The Communications Associate is a member of the Media and Internal Relations team within the Office of Communications and Marketing. This is a one-year, limited duration appointment position. The Media and Internal Relations team works to promote and protect the brand of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, through critical communications, issues management, and internal communications content planning and execution. This position works to promote university news, operational updates, and other key messages to internal audiences through the employee and student internal newsletters.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree

• Entry-level position

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of communication to varied audiences

• Basic understanding of working with traditional and emerging media

• Knowledge of the university brand and communication standards

• Passion for communications

• Organizational skills sufficient to plan and manage multiple projects

• Ability to work and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

• Ability to meet deadlines on both long- and short-term assignments, projects, and goals

• Represents the university in a professional manner

• Interacts well with campus partners, office staff, and UT administrators

• Provides and is receptive to feedback and constructive criticism

• Works independently and in a group setting

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field
• Familiarity with higher education landscape

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN

• This is an onsite position with some hybrid work schedule flexibility

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR06
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

The university offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement plans through the State of Tennessee, generous annual and sick leave accruals, longevity pay, tuition waivers and discounts, and more. Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applicants must apply electronically and submit a cover letter, resume, and the names, email addresses and phone numbers of three references. A minimum of two references should be current or previous supervisors.

About The College/Department/Division

The Office of Communications and Marketing is dedicated to advancing the university’s reputation. Staff members support the institution’s mission and goals, promote its successes and achievements, inform and engage its stakeholders, and ensure the integrity of its brand. We craft audience-focused communications based on data, best-practices, and emerging trends.

The division comprises several cross-functional teams, employing professionals with expertise in design, development, video production, content strategy, feature writing, editing, marketing, media relations, internal communication, and special events.

Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK

Internal Communications

• Contributes to content development and planning for both the student and employee electronic newsletters, intranet and broadcast emails
• Writes first drafts of content and edits content submitted by colleges and units from across campus for both the student and employee electronic newsletters.
• Builds and distributes the student electronic newsletter and employee electronic newsletter using Marketing Cloud, the university’s Customer Relationship Management System (CRM) and Emma

Media Coordination and Monitoring

• Logs and tracks media requests and university responses
• Helps coordinate and gather information to respond to student media requests
• Assists in monitoring traditional media and social media mentions of the university
• Helps build daily listening reports of media coverage for university leadership

Data Analytics

• Compiles data for electronic newsletters and intranet to assist department and office leadership in development of content strategy
• Assists with compiling data and information for office quarterly reports