University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations: College of Emergi
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, 37955
Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies - UTK
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Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies - UTK
role at
University of Tennessee, Knoxville .
Job Description The Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations reports directly to the Dean of CECS and serves as a core member of the Dean’s Cabinet Leadership Team. This position provides senior‑level leadership in strategic marketing, communications, and external affairs to strengthen CECS’s visibility and reputation nationwide and beyond. The Senior Director oversees branding and visibility efforts by aligning the Dean’s public appearances, speeches, and media presence with the College’s mission and institutional priorities, while managing the development of digital, print, and social content to ensure accuracy, consistency, and brand alignment.
The role also manages the Dean’s travel and event coordination for major events, ensuring seamless logistics, professional representation, and strategic engagement opportunities. In addition, the Senior Director leads special projects and visibility campaigns, develops annual communications plans with measurable outcomes, and serves as the central coordination point among the Dean’s office, marketing and communications staff, and external partners. Through strategic supervision of the Director of Campus Marketing and Communications and the Marketing Coordinator as well as the Events Manager and Events Coordinator, the position fosters collaboration, accountability, and innovation to advance CECS’s reputation, influence, and impact.
Responsibilities
Media Preparation & Strategy:
Develop key messaging and talking points tailored for national and regional audiences
Coordinate media preparation for interviews, panels, and live broadcasts
Monitor current events and industry news to brief the Dean on relevant topics and potential questions
Draft and review press releases, op‑ed, and statements for regional, national and global audiences to ensure consistency with the college’s mission and vision
Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and producers to secure coverage and rapid response
Maintain and launch new CECS external‑facing events and activities such as webinars, newsletter columns, etc.
Strategically enhance the footprint of CECS’s social media presence across multiple platforms
Branding & Visibility:
Advance and position CECS’s image and visibility in alignment with the College’s strategic priorities and overarching vision
Align the Dean’s public appearances with institutional strategic priorities and vision
Oversee social media presence, including curated content and live updates during key events
Prepare biographies, fact sheets, and background materials for introductions, panels, and profiles
Track and analyze media mentions and sentiment to inform strategy
Travel & Event Coordination:
Prepare and deliver to the Dean a comprehensive monthly agenda outlining all scheduled travel and media‑related engagements
Coordinate and manage all associated logistics to ensure seamless execution before, during, and after each event
Accompany the Dean to designated engagements, serving as a professional representative while safeguarding the Dean’s time, focus, and presence
Build detailed travel itineraries, including key contacts, schedules, and briefing books
Coordinate with event organizers and hosts to ensure visibility and maximize networking opportunities
Prepare post‑trip debriefs highlighting outcomes, follow‑up tasks, and relationship management needs
Internal & External Communications:
Align messaging with university leadership and system‑level communications teams
Ensure CECS maintains consistent, high‑impact visibility that reflects and advances the College’s mission and vision
Oversee and approve all internal and external communications prior to public release to safeguard accuracy, consistency, and brand alignment
Direct the timely development and distribution of all media formats (print, digital, and social), with particular attention to recurring publications and campaigns
Guarantee that all content is polished, strategically crafted, and tailored to its intended audience, including presentation materials and slides
Coordinate crisis communications and rapid response in high‑profile situations
Special Projects & Strategic Planning:
Lead special visibility campaigns, including award nominations, speaking engagements, and thought leadership initiatives
Manage communications around high‑level collaborations with industry, government, and nonprofit partners
Develop and update annual public affairs and communications plans, including metrics for reach and impact
Operational & Administrative Support:
Prepare comprehensive briefing materials before every public‑facing engagement
Maintain calendars, talking points, and priorities to ensure alignment across units
Serve as the coordination point between the dean’s office, marketing, communications, and external partners
Collaboration and coordination with CECS leadership and personnel
Collaboration and partnerships with university units such as central communications office, provost’s communication team, Enrollment management, registrar’s office, student success, ORIED for informed and wide dissemination of CECS initiatives and brand
Supervisory Leadership:
