Assistant Director of Communications

The University of Tennessee Foundation Inc. (UTFI) is seeking an individual who is well-organized, detail-oriented, and highly creative/innovative to join the Communications Central Services team in Knoxville, Tennessee. Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications, this position plays a key role in promoting the UT Foundation’s mission, initiatives, and priorities through internal and external communications. As the Assistant Director, you will be responsible to lead the strategy and development, as well as implement and maintain the content on our UTFI website to ensure all information is updated and accurate. This position will manage internal communications requests and oversee the strategy and creation of our monthly Foundation News that is distributed electronically.

Additional Responsibilities Include But Not Limited To

UTFI Web Content Management – monitor performance of our online website (www.utfi.org) to analyze activity and user journey, conduct user testing, and adjust designs as needed; collaborate with other departments to maintain and develop online presence. This position will also be responsible for developing and creating webpages.
Internal/External Communications – Oversee our Foundation News as well as creating and distributing quarterly Board of Governors newsletter which includes gathering content, writing stories, editing images/graphics, creating additional webpages, and building emails through email marketing software and distribution.
Miscellaneous – Assist in building and executing communication plans for special projects within UTFI, serve as a project manager to monitor the request forms through completion, and participate in brainstorming, planning, and strategy sessions with our campus groups as well as the UT System Office of Communications and Marketing.

Who We Are!

Benefits

While our advancement team aspires to be a key driver in UT’s vision of being a top public research university and producing at the level of a top SEC fundraising program, UTFI supports them by providing a unique benefits package that includes

The Foundation is an interdependent nonprofit corporation that enriches the lives of the students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University of Tennessee through alumni engagement, financial stewardship and private investments.

Remote work schedule opportunity,
Eligible for up to 24+ paid days off per year and 12 paid days off for holidays,
Tuition reimbursement,
Employee discounts such as Orlando theme parks and Biltmore, and
Full comprehensive benefits & retirement package, plus more!

Knoxville sits at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains. With a variety of outdoor activities, parks and recreation, Knoxville can provide a top notch outdoors recreational experience to nature lovers. Arts, music, events, and annual festivals add to the breadth and depth of the list of things to do in our region. There are various opportunities to connect and find community for all identities and interests within the surrounding area and on campus.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, information science/technology or related field with a minimum of 3 years of proven experience in communications, marketing, public relations, alumni/development, or similar environment is required. Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, other web languages, and analytics and data-gathering platforms and tools (Google Analytics 4, etc), understanding of user-focused design and web accessibility standards (WCAG level AA) and Section 508 compliance, and lastly advanced knowledge of web-based content management systems (e.g. WordPress block editor, etc.) is required. Preferred experience includes 5 years of relevant job experience as mentioned above.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills required, and ability to think creatively and strategically in pursuit of objectives is critical. Interested candidates should have excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate insights, as well as project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work. Because this role will communicate to several internal departments and will have access organizational changes, the ability to practice a high level of confidentiality is extremely important.

The ideal candidate will be highly supportive of and committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. To build a diverse workforce The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women.EEO/AA employer.