Communications Manager - Tennessee RiverLine - UTIA

The Tennessee RiverLine is seeking a skilled content creator and digital communications professional to serve as its Communications Manager. This is a hands‑on, field‑forward role for someone who is equally at home behind a camera on a riverbank or in a kayak and behind a screen crafting a compelling social media campaign or writing content for the website. Reporting to the Communications and Marketing Director, the Communications Manager serves as the organization's primary content producer—creating high‑quality photography, short‑form video, and visual storytelling that brings the Tennessee RiverLine to life for audiences across the region. The Manager executes the RiverLine's day‑to‑day digital communications across social media, the website, and newsletters, and provides significant event communications, annual conference, and media relations support under the Director's guidance.

Responsibilities
Digital Communications

Serve as organization’s primary content developer, producing high quality visual content for use across social media, website, newsletter, media materials, and organizational presentations

Create graphics, visual assets, and digital collateral using design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or equivalent)

Maintain library of photos, videos, and graphics

Develop campaigns and write compelling social media copy tailored to audience, platform, and goal

Execute the social media content calendar developed in collaboration with the Director, ensuring consistent publication cadence and strategic alignment with organizational goals

Monitor platform performance, engage with community comments and messages, and respond to inquiries as appropriate

Compile and report monthly social media analytics to inform strategy adjustments

Stay current on social media platform changes, emerging formats, and best practices in outdoor recreation, tourism, and nonprofit communications

Lead newsletter production from content development to send, ensuring accessibility compliance and management of distribution lists

Manage ongoing website content updates including new pages, blog posts, media library additions, and event calendar population

Ensure all new digital content meets WCAG accessibility standards; flag and address compliance issues as they arise

Support the Director in the new website development process

Event Communications and Field Support

Capture photo and video at RiverTowns community events, design exhibits, RiverLine events, and other field opportunities throughout the service area

Create and publish real‑time event content (stories, posts, etc.) on social media as appropriate

Provide significant support to the Director in annual conference production, including promotional content creation, registration and attendee communications, signage development, on‑site photography and videography, social media coverage during the event, and post‑event recap content

Support Awards Ceremony logistics and materials as directed

Develop event‑specific promotional content (social media graphics, newsletter features, website event listings) for RiverTowns‑led community events and organizational events

Assist Director in development of communication tools and resources to be used by RiverTowns partners

Media Relations

Draft press releases, media alerts, and media pitches under the Director's direction, ensuring adherence to AP style and organizational voice

Maintain a media archive of coverage for use in reports, presentations, and stakeholder communications

Support the Director in coordinating media interviews, photo requests, and site visits

Research story angles, identify relevant media opportunities, and bring ideas to the Director for consideration

Professional Development and Team Mentorship

Supervises communications support staff, which may include graduate/undergraduate student positions, professional staff, interns, and select contractors and/or vendors as needed

Identifies professional development goals, collaborates with the Director to develop a plan, and identifies resources to achieve those goals. This will be accomplished formally through a formal annual review process and throughout the year as appropriate

Seek out and engage in professional development and educational opportunities to stay abreast of current trends

Special Projects/Other Duties As Assigned

Builds and fosters collaborative relationships across the University and stay abreast of opportunities to tell the Tennessee RiverLine story or garner support

Participates in job search committees and other campus committees as needed

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Digital Media, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field

Experience: 2‑4 years of professional experience in digital communications, social media management, content creation, or a directly related communications role, including demonstrated experience in photography and video content creation

Skill in photography and short‑form video production, including proficiency with a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a smartphone camera for field capture

Skill in video editing using current tools (CapCut, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent) to produce polished, platform‑optimized short‑form video content

Skill in social media content creation and platform management, with demonstrated ability to grow engagement and reach

Skill in writing clear, compelling copy for digital audiences across varying tones and formats

Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines independently with strong organizational skills

Knowledge of graphic design principles and proficiency with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent design tools

Ability to travel to communities and events throughout the Tennessee River Valley region; valid driver's license required

Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for event coverage

Knowledge of digital accessibility standards (WCAG) as they apply to social media, email, and web content (or willingness to learn)

Ability to work collaboratively with a small, mission‑driven team and independently manage execution of assigned work with minimal day‑to‑day direction

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of media relations practices, including AP style writing, press release development, and media pitching

Knowledge of outdoor recreation, water trail, tourism, or conservation subject matter

Skill in SEO principles and web analytics interpretation (Google Analytics or equivalent)

Knowledge of event communications or event production support

Ability to paddle, kayak, or engage in river recreation activities (or willingness to learn)

Knowledge of or experience with nonprofit, university extension, or community development organizations

Contributes to uplifting team culture and builds relationships with team members

Dedicated to conceptual and critical thinking

Work Location

Location: Knoxville, TN or within the RiverLine service area (communities along the Tennessee River)

Compensation And Benefits

UT market range: 08

Anticipated hiring range: $60,000-$70,000

Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

Find more information on UT Benefits here

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