Communications & Marketing Coordinator

The University of Tennessee – Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII)

Regular, Full-time, Market Range 10

Location(s): University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Oak Ridge National Laboratory

The University of Tennessee - Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) is seeking a Communications & Marketing Coordinator to play a crucial role in supporting and elevating the impact of the institute's education, research, and workforce development. As the Communications & Marketing Coordinator for UT-ORII, you will be a strong news writer who will bring a passion for sharing stories internally and externally about our exciting UT-ORNL graduate and other education programs, and our joint research advancements. Social media and website experience is essential. You will also be responsible for planning and executing UT-ORII's events and other activities. We are looking for someone who is agile, has strong organizational skills, and is a go-getter who is eager to excel in a variety of communications and marketing duties and assignments. This position reports to UT-ORII's Director of Communications and will regularly interface and support UT-ORII's Science Alliance and Bredesen Center teams.

UT-ORII, a pioneering organization jointly led by the University of Tennessee (UT) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), offers a unique opportunity to strategically align the expertise and infrastructure of these two prestigious institutions. This alignment aims to usher in world-class interdisciplinary research and graduate education. Learn more about UT-ORII at http://www.utorii.com.

UT-ORII operates from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and ORNL; the Marketing and Communications Coordinator will work from both locations. The Marketing and Communications Coordinator is an employee of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Responsibilities

Science & News Writing

· Generate creative and original content (feature stories, website copy, social media posts, fact sheets, presentations, news releases...) promoting UT-ORII's UT-ORNL collaborative research and Bredesen Center joint UT-ORNL PhD programs and other education initiatives.

· Writes and produces monthly UT-ORII e-newsletters

· Serves as editor and primary writer for the Science Alliance's annual report

· Conduct interviews (that may be recorded for public distribution) with UT and ORNL experts to explore their research findings.

· Expertly translates scientific studies, jargon, and topics into compelling content that can be understood by various audiences, from the public to academic peers.

· Proactively identifies new opportunities and story leads

· Story placement/pitching to targeted internal and external publications and media

· Provides quality assurance by checking facts and reviewing proofs

Event Manager

· Manages UT-ORII and Science Alliance events and other activities, including UT-ORNL Research Symposium for joint faculty and graduate students, Bredesen Center PhD recruitment events, and more.

· Works with UT-ORII leadership and others to identify key messages, goals/objectives, agenda needs

· Plans the appearance, presentation, and details of events.

· Creates and manages detailed, prioritized event plans and timelines to track progress, meet deadlines, and ensure event success.

· Negotiates with venues and vendors and coordinates with UT-ORII business services to ensure all venue and vendor contracts align with university policies and financial guidelines.

· Oversees and manages logistical details of events, such as invitations, catering orders, hotel rooms, transportation, audio and visual equipment, guest registration, speakers, security, parking, and clean-up.

· Works with UT and ORNL partners on badging, protocol, parking, safety, and security needs.

Social Media & Website Management:

· Manages the content and presentation of UT-ORII and Bredesen Center websites.

· Plans and develops UT-ORII messaging for websites and social media with high visibility and impact.

· Exhibits sound and professional judgment in the preparation and delivery of website and social media content.

· Develop and execute a digital recruitment strategy utilizing branding, storytelling, and targeted online advertising.

· Craft compelling digital content, including website copy, social media posts, email, and advertising campaigns.

· Ensure all content on UT-ORII and Bredesen Center websites and UT-ORII social media are error-free and current.

· Strong understanding of digital marketing best practices, including Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), social media marketing, and content marketing.

· Researches and identifies best practices, innovation, and new developments in social media, website, and other marketing-related initiatives; and makes recommendations for improvement based on research and analysis

Communications and Marketing Specialist

· Perform other communications and marketing duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

· A BS/BA degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, science, or another related field.

· Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in producing communications.

· Minimum of 2 years relevant experience in event logistics, event management, or project management.

· Candidates will be expected to share a portfolio of writing samples.

Required Qualifications

· This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

· Skilled in writing and producing a high quantity of news articles and communications products.

· Skilled in news writing and telling compelling stories on the research and other efforts of our UT-ORNL researchers and students.

· Skilled in communicating with a variety of audiences

· Ability to work effectively with a broad range of leaders and stakeholders and demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and confidence in executing responsibilities

· Ability to manage multiple communications projects from concept to completion as an individual contributor or in collaboration with other team members.

· Skilled in using WordPress or other website content management systems.

· Solid science/news writer with demonstrated journalism skills

· Excellent writing and storytelling skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives for a research audience

Preferred Qualifications

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience producing communications products on science- and/or technology-related subjects for diverse audiences.

· Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in event logistics, event management, or project management.

· Relevant communications experience working with national labs, universities or other state or federal entities.

· Solid knowledge of AP Style guides and rules

· Knowledge of working with national labs, universities, or other state or federal entities.

· Knowledge and skill in Adobe CC software, including Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop and Illustrator.

· Ability to work with and manage expectations of scientists and engineers to build relationships and trust.

Application Requirements

For full consideration for this position, applicants must provide:

· A stand-alone resume

· A letter of interest/cover letter

· Three professional references

· Portfolio of writing samples

More about UT-ORII

The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute is a partnership of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and UT created to prepare interdisciplinary leaders in energy science and technology and develop a world-class workforce for industry, government, and academia that will drive innovation and create the industries of the future.

Today’s energy economy is driven by disruptive technologies and swift change. The US is in a global competition for jobs, talent, and investment. To successfully compete, we must develop leadership talent in research and development (R&D), encourage entrepreneurship, and create an educational environment that promotes rapid innovation and attracts skilled professionals.

Leveraging an 80-year UT-ORNL partnership, UT and ORNL have developed joint institutes, joint facilities, interdisciplinary PhD programs, and comprehensive joint faculty arrangements, including 15 Governor’s Chairs recruited for the significance of their impacts in their fields.

UT-ORII’s overall goal is to become a center for convergent research and talent development, helping maintain US prominence as a global innovation leader and providing tangible benefits to Tennessee.