social media copy tailored to audience, platform, and goal
  • Execute the social media content calendar developed in collaboration with the Director, ensuring consistent publication cadence and strategic alignment with organizational goals
  • Monitor platform performance, engage with community comments and messages, and respond to inquiries as appropriate
  • Compile and report monthly social media analytics to inform strategy adjustments
  • Stay current on social media platform changes, emerging formats, and best practices in outdoor recreation, tourism, and nonprofit communications
  • Lead newsletter production from content development to send, ensuring accessibility compliance and management of distribution lists

Requirements

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Digital Media, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field
  • Experience: 2-4 years of professional experience in digital communications, social media management, content creation, or a directly related communications role, including demonstrated experience in photography and video content creation
  • Skill in photography and short-form video production, including proficiency with a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a smartphone camera for field capture
  • Skill in video editing using current tools (CapCut, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent) to produce polished, platform-optimized short-form video content
  • Skill in social media content creation and platform management, with demonstrated ability to grow engagement and reach
  • Skill in writing clear, compelling copy for digital audiences across varying tones and formats
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines independently with strong organizational skills
  • Knowledge of graphic design principles and proficiency with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent design tools
  • Ability to travel to communities and events throughout the Tennessee River Valley region; valid driver’s license required
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for event coverage

Preferred

  • Knowledge of media relations practices, including AP style writing, press release development, and media pitching
  • Knowledge of outdoor recreation, water trail, tourism, or conservation subject matter
  • Skill in SEO principles and web analytics interpretation (Google Analytics or equivalent)
  • Knowledge of event communications or event production support
  • Ability to paddle, kayak, or engage in river recreation activities (or willingness to learn)
  • Knowledge of or experience with nonprofit, university extension, or community development organizations
  • Contributes to uplifting team culture and builds relationships with team members
  • Dedicated to conceptual and critical thinking

Benefits

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here
UT Institute of Agriculture logo

UT Institute of Agriculture

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture improves lives in Tennessee and beyond every day. We do this by advancing academic excellence, promoting hands-on learning, delivering discoveries, and serving our communities. Each of our four units is committed to carrying out the land-grant mission to make a contribution to the greater good. UT Extension is the gateway to the University of Tennessee and is the outreach unit of UTIA. With an office in every county in the state, UT Extension advances Tennessee by delivering educational programs and research-based information to address challenges and improve lives at the local, state and national levels. With 10 research and education centers across Tennessee, UT AgResearch advances science through discovery, innovation and application. By harnessing the creative energy of more than 130 faculty, staff and graduate students, UT AgResearch uses basic and applied research to find efficiencies, improve rural life and conserve our natural resources. The UT College of Veterinary Medicine is one of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States. Students select from its wide array of educational opportunities in the art and science of veterinary medicine and related biomedical services. In addition, UTCVM promotes scientific research that enhances human and animal wellbeing. The UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is future-focused, preparing the next generation of leaders who will work to solve the challenges facing an ever-growing world population.

Founded in 1935
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
205 employees (17 in marketing)

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
1.5M
Traffic Source Mix
Search
22.5%
Direct
44.9%
Referral
25.7%
Social
2.9%
Paid
0.1%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~206

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
13 (6% of company)
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
1

Funding

Total Funding
$10K
Last Raise
Grant, 4 years ago

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