Executive Director of Communications and Marketing - College of Communication and Information - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, IA

1d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The College of Communication and Information at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is seeking a full-time Executive Director of Communications and Marketing to lead the strategic direction, vision, and creative standards for communications and marketing across the college and its schools. As a member of the CCI leadership team, the director leads communications and marketing efforts and advances the college’s image and reputation within the community.

The director develops long-term strategies in collaboration with academic leadership; leads integrated marketing and communications initiatives; and oversees programs, teams, brand identity, content, digital channels, and high-profile projects. The role also advises the dean on executive communications and works with university communications offices, campus leaders, development teams, school and program directors, faculty, and staff.

The position is onsite in Knoxville, Tennessee. The anticipated hiring range is $80,000–$90,000. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States full-time without requiring employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, such as public relations, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience in multiple specialty areas such as design, writing, media relations, marketing, or communications strategy.
• Leadership and management skills, including the ability to bring together broad constituencies.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including editing and writing across long- and short-form print, web, video, and social media.
• Strong understanding of video production and ability to apply it to communications and marketing efforts.
• Legally authorized to work full-time in the United States without needing employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in communications, such as public relations, or a related field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible relevant experience, including supervisory experience leading a team.
• Expertise in multiple specialty communications areas such as design, writing, media relations, marketing, or communications strategy.
• Experience conducting communications and marketing work at an institute, higher education institution, government agency, or company.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a comprehensive, long-term communications and marketing strategy for the college and its schools in collaboration with academic leadership.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities to strengthen the college’s brand, support student recruitment, increase philanthropic engagement, and expand corporate and community partnerships.
• Use audience research, data, and industry trends to inform strategies, assess stakeholder engagement, and identify opportunities for growth and impact.
• Lead integrated marketing and communications initiatives, including paid advertising campaigns and video production, to advance visibility, reputation, and strategic goals.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of marketing and communications programs addressing immediate needs and long-term priorities.
• Lead and maintain the college’s visual identity, messaging, and brand standards across college and school communications and platforms, ensuring alignment with university guidelines.
• Build partnerships with university communications offices, campus leaders, and development teams to advance institutional priorities and coordinate messaging.
• Establish policies and processes that promote consistent brand application across the college and its schools.
• Oversee strategic content development and production across print and digital platforms, including publications, annual reports, media releases, feature stories, newsletters, social media, and promotional materials.
• Provide strategic direction for college and school websites and social media channels, ensuring content, design, and messaging align with brand standards and strategic goals.
• Lead high-profile communications projects and oversee project teams to ensure effective execution and impact.
• Advise the dean on strategic communications, including executive messaging, speeches, presentations, and other leadership communications.
• Direct development of communications and marketing content in collaboration with the dean, school and program directors, faculty, and staff.
• Identify and develop stories, messaging, and media opportunities highlighting the college’s strengths, expertise, achievements, and strategic priorities.

Benefits

• Access to career development and coaching.
• Continued education and development and training opportunities.
• Employee support focused on work-life balance, compensation, and professional advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior