The social media specialist serves as a digital communications professional responsible for planning, developing and executing top-of-funnel social media strategies that elevate the visibility and reputation of the UT System. Reporting to the associate vice president for communications and marketing, this position manages daily strategy, content development, posting, monitoring and engagement for all official social media accounts overseen by the UT System Division of Communications and Marketing, which currently include the UT System, Office of the President and Our Tennessee alumni magazine.

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, advertising or a related field. One to three years of experience managing social media platforms for an organization, brand or executive office.

Additional skills, experiences, and qualifications include:

• Demonstrated proficiency in writing, editing and producing content for social media using AP Style and adapting tone for diverse audiences and platforms
• Strong understanding of platform-specific best practices, algorithms, audience behaviors and emerging trends across major social channels (including Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube)
• Experience developing content calendars, planning long-range digital campaigns and aligning social media content with institutional goals
• Ability to monitor platforms in real time, respond professionally to audience interactions and adapt content plans based on emerging issues or context
• Proven skill in analyzing performance metrics and using insights to inform decisions, optimize content and enhance overall account performance
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in fast-paced or time-sensitive situations, including identifying issues that require escalation
• Strong situational awareness and ability to assess the appropriateness of content in relation to university, state, national or global events
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with executives, senior leaders and cross-functional teams
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy and organizational skills
• Ability to balance multiple priorities, adjust quickly and manage tight deadlines
• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism and receptiveness to feedback
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently on short notice to support events, presidential engagements and time-sensitive communications needs
• Willingness to provide after-hours and weekend support and monitoring

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Experience managing social media for a higher education institution
• Familiarity with social media publishing and listening tools (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootesuite, etc.)
• Experience supporting paid social media campaigns
• Working knowledge of digital accessibility standards as they apply to social media content
• Basic proficiency in graphic design, photography or short-form video editing for social media (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva or mobile editing tools)
• Knowledge of the UT System or Tennessee higher education landscape

Application Process

For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Benefits and Compensation

Compensation for the position is budgeted for $55,000 to $60,000.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Social Media Strategy, Content Development and Platform Management:

• Develop and execute social media strategies that drive awareness, audience growth and engagement across all UT System–managed social media platforms (currently totaling 10 for the UT System, Office of the President and Our Tennessee alumni magazine)
• Lead long-range content planning, including developing platform-specific plans, monthly calendars and coordinated campaign timelines that align with overarching and strategic marketing and communications goals, presidential priorities and major systemwide initiatives
• Support the development and execution of paid social media content, working closely with the associate vice president to align paid tactics, targeting and timing with overarching campaigns and institutional goals
• Manage daily content production — including writing, editing, scheduling and posting — ranging from routine news and announcements to presidential speaking engagements, internal and external events and time-sensitive issues or emerging situations
• Coordinate with the creative producer, internal colleagues and external partners to plan and obtain visual assets needed for social media content
• Monitor accounts in real time, responding to comments, messages and interactions professionally and consistently with UT standards
• Conduct routine social listening to identify opportunities for amplification and emerging issues or trends relevant to the UT System
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date channel information, including bios, headers, profile elements and accessibility features

Insights, Trends and Coordination:

• Research, track and analyze performance metrics and audience insights to evaluate content effectiveness and provide recommendations that strengthen reach, visibility and engagement
  • Monitor platform trends, algorithm updates, emerging features and shifts in user behavior to anticipate changes and inform content decisions
• Stay current on broader industry and technology developments affecting digital communications and adapt UT System social media practices accordingly
• Prepare regular performance summaries and share insights and recommendations with leadership to support goal setting, decision-making and continuous improvement
• Coordinate with UT campus and institute colleagues to share best practices, align messaging and identify opportunities

Project Management and Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Manage multiple concurrent projects, balancing daily posting needs with longer-term campaigns, planned initiatives and institutional priorities
• Track requests, timelines and asset needs to ensure coordinated and timely delivery of content across platforms
• Coordinate workflow processes — including content routing, review procedures and approvals — to ensure posts are context-appropriate, strategically timed and aligned with university, state, national and global events
• Maintain documentation for account access, procedures and processes to ensure operational continuity, including during absences or events requiring extended monitoring and coverage