Director, Libraries Marketing and Communications: University Libraries - UTK

The Director of Libraries Marketing & Communications provides vision and strategic direction to advance the Libraries’ mission, vision, and goals. Working collaboratively across the Libraries, the campus, and the local community, the Director develops and implements a strategy for communications and marketing. This position is responsible for the operational management, administrative direction, training, and coordination of staff and activities of the University Libraries Marketing and Communications Department with responsibility for promotional and communications activities of Hodges Library, Pendergrass Library, and the DeVine Music Library. This position manages staff with expertise in graphic design, communications, social media, and editing to effectively publicize library initiatives, resources, services, expertise, and programming. This position works with Libraries administration to oversee internal and external communications on behalf of the Libraries. The Director must use their experience with communications practices and professional standards to exercise independent judgment in planning and carrying out Libraries Marketing and Communications goals with consideration for timing and quality of outcomes. 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 Qualifications:Education:Bachelor’s Degree in communications, marketing, or related fieldExperience:At least 4 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, and/or media rolesKnowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Knowledge of communication and marketing theories, concepts, techniques, mediums, and strategies.Ability to communicate with a diverse audience.Ability to manage, direct, and evaluate the progress of marketing and communications professionals. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlinesExperience with technologies and best practices for campaigns across multiple platformsKnowledge of copyright considerations and best practicesExcellent media relations skillsAbility to thrive in a highly collaborative environmentSkilled in writing, editing, and producing print and electronic communications and with contemporary forms of social media Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to exercise independent judgmentApplicants 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 communications, marketing, or related fieldExperience:Advanced degree and at least 4 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, and/or media rolesKnowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Demonstrated ability to be responsive in managing a large, multi-faceted operationKnowledge of emerging trends in marketing, communications, and libraries.Work Location Location: KnoxvilleOnsiteCompensation and Benefits UT market range: MR13Anticipated hiring range: Find more information on the UT Market Range structure hereFind more information on UT Benefits hereApplication Instructions To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:ResumeCover LetterAbout The College/Department/Division The University of Tennessee Libraries is an integral part of the flagship campus of Tennessee’s premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity.  As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation is key to our mission. UT enrolls approximately 40,421 students at its Knoxville campus. For more information about the people who comprise the UTK community, view resources on our Data Central website. The University culture is guided by adherence to core values that define the Volunteer spirit and include seeking knowledge, leading with innovation and integrity, engaging locally and globally, and embracing responsible stewardship of resources.   70% Responsible for providing leadership and direction for the University of Tennessee Libraries Marketing and Communications unit which serves Hodges Library, Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library, and the DeVine Music Library. Directly supervises staff responsible for Marketing and Communications operations and is accountable for managing & coordinating all activities of individuals in the department; establishes performance goals & measures to evaluate the success of marketing operations. Collaborates with Libraries’ leadership to develop strategic marketing campaigns to promote the educational mission of the Libraries to campus, the greater community, and nationally. Collaborates across the libraries to meet marketing needs on behalf of departments and individuals. Consults with Libraries Administration to develop and manage internal and external communications on behalf of the Libraries. Develops processes for timely, responsive communication on Libraries, campus, and social media platforms; consults with Libraries Administration to develop communications for changes in services or in response to sensitive situations.Uses creativity and innovation to create strategic communications priorities for the Libraries through planning, managing resources, and prioritizing needs. Aligning with University branding guidelines, creates a recognized look for library materials, signage, online branding, and swag.20%Collaborates on the production of special communications, invitations, announcements, and informational materials to engage the Hodges Society, donors, and the greater community in consultation with the Dean of Libraries, Dean's staff, and Director of Advancement.Oversees production of established UT Libraries publications, such as the Library Development Review and the Libraries annual report. Leads production of publications and press releases for external and internal Libraries constituencies using a variety of media. Prepares reports for the Library Administration giving results of marketing and public relations efforts.10%Engages in strategic planning for the Libraries internal and external communications setting the communications and marketing goals of the Libraries and branches and selects methods, techniques and evaluative criteria for obtaining results according to professional standards. Monitors key industry trends and utilizes information in the design of Libraries’ marketing efforts. Uses data-drive analysis to identify and resolve problem with communications and to improve services.Advises Libraries Administration on budgeting for communications and marketing program and monitor annual allocation.This position represents the Libraries to UTK’s Office of Communications and Marketing, UTK Creative Communications, and other campus communicators to ensure we align with campus branding and communications strategies. Full timePosting Date: 2026-08-24