Provide strategic direction and supervisory leadership to the Director of Campus Marketing and Communications and the Marketing Coordinator, fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation while ensuring all efforts align with CECS’s marketing and communications priorities
Provide leadership, supervision, and guidance to the Events Manager and Events Coordinator
Qualifications Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, management, or related field
Experience:
5–7 years of professional experience in public affairs, communications, media relations, or similar high‑profile roles
Demonstrated success in managing executive‑level communications and media strategies
Experience in executive decision‑making
Skills & Competencies:
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences
High attention to detail, excellent organization and time‑management skills
Proven ability to prepare leadership for national media interviews, including message development
Strong strategic planning and project management with the ability to meet tight deadlines
Experience coordinating travel logistics and high‑profile events
Proficiency in digital media platforms, analytics tools, and media monitoring systems
Demonstrated proficiency in delivering consistent, high‑impact internal and external communications that ensure accuracy, coherence, and alignment with institutional brand standards
Professional Traits:
High level of discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple projects
Excellent interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with leadership, media, and stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree in political science, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, management, or related field
Experience:
Experience in higher education, government, or corporate executive communications
Track record of national‑level media engagement and communication leadership
Previous support of a president, provost, dean, or C‑suite executive
Skills & Expertise:
Knowledge of trends in public affairs, higher education, and technology sectors
Expertise in speech writing, presentation design, and multimedia storytelling
Data‑driven strategy expertise, using analytics to optimize visibility campaigns
Professional Traits:
Political savvy and ability to navigate complex organizational and external dynamics
Experience managing communications under pressure with rapid turnaround
Advanced relationship‑building with journalists, thought leaders, and high‑profile stakeholders
Work Location
Location: Knoxville, TN
Onsite
Benefits
Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:
Resume
Cover Letter
List of 3 Professional References
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 U.S. 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, the Space Institute, and 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 Volunteers are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development, 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. The university holds a strong commitment to its land‑grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries the 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!
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at University of Tennessee, Knoxville by 2×
Get notified about new Director of Strategic Communications jobs in Knoxville, TN.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
Seniority Level
Executive
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies - UTK
role at
University of Tennessee, Knoxville .
Job Description The Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations reports directly to the Dean of CECS and serves as a core member of the Dean’s Cabinet Leadership Team. This position provides senior‑level leadership in strategic marketing, communications, and external affairs to strengthen CECS’s visibility and reputation nationwide and beyond. The Senior Director oversees branding and visibility efforts by aligning the Dean’s public appearances, speeches, and media presence with the College’s mission and institutional priorities, while managing the development of digital, print, and social content to ensure accuracy, consistency, and brand alignment.
The role also manages the Dean’s travel and event coordination for major events, ensuring seamless logistics, professional representation, and strategic engagement opportunities. In addition, the Senior Director leads special projects and visibility campaigns, develops annual communications plans with measurable outcomes, and serves as the central coordination point among the Dean’s office, marketing and communications staff, and external partners. Through strategic supervision of the Director of Campus Marketing and Communications and the Marketing Coordinator as well as the Events Manager and Events Coordinator, the position fosters collaboration, accountability, and innovation to advance CECS’s reputation, influence, and impact.
Responsibilities
Media Preparation & Strategy:
Develop key messaging and talking points tailored for national and regional audiences
Coordinate media preparation for interviews, panels, and live broadcasts
Monitor current events and industry news to brief the Dean on relevant topics and potential questions
Draft and review press releases, op‑ed, and statements for regional, national and global audiences to ensure consistency with the college’s mission and vision
Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and producers to secure coverage and rapid response
Maintain and launch new CECS external‑facing events and activities such as webinars, newsletter columns, etc.
