Communications Manager - Parking Services - UTK

Job Description

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking a Communications Manager to lead strategic communications for Parking & Transportation. This role is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies that support departmental operations, customer engagement, major initiatives, and service changes while ensuring clear, timely, and effective communication with campus stakeholders.

The Communications Manager serves as the department's primary communications strategist, helping shape messaging related to parking operations, transportation services, mobility initiatives, construction impacts, major events, and customer-facing programs. This position plays a key role in enhancing customer experience, strengthening stakeholder awareness, and supporting operational success through proactive communication and outreach.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Planning

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with departmental priorities and operational initiatives
• Create communication plans for major projects, operational changes, transportation initiatives, and customer service campaigns
• Serve as the primary communications advisor to Parking & Transportation leadership
• Ensure messaging is consistent, accurate, and aligned with university branding and communication standards

Customer Communications & Outreach

• Lead customer-facing communications related to parking permits, enforcement updates, transportation programs, service disruptions, construction impacts, and major campus events
• Develop messaging that clearly communicates complex operational information to diverse audiences
• Support proactive communication efforts that improve awareness, engagement, and customer satisfaction
• Partner with campus stakeholders to coordinate messaging affecting shared audiences

Content Development & Digital Communications

• Develop written content for email campaigns, website updates, announcements, signage, digital messaging, presentations, and customer communications
• Manage departmental website content and digital communication platforms
• Coordinate messaging for social media and other outreach channels as appropriate
• Ensure public-facing communications remain current, accessible, and user-friendly

Event & Operational Communications

• Develop communication strategies for major athletic events, move-in, construction projects, transportation changes, and special initiatives
• Coordinate messaging across internal and external stakeholders during operational changes or service disruptions
• Support crisis or urgent communications as needed in collaboration with university partners

Brand Management, Analytics & Process Improvement

• Maintain communication standards and brand consistency across department materials
• Track communication effectiveness and engagement metrics to inform strategy improvements
• Identify opportunities to improve communication workflows, templates, and customer communication practices
• Support development of reporting and communication performance metrics

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Business, or related field
• Professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or customer engagement
• Strong written communication experience with demonstrated ability to develop professional customer-facing messaging
• Experience managing multiple communication priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, transportation, public sector, or operational service environments
• Experience supporting customer communications for complex service operations
• Experience with website content management systems, email communication platforms, and digital communication tools
• Experience supporting communications for large-scale events or operational changes
• Familiarity with analytics and communication performance measurement

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate operational or technical information into clear, customer-friendly messaging
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with leadership
• Skill in developing strategic communication plans and messaging campaigns
• Ability to remain calm and responsive in fast-moving operational environments
• Strong attention to detail and customer service orientation

Compensation and Benefits

• Classification: Communications & Marketing Professional 1
• UT market range: MR09
• Anticipated hiring range: Commensurate with qualifications.
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Why Join Parking & Transportation?

Parking & Transportation at the University of Tennessee supports the daily mobility needs of a dynamic and growing campus, functioning much like a small city operation. From parking systems and transportation programs to major athletic events, construction impacts, and mobility initiatives, the department serves thousands of students, employees, and visitors each day.

This role offers the opportunity to shape how a critical campus service communicates, engages, and supports its customers while making a visible impact on the campus experience.

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About Us

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!