The Tennessee RiverLine is seeking a creative and dynamic Communications Manager to lead content creation and digital communications effort for a regional initiative transforming the Tennessee River landscape into a connected system of outdoor recreation experiences. This role creates visual and written content, manages day-to-day digital communications, and supports media relations and events to share impact and engage diverse audiences. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a passion for storytelling, brand building, and audience engagement, and who is inspired by the opportunity to connect communities, celebrate regional heritage, and promote outdoor recreation experiences.
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
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for event coverage
Knowledge of digital accessibility standards (WCAG) as they apply to social media, email, and web content (or willingness to learn)
Ability to work collaboratively with a small, mission-driven team and independently manage execution of assigned work with minimal day-to-day direction
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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
WorkLocation
Location: Knoxville, TN or within the RiverLine service area (communities along the Tennessee River)
Compensation and Benefits
UT market range: 08
Anticipated hiring range: $60,000-$70,000
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions
Please submit an application and below attachments:
Resume
Cover Letter
Transcript showing degree(s) conferred
Content sample (one or more of: graphic design, social media content, video, writing sample, photo set)
To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before Friday, July 31, 2026.
About The College/Department/Division
The Tennessee RiverLine is an initiative of UT Extension, with principal partners UT Knoxville and Tennessee Valley Authority, and aims to create a continuous system of paddling, hiking and biking experiences along the Tennessee River’s 652-mile reach. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond.
