The Communications Specialist is responsible for the support and coordination of communications and marketing materials and initiatives produced by the department, general day-to-day operations of the office, and support of the Vice Chancellor and other leaders. The position will be involved in the development and dissemination of informational materials or products by performing a variety of tasks that follow policies and procedures. The position supports activities that are necessary for the daily operation of the office, including marketing and communications initiatives, media relations, digital communications, and project management. The position will coordinate meetings and events as needed.

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The Office of Marketing and Communications with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is seeking a dynamic, organized, and customer service driven person to join the team as the Communications Specialist. The position will support an outstanding team of communications professionals who are charged with telling the Institute story. The position is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the office and supporting marketing and communications initiatives. The position reports directly to the Vice Chancellor.

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Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Associate’s degree

• Experience:

  • At least two years of experience in an administrative role or in a marketing and communications office

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Solid knowledge of office operations.

  • Solid knowledge of marketing and communications standards.

  • Knowledge of basic design principles.

  • Knowledge of media relations best practices.

  • Excellent computer skills.

  • Excellent organizational skills.

  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

  • Exceptional customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, and/or journalism field preferred.

• Experience:

  • Relevant work experience in a similar type of office.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of project management systems.

  • Knowledge of digital asset management systems.

  • Excellent writing skills.

  • Knowledge of best practices in social media and media relations.

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR07

• Anticipated hiring range:

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before March 20, 2026.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• References

About The College/Department/Division:

The UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) Office of Marketing and Communications works to elevate the profile of the Institute and its four units—the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT AgResearch, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and UT Extension. The team does this through various means including strategic communications consulting, brand management, creative campaign development and media strategy. Other examples include social media management, media relations, crisis and issues management, internal communications management, graphic design, videography and production, photography, publications editing and production, website design and content consultation, displays and exhibits, podcast production, marketing and advertising, writing, magazine design and production, and event planning and execution. The team is charged with strategic initiatives that effectively share the Real. Life. Solutions. that are produced daily by the faculty and staff of the Institute.

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The Communications Specialist will:

• Provide support for marketing and communications information and activities which include weekly internal communications and programs, and external efforts such as social media, news dissemination, and website support.

• The position will also handle departmental events such as retreats, field day participation, or special events.

• This position provides support for the Vice Chancellor and other leaders, and assists employees located in Knoxville and across the state when needed.

• The position will have broad knowledge of UT policies and procedures, and will oversee purchases, membership dues, meeting scheduling, and office supply inventory.