The Division of Finance & Administration at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, (UTK) invites applications for the Director of Communications. Reporting the Sr. Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration, the Director of Communications creates and implements the communications strategy for the Division of Finance and Administration, coordinating the efforts of a team of communications professionals distributed throughout the Division. This position is responsible for leading communications staff within the Division to ensure brand and communications are compliant with UTK guidelines.

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!

The Division of Finance & Administration at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, (UTK) invites applications for the Director of Communications. Reporting the Sr. Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration, the Director of Communications creates and implements the communications strategy for the Division of Finance and Administration, coordinating the efforts of a team of communications professionals distributed throughout the Division. This position is responsible for leading communications staff within the Division to ensure brand and communications are compliant with UTK guidelines.

Required Qualifications
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Experience: Five years’ experience leading strategic communications. Supervision experience and demonstrated success managing, supporting, and motivating staff.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Advanced knowledge in developing high-level content strategy, messaging, and marketing/communications plans.
• Exceptional interpersonal and management skills.
• Keen attention to written and visual details.
• Ability to effectively manage direct reports.
• Ability to manage conflicting demands while maintaining flexibility and a positive demeanor.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to articulate complex messages.
Preferred Qualifications
• Education: Master’s degree
• Experience: Experience in a strategic communications role in higher education
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Work Location
• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Onsite
Compensation and Benefits
• UT market range: MR15
• Anticipated hiring range: $115,000 - $125,000
• 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
• List of 3 Professional References

- Develop marketing and communications vision and content strategy, including identification of target audiences, development of key messages, distribution through relevant channels, and measurement of results.
- Facilitate organizational alignment and present to leadership when appropriate.
- Serve on the Vice Chancellor's leadership team and provide counsel on strategic initiatives and marketing/communications planning.
- Lead special projects.
- Provide leadership, training, and mentorship to employees across the division.
- Ensure effective management within the communications and marketing function.

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