Digital Communications Manager, Student Life Communications - UTK

The digital communications manager works collaboratively with the Student Life Communications team to implement a strategy for website presence and digital content/design, providing creative direction and implementation for division websites, intranet, and other digital communication. This position leverages data to improve user experience and discoverability. They advise accessibility and branding best practices with colleagues to enhance the quality of content produced across the division.

30% Digital Strategy

• Drive the creative strategy for division and department websites and intranet, serving as a contributing designer on cross-divisional digital projects
• Provide leadership to Student Life staff on best practices in digital design, user experience, communication strategy, and accessibility.
• Analyze data for reach, performance, and user experience of division websites, intranet, and other digital communication, evaluating user experience and accessibility and making data-driven adjustments to improve the division's digital presence.

30% Digital Design

• Participate in brainstorming and ideation sessions, working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop and implement creative solutions to communication problems
• Work as part of the Student Life Communications team to determine the creative direction for digital communication platforms, providing creative direction for division websites, intranet, and other digital communication.
• Determine and prepare digital design and content in accordance with branding guidelines and/or budget restrictions, evaluating resources and tasks with management to adjust as necessary.
• May provide design support for email and other forms of digital communication
• May coordinate with vendors with regard to production schedules, project requirements, and budget.

20% Personnel Management

• Incorporate student effort and learning opportunities into active projects.
• Assess intern skillsets and professional development, assigning tasks that appropriately challenge them while guiding their progress.
• Provide direct supervision and evaluation of student interns.

15% Campus Partnerships

• Build positive working relationships with division and cross-campus partners, interacting with students, faculty, and staff
• Liaise with the UT Office of Communications and Marketing and the Office of Innovative Technology to ensure consistency of university communications, brand, and accessibility
• Serve on University/Division committees.

5% Brand Management

• Lead educational sessions with Student Life staff to establish the division's brand and set expectations with staff working in supportive communications roles within departments

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in web design, graphic design, computer science, digital communications, or a related field
• Experience:  2 years of professional experience related to duties and responsibilities. (6 years of professional experience can substitute for the education requirement). Demonstrated experience managing websites using WordPress or other content management systems. Demonstrated experience using HTML/CSS to craft web pages or emails.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Ability to work with diverse constituencies, prioritize multiple work responsibilities in time-sensitive situations, work with limited supervision, supervise, and delegate work to student staff, exercise good judgment, handle different situations with confidence and leadership, and be flexible. Foundational knowledge of marketing essentials and communications strategies. Ability to use Content Management Systems to build and maintain websites and intranets. Strong skills in verbal and written communication, customer service, and interpersonal relationships.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree
• Experience:  Prior experience using web design systems and block editors to build websites. Demonstrated experience remediating accessibility issues. Experience supervising internships and/or practicum students. Experience planning and directing photo or video shoots. Demonstrated experience writing copy for the web. 
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Ability to use WordPress, Microsoft Sharepoint, Adobe Creative Suite, and Mac Operating Systems at a proficient level. Knowledgeable in Search Engine Optimization, Google Analytics, and WCAG standards. Video editing and captioning. Ability to create simple graphics or icons. Familiarity with AP and/or