Strategically enhance the footprint of CECS’s social media presence across multiple platforms
Branding & Visibility:
Advance and position CECS’s image and visibility in alignment with the College’s strategic priorities and overarching vision
Align the Dean’s public appearances with institutional strategic priorities and vision
Oversee social media presence, including curated content and live updates during key events
Prepare biographies, fact sheets, and background materials for introductions, panels, and profiles
Track and analyze media mentions and sentiment to inform strategy
Travel & Event Coordination:
Prepare and deliver to the Dean a comprehensive monthly agenda outlining all scheduled travel and media‑related engagements
Coordinate and manage all associated logistics to ensure seamless execution before, during, and after each event
Accompany the Dean to designated engagements, serving as a professional representative while safeguarding the Dean’s time, focus, and presence
Build detailed travel itineraries, including key contacts, schedules, and briefing books
Coordinate with event organizers and hosts to ensure visibility and maximize networking opportunities
Prepare post‑trip debriefs highlighting outcomes, follow‑up tasks, and relationship management needs
Internal & External Communications:
Align messaging with university leadership and system‑level communications teams
Ensure CECS maintains consistent, high‑impact visibility that reflects and advances the College’s mission and vision
Oversee and approve all internal and external communications prior to public release to safeguard accuracy, consistency, and brand alignment
Direct the timely development and distribution of all media formats (print, digital, and social), with particular attention to recurring publications and campaigns
Guarantee that all content is polished, strategically crafted, and tailored to its intended audience, including presentation materials and slides
Coordinate crisis communications and rapid response in high‑profile situations
Special Projects & Strategic Planning:
Lead special visibility campaigns, including award nominations, speaking engagements, and thought leadership initiatives
Manage communications around high‑level collaborations with industry, government, and nonprofit partners
Develop and update annual public affairs and communications plans, including metrics for reach and impact
Operational & Administrative Support:
Prepare comprehensive briefing materials before every public‑facing engagement
Maintain calendars, talking points, and priorities to ensure alignment across units
Serve as the coordination point between the dean’s office, marketing, communications, and external partners
Collaboration and coordination with CECS leadership and personnel
Collaboration and partnerships with university units such as central communications office, provost’s communication team, Enrollment management, registrar’s office, student success, ORIED for informed and wide dissemination of CECS initiatives and brand
Supervisory Leadership:
Provide strategic direction and supervisory leadership to the Director of Campus Marketing and Communications and the Marketing Coordinator, fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation while ensuring all efforts align with CECS’s marketing and communications priorities
Provide leadership, supervision, and guidance to the Events Manager and Events Coordinator
Qualifications Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, management, or related field
Experience:
5–7 years of professional experience in public affairs, communications, media relations, or similar high‑profile roles
Demonstrated success in managing executive‑level communications and media strategies
Experience in executive decision‑making
Skills & Competencies:
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences
High attention to detail, excellent organization and time‑management skills
Proven ability to prepare leadership for national media interviews, including message development
Strong strategic planning and project management with the ability to meet tight deadlines
Experience coordinating travel logistics and high‑profile events
Proficiency in digital media platforms, analytics tools, and media monitoring systems
Demonstrated proficiency in delivering consistent, high‑impact internal and external communications that ensure accuracy, coherence, and alignment with institutional brand standards
Professional Traits:
High level of discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple projects
Excellent interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with leadership, media, and stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree in political science, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, management, or related field
Experience:
Experience in higher education, government, or corporate executive communications
Track record of national‑level media engagement and communication leadership
Previous support of a president, provost, dean, or C‑suite executive
Skills & Expertise:
Knowledge of trends in public affairs, higher education, and technology sectors
Expertise in speech writing, presentation design, and multimedia storytelling
Data‑driven strategy expertise, using analytics to optimize visibility campaigns
Professional Traits:
Political savvy and ability to navigate complex organizational and external dynamics
Experience managing communications under pressure with rapid turnaround
Advanced relationship‑building with journalists, thought leaders, and high‑profile stakeholders
Work Location
Location: Knoxville, TN
Onsite
Benefits
Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:
Resume
Cover Letter
List of 3 Professional References
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 U.S. 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, the Space Institute, and 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 Volunteers are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development, 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. The university holds a strong commitment to its land‑grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries the 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!
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at University of Tennessee, Knoxville by 2×
Get notified about new Director of Strategic Communications jobs in Knoxville, TN.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
Seniority Level
Executive
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr