Director of Integrated Planning, Office of Communications and Marketing - UTK

The Director of Integrated Planning will lead a team of integrated communicators, who together will serve as the primary liaisons between the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) and campus communications leaders. The Director will work to advance the University of Tennessee’s reputation and mission through collaboration with colleges and other campus units. The Director will lead a team that works collaboratively with campus partners to foster relationships, facilitate meaningful two-way communication, and partner on ongoing engagement efforts across the university. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Integrated Communications, the Director will work closely with campus departments to streamline and improve communication efforts university-wide, ensuring shared goals and priorities are met. 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! Required Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field required with 8+ years of applicable experienceKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong knowledge of institutional marketing strategies including strategic communications, messaging, branding, and media relations.Exceptional interpersonal skills to build relationships, engage partners, foster trust, co-develop solutions, and advocate for institutional priorities.Ability to create data-driven, goal-oriented communications plans that align with shared priorities.Proven ability to lead and develop teams, foster collaboration, and support a culture of accountability and innovation.Ability to problem-solve and work across cross-functional teams to identify solutions, streamline efforts, and co-create effective communication strategies. Strong organizational skills; ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment while maintaining creativity and attention to detail.Knowledge and experience operating both strategically (planning) and tactically (executing real-time content).Proven project management ability; skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and prioritize effectively.Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and integrity.Work Location Knoxville, TNThis is an onsite position with some hybrid work schedule flexibilityCompensation and Benefits UT market range: MR15Find more information on the UT Market Range structure hereThe 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 hereApplication Instructions To express interest, please apply via the University's application portal and include a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without the candidate's explicit permission. To receive full consideration, completed applications and all requested materials should be submitted on or before August 30, 2026. For confidential inquiries or nominations, please contact Anthony Lanagan, Executive Recruiter, at View email address on click.appcast.io 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 UTKStrategy & PlanningLead the Integrated Planning team in building strong partnerships with college and campus units, working collaboratively to understand their goals and priorities and provide strategic tailored support.Drive the creation of integrated communications solutions, engaging colleges and departments as key partners to increase transparency, clarify roles, and strengthen alignment between OCM and campus teams.Lead collaboration efforts with campus partners to develop and maintain an integrated planning calendar that reflects shared priorities and facilitates clear and proactive communication across colleges and departments.Build two-way communications structures to support marketing and communications leaders across the university.Serve as an internal expert on communications and marketing, offering guidance on sound strategy, effective techniques, best practices, and evaluating results. Act as a resource for the university community, helping campus partners address shared challenges, develop joint initiatives, and troubleshoot communication issues.Collaborative Communications LeaderLead a team of project managers to track and monitor marketing and communications campaigns across the university, helping to ensure they meet shared goals.Ensure campus partners have easy access to OCM resources and opportunities to provide input, fostering a collaborative and responsive relationship.Build and maintain a central roster of approved vendor contracts to help campus partners in their communications and marketing efforts and plans.Develop and manage the university's best practices and processes for key messaging and content development across formats and platforms, including talking points, speeches, presentations, news articles, digital communications, social media, website strategy, and multimedia content, ensuring campus teams are aligned and engaged through regular meetings and ongoing updates.Advise campus partners on emerging issues, coordination of joint announcements, and support for cross-university initiatives that promote cohesive messaging, brand voice, and storytelling.Team LeadershipManage a team of full-time employees, providing direction on daily tasks, goal setting, prioritization, deadlines, and professional development.Foster a collaborative team culture that emphasizes collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, with a focus on supporting campus partners’ needs.Represent OCM on select committees, task forces, and ad hoc meetings to advocate for integrated planning initiatives and campus collaboration.Full timePosting Date: 2026-08-07