Communications Associate - Office of Human Resources - UTK

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking applicants for a Communications Associate to support communication plans for the Department of Human Resources. Under the supervision of the Communications Coordinator, the Communications Associate will assist in the development and implementation of the social media brand, identity, and strategy for the department. This role will help develop presentations and marketing materials, manage and create graphics and digital content for the Department of Human Resources while supporting and promoting office initiatives.

Responsibilities

Visual Content Creation

• Design projects; creating visually compelling content using video, photography, and graphics equipment and software.
• Develop, produce, and edit engaging content for various digital platforms, including videos, social media posts, and graphics.
• Collaborate with teams to support communication strategy.
• Develop marketing campaigns to promote content, events, and other initiatives.

Social Media Development and Management

• Develop social media strategies, build social media communities, as well as track, promote, and highlight Human Resources' events and initiatives on social media.
• Create, curate, and manage published social media content.
• Manage social media platforms and content calendars.
• Work closely with teams to produce high-quality content and serve as additional website development, print design, digital design, photography, and videography.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to improve our content and communication efforts continuously.

Written and Print Communication

• In conjunction with the Strategic Communications Manager, craft clear, concise, and impactful messages for internal and external audiences and stakeholders.
• Design print and digital collateral such as brochures, handouts, event invitations, signage, short publications, certificates, annual reports, and newsletters
• Ensure all communications conform to publication style and publisher guidelines
• Promote HR to the University communities, current staff members, and prospective employees
• Adapt templates to meet specific project requirements while maintaining brand consistency and accessibility requirements
• Coordinate with marketing and communications teams across campus to align content strategies and goals. Other duties as assigned.
• Participate in external meetings with campus stakeholders to inform the consistency, coordination, and effectiveness of all communication strategies.
• Support the Communications Coordinator and Strategic Project Manager as needed.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED

• Experience:

  • Experience with creating and executing communications content (e.g., progressively responsible)

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

  • Exceptional writing and editing skills, including the ability to write for a variety of audiences and communication mediums.

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Excellent organizational, project management, oral, and written communication, and interpersonal skills.

  • Strong attention to details required. Must enjoy interacting with and supporting others. Adaptable, flexible, reliable, creative.

  • Exceptional writing, copy writing, and editing skills, including the ability to write for a variety of audiences and communications mediums.

  • Knowledge of contemporary communication practices and standards, and of how to integrate these into a larger communication framework.

  • Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Experience with editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite.

  • Knowledge with WordPress and publishing on social media platforms.

  • Excellent team player and problem solver, and ability to collaborate effectively with staff, faculty, and other stakeholders.

  • Strong analytical skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree

• Experience: 2 years of full-time experience in creating and executing communications content is preferred. Experience with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Experience working with website content management systems; WordPress is a plus.

  • Experience using social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

  • Experience using Adobe Creative Suite

  • Experience with media relations, including writing broadcast emails, quotes for publications, etc.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville

• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR07

• Anticipated hiring range [CB4] : $48,000 - $54,000

• 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 attachments noted below:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

The Office of Human Resources serves as the hub for UT employees, overseeing day-to-day operations on campus, as well as the well-being and development of the UT family. The unit manages recruitment, onboarding, training, performance evaluation, employee relations, personnel data, and so much more. Additionally, HR handles benefits administration and creates a positive workplace culture by fostering collaboration and addressing employee concerns.

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!