University of Tennessee, Knoxville is hiring: Communications Specialist-CCI Scho

Overview

Communications Specialist - CCI School of Journalism & Media

Join to apply for the Communications Specialist role at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This position reports to the Director of the School of Journalism and Media (J&M) and receives daily operational direction from the College of Communication and Information—Director of Communications and Marketing, specializing in communications. The primary purpose is to document and promote the life and activities of J&M through the production of stories and other communications about school, student, faculty, and alumni activities, events and achievements. Other key duties include growing J&M’s social media presence, managing the school’s online marketing, and working on the school’s website content creation and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Produce stories and other communications about school, student, faculty, and alumni activities, events, and achievements
• Serve as liaison between the school and the CCI Director of Communications and Marketing
• Promote J&M to College and University Communities, and to other audiences and stakeholders
• Design print and digital collateral such as brochures, handouts, event invitations, signage, short publications, certificates and newsletters
• Coordinate production of various collateral with other service units when appropriate
• Supply design ideas, layouts, and suggest illustrations or photography or combinations of both to support the design idea
• Ensure all communications conform to publication style and publisher guidelines
• Produce copy for advertisements and promotional materials, and coordinate communications across multiple channels (print, website, social media, etc.)
• Maintain and grow J&M’s social media presence in collaboration with the CCI Director of Communications and Marketing via platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn while monitoring and responding to interactions
• Expand recruitment efforts through social media and email campaigns
• Assist in communication strategies, policies, and messaging with the J&M director and other J&M faculty and staff as needed
• Work with J&M (and CCI) staff to execute special events, including developing event communications, promoting the event, taking photographs during the events, and communicating about the event after it has happened
• Manage all events, meetings, and communication for the J&M Alumni Advisory Board
• Plan paid online ad placement campaigns in coordination with the CCI Office of Communications and Marketing
• Create, update, and maintain webpage content, including SEO keyword research and best practices
• Maintain website accessibility standards up to, and beyond, required compliance
• Foster and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders and audiences, including attending conferences and other special events as a school representative
• Liaise with media and handle requests for interviews, statements, etc.
• Assist with maintenance of the J&M general email account and respond to or direct inquiries to appropriate parties
• Field communication requests from the public and other constituents
• Create and maintain comprehensive school alumni database for undergraduate and graduate students
• Track and update personal and professional information
• Provide support for alumni events
• Contact alumni for testimonials and special stories for brochures, newsletters, etc.
• Serve as a liaison between J&M and the CCI Career Development Office in providing support to students and collecting data for program review and planning

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field
• At least 1-2 years of work experience in a communications role
• Excellent writing and editing skills for a variety of audiences and mediums
• Proven print and electronic collateral design experience
• Experience designing and delivering engaging career development workshops and presentations
• Experience providing effective one-on-one career counseling and guidance
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with students, alumni, faculty, and employers
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Knowledge of contemporary communication practices and standards, and how to integrate them into a larger communication framework
• Knowledge of publishing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop and InDesign) and Microsoft Office
• Experience with WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, and social media tools
• Strong organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills; detail-oriented
• Ability to work collaboratively and solve problems
• Strong analytical skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with website content management systems; WordPress is a plus
• Experience using social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube)
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience with media relations, including writing press releases

Work Location

On site in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary for this position is $50,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and suitability.

Application Process

The anticipated start date for this position is October or November 2025. For full consideration, applicants must provide a resume and cover letter. Finalists will be required to provide 3 professional references. All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position.

About UT Knoxville

UT Knoxville is a Land Grant Institution with a strong commitment to its mission and community engagement. It emphasizes work-life balance, professional development, and an inclusive culture where everyone matters and belongs.