Communications Specialist - Finance & Administration and Human Resources - UTK

Reporting to the Strategic Project Manager, the primary purpose of this position is to develop and to achieve communications goals. The position will develop communication plans, create content for internal and external audiences, implement social media campaigns, and design digital and print marketing materials. This position supports the communications needs of the Finance & Administration (F&A) and Human Resources (HR) departments.

Asset Management 

• Manage primary web assets, such as the F&A and HR websites and intranet sites related to staff support. 
• Support and update content, communication revisions, and strategic planning for specific needs as they arise. 
• Promote department initiatives, updating messages, maintaining identity, 
• Create content for internal and external audiences.  

Content Creation 

• Lead internal and external communications for F&A and HR, managing message strategy, and content functionality. 
• Produce and edit written, graphic, photo, and video content for web, digital, social media, and print. 
• Develop, coordinate, and refine content and messaging across web/digital channels and print publications.
• Manage the content calendar, create/edit content and ensure alignment with the university’s key messages. 
• Design branded graphic collateral to promote events, printed materials, initiatives, and policies. 

Planning 

• Develop, manage, and streamline communication for the F&A and HR departments and maintain a year-long communications plan.
• Integrate initiatives, as well as the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Strategic Vision, into actionable communication plans. 
• Collaborate with university communications professionals. 
• Align with university branding and messaging strategy of the university.  

Required Qualifications 

• Education: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, related field, or relevant degree and 3+ years of related experience 
• Experience: 

• Writing/designing communications plans and advising departments and leaders in communications strategy

• Writing for both internal and external audiences, including website/social media content, presentations, announcements, event and print content. 

• Webpage development software

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

• Ability to analyze metrics and alter strategy 
• Strong oral and written communication skills 
• Exceptional time management skills, organization, and attention to detail 
• Ability to effectively use communication tools and software 
• Knowledge of graphic design principles 
• Knowledge of higher ed structure 
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and relevant digital editing tools 
• Understanding of social media management 
• Ability to manage to work with several team on several initiatives simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications 

• Education: 
  • Master’s degree in communication or related field, and experience in higher education, finance, or human resources
• Experience: 
  • WordPress and SharePoint
  • MailChimp
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
  • Ability to produce polished, audience-specific content
  • Proficient in data analytics
  • Extensive knowledge in email marketing platforms
  • Understanding of university governance, structure, and stakeholders

Work Location 

• Location: Knoxville, TN 
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range:  MR09
• Anticipated hiring range:  $58K-$62K
• 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: 

• Resume 
• Cover Letter 

About The College/Department/Division 

The office encompasses the operating units of Budget & Finance, The Bursar’s Office, Enterprise Resource Planning, Shared Services, and University Contracts. The AVC for F&A is responsible for implementing the day-to-day procedures while referring to fiscal policies set at the System level. The units serve as a central res