Communications Coordinator - Division of Access and Engagement - UTK

The Division of Access and Engagement seeks a strategic communications professional with exceptional expertise to serve as Communications Coordinator. This position requires the exercise of advanced professional judgment in a dynamic and collaborative environment while making substantial contributions to organizational success and divisional strategic objectives. The Communications Coordinator applies sophisticated writing expertise, editorial judgment, and strategic communications planning to independently develop integrated content strategies, manage comprehensive marketing campaigns, cultivate meaningful stakeholder relationships, and advance the division's reputation with diverse audiences. This role demands the ability to work consultatively with senior division leadership and high-level campus partners, exercise significant discretion in content development and strategic messaging, navigate complex institutional and political dynamics with minimal direction, interpret ambiguous communication challenges, and apply advanced professional standards to achieve measurable communication outcomes that support divisional and institutional priorities.

Responsibilities

Strategic Content Development and Editorial Leadership (60%)

• Exercises independent professional judgment in developing comprehensive content strategies that advance divisional communication objectives, enhance institutional reputation, and engage diverse internal and external audiences across multiple platforms.

• Writes and edits sophisticated news stories, articles, and feature pieces that are accurate, compelling, and strategically aligned with divisional goals, independently determining appropriate messaging frameworks, narrative approaches, tone, style, and platform optimization for varied audiences including prospective students, current students, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and community partners.

• Conducts in-depth interviews and research independently, identifying authoritative sources, gathering complex information, navigating sensitive topics, and synthesizing technical or specialized material into accessible, engaging content that serves both informational and strategic purposes.

• Applies advanced professional editorial standards and judgment to ensure all content adheres to university style guidelines, AP style, and institutional messaging priorities, making discretionary decisions about content quality, accuracy, fairness, appropriateness, strategic alignment, and potential institutional sensitivities.

Integrated Marketing Strategy and Campaign Management (20%)

• Develops and executes sophisticated, integrated email marketing campaigns to advance divisional initiatives and institutional priorities, exercising strategic professional judgment in determining campaign objectives, audience segmentation strategies, messaging frameworks, timing optimization, and multi-touch engagement approaches.

• Creates compelling, strategically crafted email copy and engaging subject lines, applying advanced expertise in digital marketing principles, persuasive communication, behavioral psychology, and audience analysis to maximize open rates, click-through rates, and desired audience actions.

• Independently monitors and analyzes comprehensive campaign performance metrics across multiple dimensions, interpreting complex data to generate actionable insights, identify trends and patterns, assess ROI, and develop evidence-based recommendations that continuously improve communication effectiveness and resource allocation.

Social Media Strategy, Community Management, and Digital Engagement (10%)

• Develops and implements comprehensive social media strategies that enhance the division's digital presence, build engaged online communities, and support institutional goals, exercising professional judgment in platform selection, content planning, voice and tone development, and audience engagement approaches.

• Creates, curates, and manages published content across social media platforms with emphasis on LinkedIn, independently determining posting schedules, content mix, visual presentation, messaging approaches, hashtag strategies, and engagement tactics that align with divisional goals and audience preferences.

• Monitors social media trends, platform algorithm changes, competitor activities, and audience engagement patterns, making strategic adjustments to improve organic reach, engagement quality, follower growth, and communication effectiveness.

Strategic Partnership and Professional Leadership (10%)

• Works collaboratively with divisional team members to produce high-quality integrated communications, contributing strategic expertise and serving as subject matter expert in content strategy, storytelling, audience engagement, and digital communications while providing additional support in website development, design, photography, and videography as needed.

• Serves as strategic communications consultant and thought partner to marketing and communications colleagues across campus, coordinating integrated efforts, aligning messaging and visual approaches, sharing professional expertise, and contributing to university-wide communication initiatives and crisis communication planning.

• Exercises leadership in elevating divisional communication practices, identifying opportunities for innovation, recommending process improvements, and championing best practices in digital communication, content strategy, and audience engagement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree

• Experience:

  • Proven experience as a writer, journalist, or in a similar role. Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

  • Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and email marketing tools.

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services

  • Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and proper sentence structure

  • Knowledge of university policies, procedures, and organizational structure

  • Knowledge of news writing and feature writing styles

  • Skill in conducting research and fact-checking information

  • Skill in using word processing software and content management systems

  • Skill in writing for diverse audiences (e.g., students, staff, alumni)

  • Skill in adapting writing style to different platforms (e.g., web, print, social media)

  • Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously

  • Ability to work collaboratively with university departments and stakeholders

  • Knowledge of email marketing tools and techniques

  • Knowledge of SEO principles and best practices for digital content

  • Skill in interviewing subjects and gathering information from various sources

  • Ability to review and implement communication feedback for written work

  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

  • Exceptional organizational abilities.

  • Knowledge of social media best practices.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

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

• Education:

  • Master's degree in journalism, communications, English, marketing, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • Proficiency in using content management systems (CMS).

  • Experience with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR 09

• Anticipated hiring range: $54,000 - $56,000

• 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

• Sample portfolio of your work. The portfolio could include PDFs, hyperlinks, and/or image files. When uploading images or work samples, please include clear labeling that includes your first and last name.

About The College/Department/Division

The Division of Access and Engagement impacts the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s strategic vision through access, belonging, a culture of respect, and community. We support academic access, foster community partnerships, and promote merit-based student success. In addition to our alignment with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s mission, we are aligned with the UT System's aspirational statement.

“We are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. Consistent with the University’s commitment to high academic standards, student achievement, and the preparation of responsible citizens, we believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth. Our collective strengths make us stronger, and we are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the University community feel welcome, can thrive, and achieve success.”

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!