Leads high-level communications strategy, planning and execution support primarily for the University of Tennessee System Division of Academic Affairs, Research and Student Success (AARSS). This position serves as the primary communications account lead for AARSS and is responsible for planning, developing and delivering integrated, multi-channel communications and marketing strategies and content that advance system priorities.
This role requires a strong writer and strategic communicator capable of translating complex academic, research and student success initiatives into clear, compelling messaging for a wide variety of audiences. The position requires a high degree of independent judgment and the ability to shape communications strategy, campaign direction, messaging and creative approach across deliverables. This role serves in an advisory capacity to division leadership on communications strategy, messaging and risk considerations, including support for issues and crisis communications as needed.
The assistant director reports to and provides key strategic support to the director of communications and works closely with senior system and campus partners to ensure messaging alignment, consistency and impact. Responsibilities include media relations support, executive-level writing, campaign development, web and content strategy, and oversight of communications workflows and student interns. This position requires flexibility, strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple high-visibility priorities in a fast-paced, complex environment.
Responsibilities include media relations support, executive-level writing, campaign development, web and content strategy, and oversight of communications workflows and student interns. This position requires flexibility, strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple high-visibility priorities in a fast-paced, complex environment.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Strategic Communications and Campaign Leadership
- Serve as the primary communications account lead for AARSS, managing intake, prioritization, timelines and deliverables
- Develop and execute integrated, multi-channel communications strategies aligned with UT System priorities
- Translate complex academic, research and student success initiatives into clear, compelling narratives for a variety of audiences
- Provide communications and marketing support for AARSS-led special events and initiatives
- Provide strategic communications support to AARSS leadership, including messaging, timing, audience targeting and risk considerations
- Lead campaign development from concept through execution and evaluation
Serves in an advisory capacity to division leadership on communications strategy, messaging and risk considerations, including support for issues and crisis communications as needed
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Writing, Content Development and Executive Communications
- Lead the planning, writing, editing and production of communications content for AARSS, including
executive communications, speeches, talking points, news releases, web content, social media and feature stories
- Develop high-quality content for publications, presentations, web platforms and system-wide reports
- Synthesize complex data, initiatives and program outcomes into clear, audience-ready narratives
- Ensure consistency of voice, clarity of message and alignment with UT System brand standards across
high-visibility communications
Media Relations, Digital Strategy and Institutional Communications
- Support and advise on media outreach, including pitching stories, responding to inquiries and coordinating messaging with system leadership
- Analyze digital performance, media engagement and earned media value to assess effectiveness and refine messaging and channel strategy
- Develop and maintain AARSS internal and external web content, ensuring accuracy, accessibility and alignment with institutional priorities
- Apply digital content best practices, including SEO, accessibility standards (ADA Title II) and audience engagement strategies
- Partner with communications and social media staff to ensure cohesive storytelling across platforms
Provide support for issues management and crisis communications, including message development and coordination with leadership
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Project Management, Stakeholder Coordination and Team Support
- Manage communications intake and workflow processes, ensuring prioritization, clarity of expectations and timely delivery
- Develop and manage project plans, timelines and priorities for initiatives and deliverables
- Coordinate across design, digital, events and data visualization teams to execute high-impact communications initiatives
- Serve as key liaison between AARSS, UT System Division of Communications and Marketing, and campus communications teams to align messaging
- Supervise, assign work to and mentor student employees/interns, including work planning, quality review and professional development
- Develop templates, workflows and standards to improve efficiency and consistency of communications output
Successful candidate will hold a Bachelors degree in a relevant field, such as communications, public relations, advertising/marketing, journalism, or English and will have 5–7 years of relevant professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism or a related strategic communications role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional skills, experiences and qualifications include:
- Understanding of, appreciation for, and commitment to the Be One UT values
- Uncompromised integrity and ethics
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to reach diverse audiences
- Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail with the proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Excellent writing and editorial skills with exceptional knowledge of Associated Press Style
- Demonstrated experience in media relations, strategic message development and advising leadership
- Ability to translate complex academic, research and policy content into accessible communications
- Strong project management, cross-team coordination and prioritization skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use data to improve communications effectiveness
- Strong relationship management skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with executive-level leadership
- Ability to develop and execute multi-channel communications campaigns
- Experience writing in multiple formats, including executive communications, speeches, talking points, news releases, web content and social media
- Ability to remain calm, professional and solution-oriented in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and adapt quickly to changing priorities
- Ability to delegate work effectively and provide clear direction to student employees or interns
- Knowledge of digital accessibility requirements (ADA Title II compliance)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related communications tools (Adobe or equivalent preferred)
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive institutional information appropriately
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Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Experience in higher education or large, complex organizational environments
- Experience developing and using communications metrics and performance dashboards
- Experience with web content strategy, SEO or digital engagement practices
- Experience managing executive leadership communications
- Experience managing special events
Experience supporting issues management or crisis communications
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Application Process:
For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Benefits and Compensation:
Compensation for the position is budgeted for $60,000 to $70,000
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee's benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/
