Director, Creative Strategy & Operations - Digital Learning at UT - UTK

The Director, Creative Strategy & Operations will lead the development and execution of creative strategies to strengthen Digital Learning at UT’s brand identity and engagement. This role oversees all aspects of creative services, including graphic design, video production, photography, visual storytelling, and brand asset management. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and operations leader who can manage a high-performing team and deliver high-quality creative outputs across digital and print platforms.

Creative Strategy & Brand Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of a creative strategy that strengthens Digital Learning at UT’s brand identity and audience engagement across platforms.
• Define and evolve the creative direction for marketing campaigns, digital experiences, storytelling, and institutional initiatives.
• Serve as a brand steward, ensuring all creative outputs adhere to UT’s visual identity, tone, and messaging standards.
• Collaborate with the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) and cross-campus stakeholders to ensure alignment with university-wide branding efforts.
• Champion innovation in visual storytelling, including exploring emerging formats and media to enhance learner and stakeholder engagement.

Creative Production & Content Oversight

• Oversee the planning, production, and quality assurance of creative content across all channels, including video, photography, animation, print, web, and social media assets.
• Provide creative direction and approvals for key visual materials and marketing deliverables, ensuring strategic alignment and high aesthetic quality.
• Develop and manage a robust creative asset library and design system, including templates, style guides, and toolkits to support brand consistency and scalability.
• Manage vendor and freelance relationships, ensuring quality control, adherence to timelines, and budget alignment for outsourced creative work.
• Ensure accessibility, usability, and inclusivity are embedded into all visual and multimedia content.

Team Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Oversee project timelines, resource allocation, and internal workflows to ensure efficient and on-time delivery of creative assets.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations; conduct regular reviews, goal-setting, and professional development planning.
• Implement tools and processes to improve operational efficiency, cross-functional collaboration, and creative throughput.
• Monitor KPIs and use data and feedback to drive continual improvement in team operations and creative outcomes.

Relationship Development - Communication, Collaboration, and Partnership

• Cross-functional leader who collaborates closely with the Digital Learning marketing team, all operational units within Digital Learning, and the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) at UT to ensure marketing and learner goals are met
• Provides exceptional relationship management by creating synergies with internal teams, marketing units across campus, and external vendors/partners

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, User Experience (UX Design), Creative Services
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in marketing including ~5 years of strategic creative leadership. This would include 2-5 years of supervisory/leadership experience.
• Proven ability to develop and implement results-driven marketing strategies and build and grow teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Marketing, Communications, User Experience (UX Design), Creative Services
• Prefer at least 15 years of relevant marketing, design, web, and/or creative experience with demonstrated experience leading projects and teams in this space
• Familiarity with the higher education landscape.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN
• This position would ideally function in an in-person/hybrid working capacity but fully remote could be an option for the ideal candidate.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR 13
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

• For full consideration, applicants must attach a letter of interest, resume, and the name, address, email, and phone number of three professional references, in addition to completing the applicant file to the Human Resources online application system, Taleo. This position does have the potential for a hybrid working capacity.
• Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. DL_UT

About The College/Department/Division

Digital Learning at UT, is a unit charged with advancing UT’s commitment to discovery, creativity, learning, and engagement, specifically for online learners. Using advanced and innovative technologies, Digital Learning at UT will provide scalable solutions that enhance the online learning experience and reduce barriers to student access and success, providing a tremendous impact to online learners across the state and the nation. At Digital Learning, we want to be bold and impactful, transforming the future of online education through innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Join our dynamic and inclusive Digital Learning team where we take pride in teamwork, excellence, and a shared commitment to shaping the future through education and innovation.