Director of Communications: Office of the Provost - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, IA

1d•$85,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Communications develops and oversees communications and marketing plans for the Office of the Provost, working with office leadership and campus partners to advance university initiatives. The director determines creative direction, visual tone, and communications goals, and develops internal and external content, including campus-wide messages, social media posts, graphics, print pieces, videos, and executive communications such as talking points and presentations. The role reports to the associate provost and chief operating officer and collaborates with communications leaders across academic affairs areas. The director leads communications strategy, executive communications, content development, web and social media strategy, visual identity, and assessment of communications effectiveness. The role supervises and mentors the office’s communications specialist, coordinates with vendors, represents the Provost’s Office in campus-wide initiatives, and serves as its primary contact with University Marketing and Communications and communications directors across academic affairs. The position is onsite at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of experience in a communications role.
Experience in project management; leadership and supervision; developing and executing communications plans; advising multiple levels of leadership on communications strategy; writing for multiple audiences on tight deadlines; creating social media strategy and content; creating graphics for digital and print media; creating video and web content; managing websites; customer service; creating impactful print pieces; crisis communications; and using content management systems and industry-standard software, including Adobe Suite.
Outstanding writing skills.
Outstanding visual communications skills, including graphic design and video creation.
Ability to work and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to manage and lead staff.
Ability to develop short- and long-term communications plans that reach audiences and achieve objectives.
Ability to photograph and edit impactful images for graphics, social media, and print pieces.
Ability to design high-impact print pieces that support communications objectives.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a complex organization with multiple campus partners.
Ability to manage multiple projects and work with varied stakeholders across campus and multiple leadership levels.
Knowledge of communications analytics and ability to gather and report effectiveness data and develop recommendations based on evaluations.
Knowledge of web content management systems.
Detailed knowledge of web accessibility standards, web best practices, and user-centered design principles.
Knowledge of social media trends and best practices.
Exceptional time management, organization, and attention to detail.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in communications or a related field.
At least 10 years of communications experience, including leadership and project management at a higher education institution.
Knowledge of higher education trends and issues.

Responsibilities

Develop, track, and execute the Office of the Provost’s communications strategy, including message calendars, social media strategy, faculty outreach, crisis communications planning and response, and communications supporting campus initiatives and strategic priorities.
Coordinate communications projects with Provost’s Office leadership and assess and refine strategies based on analytics.
Lead development of executive communications, including speeches, talking points, presentations, and summaries.
Supervise and mentor the office’s communications specialist.
Create high-profile, high-impact content, including sensitive communications requiring confidentiality and careful coordination, campus-wide messages, major news announcements, graphics, and videos.
Manage strategy and content for the Office of the Provost’s external website and internal intranet sites, and manage its social media in alignment with office and campus practices.
Oversee the office’s visual identity in alignment with university brand standards, and oversee or create print pieces and artwork.
Develop and track success metrics, adjusting strategies and tactics as needed.
Develop and maintain knowledge of communications procedures and practices.
Work with vendors on communications content and event management.
Represent the Office of the Provost and serve as its lead communicator in campus-wide communications initiatives.
Serve as the Provost’s Office primary point of contact for University Marketing and Communications and communications directors across academic affairs.
Ensure communications align with campus-wide plans, campaigns, and branding strategies.
Monitor communications trends and tools, especially social media, and keep communications aligned with best practices and standards.
Monitor critical issues in higher education and plan for possible impacts on the Provost’s Office.
Perform other duties as assigned.