The Communications & Marketing Associate supports the development and execution of communications and marketing initiatives for the Institute of American Civics (IAC). Reporting to the Executive Director, this position collaborates with cross-functional team members to support the Institute’s public visibility, academic programming, and civic engagement initiatives.

This role coordinates content development, digital communications, event promotion, and project tracking in alignment with university policies and brand standards. The position contributes to promoting lectures, conferences, student programs, scholarly initiatives, and external partnerships that support the Institute’s mission.

Required Qualifications

• Education and/Experience: Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.

• At least one year of general experience in communications, marketing, or digital content. Experience can be gained within paid or unpaid internships as well as volunteer work.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of communications standards and branding principles.

• Familiarity with social media analytics and engagement metrics.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within a higher education 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

• Preferred experience using project management platforms (e.g., ClickUp) and social media management tools (e.g., Sprout Social) preferred.

• Preferred familiarity with event management software (e.g., Bizzabo, Cvent, or Eventbrite)

• Preferred familiarity with IAC content areas including American history, government, and civics.

• Professional experience supporting communications, marketing, or digital content initiatives preferred.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR07

• Anticipated hiring range: $50,000-$60,0000

• 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.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is the state’s flagship research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, it is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement with society.

The Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs was established in 2023 to honor the distinguished life and legacy of Howard H. Baker Jr., a former U.S. Senator, Senate Majority Leader, White House Chief of Staff, and Ambassador to Japan. Located in a 51,000-square-foot purpose-built facility, the Baker School evolved from the Baker Center, which for over twenty years has operated as a leading think tank producing research, public engagement programming, and student-focused initiatives.

The Institute of American Civics (IAC) is a core component of the Baker School’s mission, advancing civic education, civil discourse, and public engagement. Through academic programs, research initiatives, and statewide outreach, the IAC works to strengthen civic knowledge, promote viewpoint diversity, and foster constructive dialogue across differences. Its growing portfolio includes undergraduate programming, K–12 teacher professional development, and public-facing events designed to connect scholarship with practice and support a more informed and engaged citizenry.

We are a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven team dedicated to advancing research, education, and public service that addresses real-world challenges at the local, state, national, and global levels. As a fast-growing and evolving organization, we value innovation, teamwork, and the contributions of each team member in moving the Baker School forward.

Communications & Content Development

• Drafts newsletters, announcements, press materials, and promotional content.

• Edits and formats communications to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance with university and Institute branding standards.

• Develops content for print and digital distribution, including brochures, flyers, and web materials.

• Conducts research to support feature stories and program promotion.

Digital & Media Support

• Develops and maintains social media calendars aligned with Institute programming.

• Creates and publishes content across platforms, monitors engagement, and tracks performance metrics.

• Utilizes tools such as Sprout Social and ClickUp (or similar systems) to manage campaigns and deliverables.

• Updates website content to reflect current programs and initiatives.

• Captures and curates photo and video content for digital use.

Event & Program Marketing

• Assists internal teams in designing marketing campaigns for Institute programs.

• Develops presentation materials and visual assets aligned with brand standards.

• Supports marketing timelines to ensure event-related communications are delivered on schedule.

Operational & Logistical Support

• Coordinates print production and vendor communications.

• Tracks project timelines and maintains organized digital archives of marketing materials.