The Office of Communications and Marketing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks applications for the position of licensing coordinator on the Trademark & Licensing team. This position supports the university's trademark licensing program by reviewing branded product requests, managing approvals, assisting campus partners, and ensuring compliance with university brand standards.

The Licensing Coordinator supports the Office of Brand Partnerships and Licensing by serving as a key resource for university trademark licensing and brand management. This position works closely with campus departments, student organizations, licensees, and external partners to facilitate the approval of branded products, ensure compliance with university licensing standards, and promote proper use of the university's trademarks. The Licensing Coordinator also provides outstanding customer service while helping protect and strengthen the university's brand.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Graphic Design, Sport Management, or a related field

• Experience: At least two years of professional experience in a university trademark licensing program, retail operation, and/or athletic program environment

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Knowledge of graphic arts, brand management, and trademark or intellectual property principles

  • Ability to interpret and consistently apply university policies and brand standards

  • Ability to evaluate non-routine requests and exercise sound independent judgment

  • Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders

  • Ability to quickly learn and effectively use technology systems

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 with some hybrid work schedule flexibility

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR11

• 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:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

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.

• Review and approve internal requests for university-branded promotional products through the licensing management system

• Manage artwork approvals, providing feedback to ensure compliance with university branding and licensing requirements

• Generate and review licensing sales and royalty reports

• Collaborate with licensing leadership, athletics, and licensed vendors to resolve issues and improve the licensing experience

• Serve as a subject matter expert on university trademark and licensing standards by providing guidance to campus departments, student organizations, and external partners

• Respond to licensing inquiries and assist customers in identifying approved vendors for branded merchandise

• Manage the Community Connect Crafter Program, including reviewing and processing local crafter agreements

• Serve as the primary contact for general licensing inquiries received by phone and email

• Draft and distribute one-time licensing agreements, memorial requests, cake requests, and related licensing documentation

• Monitor local retail for potential trademark infringement in collaboration with the licensing team

• Manage the @Vol_Gear social media accounts to promote licensed retailers and university-branded merchandise