Job Description

Reporting to the Strategic Project Manager, the Communications Coordinator’s primary purpose is to manage communications initiatives for both departments and achieve communication strategic goals. This position will ensure compliance with department and university communication guidelines and policies and will ensure the department adheres to all branding guidelines.

Content Creation and Communication Management

• Develop, implement, and manage the communications, brand, and social media strategy for Finance & Administration and HR. This will include developing a plan and content calendar for communication events and priorities, and an overall internal and external strategy.
• Coordinate and revise content and stories for web, digital, and print publications.
• Publish departmental newsletters with relevant information and strategies
• Review, revise, and make corrections to materials prior to submittal for publication or other communication mediums.
• Monitor metrics and trends to analyze the impact and effectiveness of efforts and pivot strategy if/when needed.
• Evaluate audience needs in order to improve effectiveness of communications.
• Create original content, graphics and digital collateral consistent with branding standards to promote events/departments.
• Follow communications standards and integrate the university's Strategic Vision when planning actionable communication plans.

Web Development

• Maintain information on external sites for F&A and HR.
• Create new and update existing web pages including developing content management systems to ensure consistency of division brand, building navigation systems to ensure usability and accessibility, and creating digital media content.
• Collaborate with web team for digital mapping and to stay consistent with branding standard.
• Ensure voice and identity is shared with external audience while considering key messages and brand guidelines.

Supervising Staff

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, training, and evaluation of a Communications employee.
• Ensure department details are shared with the team and collaborating staff members.
• Develop a strong team and consistent communication with the team and department leadership.

Campus Partner

• Work with AVC and F&A and AVC of HR to develop long-term communications planning.
• Serves as a lead communicator for campus-wide communications initiatives. Serves as a point of contact within Finance & Administration and HR for the central Office of Communications and Marketing. Ensures communications are consistent with campus-wide communications plans and campaigns.
• Engage with campus communications network keeping updated on the latest key messages from Office of Communication and Marking while developing a professional network on behalf of departments.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.

Experience: 3 years of related professional experience.

In lieu of related degree field, 5 years of related professional experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Writing/designing communications plans
• Advising departments or leaders in the area of communications strategy
• Writing for both internal and external constituency
• Website/social media content, presentations, announcements, event and print content.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• WordPress and SharePoint
• MailChimp
• Communications experience in higher education
• Supervisory/leadership experience in a professional setting

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to produce polished, audience-specific content
• Proficient in data analytics
• Extensive knowledge in email marketing platforms
• Understanding of university governance, structure, and stakeholders

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR10
• Anticipated hiring range: $64,000 - $70,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

The office encompasses the operating units of Budget & Finance, The Bursar’s Office, Enterprise Resource Planning, Shared Services, and University Contracts. The AVC for F&A is responsible for implementing the day-to-day procedures while referring to fiscal policies set at the System level. The units serve as a central resource of financial information for the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration. Each unit provides a critical function under the AVC for management, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and service to the university’s students, staff, faculty, and community.

The Office of Human Resources serves as the hub for UT employees, overseeing day-to-day operations on campus, as well as the well-being and development of the UT family. The unit manages recruitment, onboarding, training, performance evaluation, employee relations, personnel data, and so much more. Additionally, HR handles benefits administration and creates a positive workplace culture by fostering collaboration and addressing employee concerns.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!