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 - Manage ongoing website content updates including new pages, blog posts, media library additions, and event calendar population - Ensure all new digital content meets WCAG accessibility standards; flag and address compliance issues as they arise - Support the Director in the new website development process Event Communications and Field Support - Capture photo and video at RiverTowns community events, design exhibits, RiverLine events, and other field opportunities throughout the service area - Create and publish real-time event content (stories, posts, etc.) on social media as appropriate - Provide significant support to the Director in annual conference production, including promotional content creation, registration and attendee communications, signage development, on-site photography and videography, social media coverage during the event, and post-event recap content - Support Awards Ceremony logistics and materials as directed - Develop event-specific promotional content (social media graphics, newsletter features, website event listings) for RiverTowns led community events and organizational events - Assist Director in development of communication tools and resource to be used by RiverTowns partners Media Relations - Draft press releases, media alerts, and media pitches under the Director's direction, ensuring adherence to AP style and organizational voice - Maintain a media archive of coverage for use in reports, presentations, and stakeholder communications - Support the Director in coordinating media interviews, photo requests, and site visits - Research story angles, identify relevant media opportunities, and bring ideas to the Director for consideration Professional Development and Team Mentorship - Supervises communications support staff, which may include graduate/undergraduate student positions, professional staff, interns, and select contractors and/or vendors as needed. - Identifies professional development goals, collaborates with the Director to develop a plan, and identifies resources to achieve those goals. This will be accomplished formally through a formal annual review process and throughout the year as appropriate. - Seek out and engage in professional development and educational opportunities to stay abreast of current trends Special Projects/Other Duties as Assigned - Builds and fosters collaborative relationships across the University and stay abreast of opportunities to tell the Tennessee RiverLine story or garner support - Participates in job search committees and other campus committees as needed Supports other staff members with special projects as needed

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
• Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
• 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

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