The University of Tennessee is seeking an organized and detail-oriented Partnership Coordinator to join the Brand Partnership team. This role supports the overall mission and goals of the University of Tennessee campus and supports the execution of corporate sponsorship activations on campus. This Partnership Coordinator plays a key part in bringing partnerships to life in meaningful, visible ways for the university community.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree

• 3 years of experience in sponsorship activation, account management, sports management, or marketing

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to conduct themselves with a high level of initiative
• Ability to work independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability and willingness to initiate and maintain personal relationships
• Skilled at being highly organized; able to prioritize and execute multiple tasks
• Skilled at attention to detail
• Ability to maintain a positive, upbeat attitude under pressure
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and home games

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.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN

• This is an onsite position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR09
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

The university offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement plans through the State of Tennessee, generous annual and sick leave accruals, longevity pay, tuition waivers and discounts, and more. Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applicants must apply electronically and submit a cover letter, resume, and the names, email addresses and phone numbers of three references. A minimum of two references should be current or previous supervisors.

About The College/Department/Division

The Office of Communications and Marketing is dedicated to advancing the university’s reputation. Staff members support the institution’s mission and goals, promote its successes and achievements, inform and engage its stakeholders, and ensure the integrity of its brand. We craft audience-focused communications based on data, best-practices, and emerging trends.

The division comprises several cross-functional teams, employing professionals with expertise in design, development, video production, content strategy, feature writing, editing, marketing, media relations, internal communication, and special events.

Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK

Partner Hosting:

• Lead planning & hosting strategy for all partners
• Game day operations - lead role in logistic planning for game day partner hosting including home game football tailgates
• Build itineraries for account visits - coordinating details including timing, meals, transportation needs/considerations, facility access
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders regarding visit details
• Internal - Manage needed details to ensure smooth and client-facing events; communicate timing and place needed calendar holds
• External - communicate visit details in a professional manner including itinerary, meeting expectations, travel details, etc.
• Independently source and develop meeting materials are prepared in a timely manner ahead of account visits. This could include presentation handoffs, promo items, tickets, etc.
• Regularly works to identify partner “bonus” hosting opportunities across campus - example: private astronomy viewing, technology showcase, etc.
• Support event logistics, including partner hosting, game day operations, and campus activations.

Partner Relations:

• Oversee activation for a portfolio of partners, ensuring timely, strategic execution of all project elements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brand partners, university stakeholders, and cross-functional internal teams.
• Oversee timelines, asset tracking, deliverable documentation, and proactive communication with partners.
• Contribute to development of year end recaps, renewal materials, and upsell opportunities in collaboration with leadership.
• Participate in partner status meetings, documenting meeting topics. Send professional recaps to all stakeholders including meeting highlights and follow ups. Also send any pertinent information ahead of any key meetings as meeting prep. Serve as meeting lead, as needed.
• Organize and maintain Strategic Partnerships visual assets including presentations, photos & videos, and documents.
• Apply lessons learned to future partnerships plus facilitating in sharing of best practices/takeaways with campus partnership task force

Internal Collaboration:

• Proactively plan to develop assets that would assist in partnership proposals. Work with UTK creative and design on asset management and storage solutions.
• Develop relationships and communication across campus to ensure support to all campus teams related to foundational support as well as partner projects/deals

Partner Research:

• Regularly research current and potential partners including press releases, social, and product releases.
• Create one-sheeter for Associate Vice Chancellor, Strategic Partnerships & Licensing, and Director, Strategic Partnerships ahead of account meetings
• Communicate any pertinent account news
• Create partner reporting including post-event analysis and recaps, communicating with partners in an effective manner