Manager of Strategic Engagement - Vice Provost of Student Success - UTK
About The Position
The Manager of Strategic Engagement serves as a strategic partner to the Senior Vice Provost of Student Success (VPSS), supporting executive communications, brand management, and high-impact engagement initiatives. Acting as the “voice and lens” of the VPSS, the manager advances divisional priorities through storytelling, event strategy, and real-time engagement support. The position requires professionalism, discretion, creativity, and responsiveness in a fast-paced, highly visible environment. The role develops and coordinates executive communications, manages the VPSS’s professional voice and social media presence, and creates digital content that highlights the VPSS’s leadership and impact. It also leads high-profile event planning, provides on-site communications and logistics support at events, documents discussions and follow-ups, supervises and mentors student interns, and collaborates with divisional colleagues on strategic and operational initiatives. The position is onsite in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience in a brand management or public relations role.
- Proven success managing and creating social media content.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- High level of discretion and professionalism.
- Creative storytelling and digital content development skills.
- Exceptional social media experience, specifically with Instagram and LinkedIn.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States full time without needing employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Nice To Haves
- Experience directly managing a brand digitally.
- Event planning experience.
- Experience in higher education.
Responsibilities
- Draft, edit, and coordinate speeches, talking points, correspondence, and formal remarks on behalf of the VPSS.
- Manage the VPSS’s professional voice and presence, including oversight of email communications and alignment of messaging.
- Ensure consistency in tone, messaging, and strategic positioning across executive communications.
- Serve as a liaison for communications-related requests, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and standards.
- Develop and execute content highlighting the VPSS’s leadership, engagement, and impact.
- Capture and produce real-time photography, video, and social media content that reflects authentic, human-centered moments.
- Manage the VPSS’s social media presence with timely, engaging, and strategic storytelling.
- Partner with divisional and campus communicators to amplify messaging.
- Lead planning and execution of high-profile events and initiatives, such as Vol Voices and Orange Dash.
- Coordinate and support smaller, high-touch engagement opportunities, including hosted events and stakeholder gatherings.
- Accompany the VPSS to events to provide real-time communication support, capture content, and manage logistics.
- Document key discussions, track follow-ups, and support meaningful stakeholder engagement.
- Supervise and mentor student interns, supporting program execution and professional development.
- Collaborate with the Lead Director, Chief of Staff, and Administrative Coordinator to align strategy and execution.
- Contribute to a cohesive, high-functioning team environment.
- Support additional initiatives and special projects as assigned.
Benefits
- Access to career development and coaching.
- Continued education.
- Development and training opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
