Communications Manager - Parking Services - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking a Communications Manager to lead strategic communications for Parking & Transportation. This role is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies that support departmental operations, customer engagement, major initiatives, and service changes while ensuring clear, timely, and effective communication with campus stakeholders. The Communications Manager serves as the department’s primary communications strategist, helping shape messaging related to parking operations, transportation services, mobility initiatives, construction impacts, major events, and customer-facing programs. This position plays a key role in enhancing customer experience, strengthening stakeholder awareness, and supporting operational success through proactive communication and outreach.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Business, or related field
Professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or customer engagement
Strong written communication experience with demonstrated ability to develop professional customer-facing messaging
Experience managing multiple communication priorities in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, transportation, public sector, or operational service environments
Experience supporting customer communications for complex service operations
Experience with website content management systems, email communication platforms, and digital communication tools
Experience supporting communications for large-scale events or operational changes
Familiarity with analytics and communication performance measurement

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with departmental priorities and operational initiatives
Create communication plans for major projects, operational changes, transportation initiatives, and customer service campaigns
Serve as the primary communications advisor to Parking & Transportation leadership
Ensure messaging is consistent, accurate, and aligned with university branding and communication standards
Lead customer-facing communications related to parking permits, enforcement updates, transportation programs, service disruptions, construction impacts, and major campus events
Develop messaging that clearly communicates complex operational information to diverse audiences
Support proactive communication efforts that improve awareness, engagement, and customer satisfaction
Partner with campus stakeholders to coordinate messaging affecting shared audiences
Develop written content for email campaigns, website updates, announcements, signage, digital messaging, presentations, and customer communications
Manage departmental website content and digital communication platforms
Coordinate messaging for social media and other outreach channels as appropriate
Ensure public-facing communications remain current, accessible, and user-friendly
Develop communication strategies for major athletic events, move-in, construction projects, transportation changes, and special initiatives
Coordinate messaging across internal and external stakeholders during operational changes or service disruptions
Support crisis or urgent communications as needed in collaboration with university partners
Maintain communication standards and brand consistency across department materials
Track communication effectiveness and engagement metrics to inform strategy improvements
Identify opportunities to improve communication workflows, templates, and customer communication practices
Support development of reporting and communication performance metrics