Assistant Director of Communications, Division of Communications and Marketing - UT System Administration

About the Role

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, responsible for planning, developing, and delivering integrated, multi-channel communications and marketing strategies and content that advance system priorities. The 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 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

• 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 diverse audiences.
• Provide communications and marketing support for AARSS-led special events and initiatives.
• Offer strategic communications support to AARSS leadership, including messaging, timing, audience targeting, and risk considerations.
• Lead campaign development from concept through execution and evaluation.
• Advise division leadership on communications strategy, messaging, and risk considerations, including issues and crisis communications.
• Plan, write, edit, and produce communications content, 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as communications, public relations, advertising/marketing, journalism, or English.
• 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.

Skills

• 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.
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills with 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

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.
• No state income tax for Tennessee residents.

For more information, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/.

Pay

Compensation for the position is budgeted for $60,000 to $70,000.