Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations reports directly to the Dean of the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) and serves as a key member of the Dean’s Cabinet Leadership Team. This highly visible, strategic leadership role shapes and amplifies the College’s voice, positioning CECS as a national leader in the future of higher education within emerging, interdisciplinary, and workforce-driven education. The Senior Director provides executive-level direction for strategic marketing, communications, and external affairs, driving cohesive branding, compelling storytelling, and high-impact visibility initiatives. The role aligns the Dean’s public presence that includes speeches, media engagements, and high-profile appearances with the College’s mission, priorities, and growth strategy, while overseeing the creation of integrated digital, print, and social media content that is accurate, engaging, and brand consistent. The Senior Director also spearheads special initiatives and signature visibility campaigns, develops and executes comprehensive annual communications plans with measurable outcomes, and serves as the central strategic connector among the Dean’s Office, marketing and communications teams, and key campus and external partners. The Senior Director will provide strategic supervision and mentorship to the Director of Campus Marketing and Communications, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, and Events Manager with a dotted line to the Student Success Coordinator. In close partnership with the Dean, the Senior Director will build a high-performing, collaborative team culture that values innovation, accountability, and excellence. Collectively, this leadership ensures CECS’s story is told with clarity, purpose, and impact, advancing the College’s reputation, influence, and long-term success on a national and global stage.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, management, or related field
5–7 years of professional experience in public affairs, communications, media relations, or similar high-profile roles
Demonstrated success in managing executive-level communications and media strategies
Experience in executive decision-making
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences
High attention to detail, excellent organization and time management skills
Proven ability to prepare leadership for national media interviews, including message development
Strong strategic planning and project management with the ability to meet tight deadlines
Experience coordinating travel logistics and high-profile events
Proficiency in digital media platforms, analytics tools, and media monitoring systems
Demonstrated proficiency in delivering consistent, high-impact internal and external communications that ensure accuracy, coherence, and alignment with institutional brand standards
High level of discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple projects
Excellent interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with leadership, media, and stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in political science, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, management, or related field
Experience in higher education, government, or corporate executive communications
Track record of national-level media engagement and communication leadership
Previous support of a president, provost, dean, or C-suite executive
Knowledge of trends in public affairs, higher education, and technology sectors
Expertise in speech writing, presentation design, and multimedia storytelling
Data-driven strategy expertise, using analytics to optimize visibility campaigns
Political savvy and ability to navigate complex organizational and external dynamics
Experience managing communications under pressure with rapid turnaround
Advanced relationship-building with journalists, thought leaders, and high-profile stakeholders

Responsibilities

Media Preparation & Strategy: Develop key messaging and talking points tailored for national and regional audiences
Coordinate media preparation for interviews, panels, and live broadcasts
Monitor current events and industry news to brief the Dean on relevant topics and potential questions
Draft and review press releases, op-eds, and statements for regional, national and global audiences to ensure consistency with the college’s mission and vision
Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and producers to secure coverage and rapid response
Maintain and launch new CECS external-facing events and activities such as webinars, newsletter columns, etc.
Strategically enhance the footprint of CECS’s social media presence in multiple platforms
Branding & Visibility Advance and position CECS’s image and visibility in alignment with the College’s strategic priorities and overarching vision
Align the Dean’s public appearances with institutional strategic priorities and vision
Oversee social media presence, including curated content and live updates during key events
Prepare biographies, fact sheets, and background materials for introductions, panels, and profiles
Track and analyze media mentions and sentiment to inform strategy
Travel & Event Coordination Prepare and deliver to the Dean a comprehensive monthly agenda outlining all scheduled travel and media-related engagements
Coordinate and manage all associated logistics to ensure seamless execution before, during, and after each event
Accompany the Dean to designated engagements, serving as a professional representative while safeguarding the Dean’s time, focus, and presence
Build detailed travel itineraries, including key contacts, schedules, and briefing books
Coordinate with event organizers and hosts to ensure visibility and maximize networking opportunities
Prepare post-trip debriefs highlighting outcomes, follow-up tasks, and relationship management needs
Internal & External Communications Align messaging with university leadership and system-level communications teams
Ensure CECS maintains consistent, high-impact visibility that reflects and advances the College’s mission and vision
Oversee and approve all internal and external communications prior to public release to safeguard accuracy, consistency, and brand alignment
Direct the timely development and distribution of all media formats (print, digital, and social), with particular attention to recurring publications and campaigns
Guarantee that all content is polished, strategically crafted, and tailored to its intended audience, including presentation materials and slides
Coordinate crisis communications and rapid response in high-profile situations
Special Projects & Strategic Planning Lead special visibility campaigns, including award nominations, speaking engagements, and thought leadership initiatives
Manage communications around high-level collaborations with industry, government, and nonprofit partners
Develop and update annual public affairs and communications plans, including metrics for reach and impact
Operational & Administrative Support Prepare comprehensive briefing materials before every public-facing engagement
Maintain calendars, talking points, and priorities to ensure alignment across units
Serve as the coordination point between the dean’s office, marketing, communications, and external partners
Collaboration and coordination with CECS leadership and personnel
Collaboration and partnerships with university units such as central communications office, provost's communication team, Enrollment management, registrar’s office, student success, ORIED for informed and wide dissemination of CECS initiatives and brand
Supervisory Leadership Provide strategic direction and supervisory leadership to the Director of Campus Marketing and Communications and the Marketing Coordinator, fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation while ensuring all efforts align with CECS’s marketing and communications priorities
Provide leadership, supervision, and guidance to the Events Manager and Events Coordinator