This position will provide visionary leadership for communications for the Division of Access and Engagement (DAE). The director is the principal curator of the DAE story, voice, and brand identity to various internal and external audiences. Responsibilities include the development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of the division's comprehensive communications plan. The position determines strategy, creative direction, and tone for all areas of the division's highly visible, highly impactful communications. Communication areas include the following: marketing, writing, website development and updates, mass email marketing, print and digital design, photography, video, presentations, and events. The role will supervise two communications coordinators.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Division of Access and Engagement (DAE) invites applications and nominations for a strategic, innovative, and visionary Director of Communications. This full-time position leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that advances the division’s mission to broaden access, deepen engagement, and elevate belonging across the university and the communities it serves.

The Director of Communications serves as the principal storyteller, strategist, and brand steward for DAE. This role crafts and amplifies the division’s narrative, ensuring that its work is visible, compelling, and aligned with institutional priorities. The director reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic and External Relations and works closely with divisional leaders, campus partners, and external audiences to advance a cohesive and impactful communications agenda.

Required Qualifications

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • Five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or government relations at a strategic and supervisory level.

  • Experience managing multimedia projects, including photography, video production, and digital assets.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Strong project management skills and the ability to lead simultaneous complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

  • Exceptionally strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, including writing and editing skills for print, web, video, and other platforms.

  • High-level understanding of and experience with communication strategies and branding, especially as it relates to higher education.

  • Knowledge of best practices and standards for communications.

  • Strong project management skills in a fast and complex environment.

  • Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize and deliver excellence on time.

  • Ability to hold confidence when working on sensitive communications.

  • Ability to be innovative, creative, and forward-thinking.

  • Ability to navigate successfully sensitive areas of access and engagement work.

  • Ability to lead a cohesive team, set goals, and assess progress.

  • Ability to write highly visible speeches for the Vice Chancellor.

  • Ability to work with numerous campus partners on various initiatives.

  • Ability to work with the media in conveying areas of importance to the work of DAE.

  • Ability to lead simultaneous complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:

  • Master's degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • Ten years of experience in strategic communications, including supervisory experience.

  • Experience working in higher education, government, or a similar complex organizational environment.

  • Expertise across multiple communications areas such as design, marketing strategy, media relations, and digital communications.

Work Location

• Location:

  • University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Andy Holt Tower, 1331 Circle Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996

• This position will be located On-Site

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR-12

• Anticipated hiring range: $90,000 – $100,000

• 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 April 10^th, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

The College/Department/Division

The Division of Access and Engagement impacts the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s strategic vision through access, belonging, a culture of respect, and community. We support academic access, foster community partnerships, and promote merit-based student success. In addition to our alignment with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s mission, we are aligned with the UT System's aspirational statement.

“We are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. Consistent with the University’s commitment to high academic standards, student achievement, and the preparation of responsible citizens, we believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth. Our collective strengths make us stronger, and we are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the University community feel welcome, can thrive, and achieve success.”

Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develops and executes a holistic communications and marketing plan that reflects the division’s strategic vision and elevates awareness of DAE initiatives.

• Serves as a communications advisor to senior leadership, including drafting high-profile talking points for the Vice Chancellor that articulate the impact and importance of access and engagement work.

• Leads the creation of integrated, data-informed email marketing campaigns that drive participation, visibility, and engagement.

• Guides narrative strategy, messaging priorities, and storytelling approaches across all DAE units.

Brand, Content, and Media Management

• Oversees divisional visual identity, messaging, creative direction, and overall brand consistency across digital and print platforms.

• Directs development and continuous improvement of divisional websites, ensuring timely, accurate, and mission-centered content.

• Produces and manages high-impact content, including digital and print reports, marketing collateral, photography, videography, and strategic communications assets.

• Leads media relations strategies aimed at increasing visibility of DAE in regional and national outlets.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervises two communications coordinators, student workers, and interns, promoting excellence, creativity, and alignment with divisional goals.

• Provides mentorship, professional development opportunities, and guidance to communications team members.

• Oversees the communications budget, ensuring effective and responsible investment of resources.

Event and Initiative Communications

• Creates strategic marketing and media plans for major divisional events.

• Produces storytelling materials that highlight the reach and outcomes of signature DAE initiatives.

Campus Relations and Cross-Divisional Collaboration

• Partners with campus communicators, administrative leaders, and UT communications offices to ensure alignment with institutional branding and messaging standards.

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with units across the university to produce coordinated communications efforts.

• Manages sensitive or high-profile communications matters in collaboration with the Vice Chancellor and other campus leaders.