Job Description

The Manager of Strategic Engagement serves as a key strategic partner to the Senior Vice Provost of Student Success (VPSS), supporting executive communications, brand management, and high-impact engagement initiatives. This role functions as the “voice and lens” of the VPSS, advancing divisional priorities through thoughtful storytelling, event strategy, and real-time engagement support. The position requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, creativity, and responsiveness in a fast-paced, highly visible environment.

Executive Communications & Brand Management

• Draft, edit, and coordinate speeches, talking points, correspondence, and formal remarks on behalf of the VPSS.
• Manage the VPSS’s professional voice and presence, including oversight of email communications and message alignment.
• Ensure consistency in tone, messaging, and strategic positioning across all executive communications.
• Serve as a liaison for communications-related requests, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and standards.

Strategic Content Development & Digital Storytelling

• Develop and execute content that highlights the VPSS’s leadership, engagement, and impact.

• Capture and produce real-time content (photography, video, social media) that reflects authentic, human-centered moments.

• Manage the VPSS’s social media presence, ensuring timely, engaging, and strategic storytelling.

• Partner with divisional and campus communicators to amplify messaging.

Event Strategy, Planning & Executive Engagement

• Lead planning and execution of high-profile events and initiatives (e.g., Vol Voices, Orange Dash, and similar programs).
• Coordinate and support smaller, high-touch engagement opportunities, including hosted events and stakeholder gatherings.
• Accompany the VPSS to events to provide real-time communication support, capture content, and manage logistics.
• Document key discussions, track follow-ups, and support meaningful stakeholder engagement

Team Collaboration & Operational Support

• Supervise and mentor student interns, supporting both program execution and professional development.
• Collaborate closely with the Lead Director, Chief of Staff, and Administrative Coordinator to ensure alignment between strategy and execution.
• Contribute to a cohesive, high-functioning team environment.
• Support additional initiatives and special projects as assigned.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in

    Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in a brand management or public relations role.

  • Proven success in effectively managing and creating content for social media

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

  • Strong organizational and project management abilities

  • High level of discretion and professionalism

  • Creative storytelling and digital content development

  • Exceptional social media experience, specifically with Instagram and LinkedIn

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

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

• Experience:

  • Experience directly managing a brand digitally

  • Event planning experience

  • Experience in higher education

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR09

• Anticipated hiring range: Minimum $60,000

• 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. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• List of 3 Professional References

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!