Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies UTK at University of Tennessee

DescriptionThe Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations reports directly to the Dean of CECS and serves as a core member of the Deans Cabinet Leadership Team. This position provides senior-level leadership in strategic marketing communications and external affairs to strengthen CECSs visibility and reputation nationwide and beyond. The Senior Director oversees branding and visibility efforts by aligning the Deans public appearances speeches and media presence with the Colleges mission and institutional priorities while managing the development of digital print and social content to ensure accuracy consistency and brand alignment.The role also manages the Deans travel and event coordination for major events ensuring seamless logistics professional representation and strategic engagement addition the Senior Director leads special projects and visibility campaigns develops annual communications plans with measurable outcomes and serves as the central coordination point among the Deans office marketing and communications staff and external partners. Through strategic supervision of the Director of Campus Marketing and Communications and the Marketing Coordinator as well as the Events Manager and Events Coordinator the position fosters collaboration accountability and innovation to advance CECSs reputation influence and impact.ResponsibilitiesMedia Preparation & Strategy:Develop key messaging and talking points tailored for national and regional audiencesCoordinate media preparation for interviews panels and live broadcastsMonitor current events and industry news to brief the Dean on relevant topics and potential questionsDraft and review press releases op-eds and statements for regional national and global audiences to ensure consistency with the colleges mission and visionBuild and maintain relationships with reporters editors and producers to secure coverage and rapid responseMaintain and launch new CECS external-facing events and activities such as webinars newsletter columns etc.Strategically enhance the footprint of CECSs social media presence in multiple platformsBranding & VisibilityAdvance and position CECSs image and visibility in alignment with the Colleges strategic priorities and overarching visionAlign the Deans public appearances with institutional strategic priorities and visionOversee social media presence including curated content and live updates during key eventsPrepare biographies fact sheets and background materials for introductions panels and profilesTrack and analyze media mentions and sentiment to inform strategyTravel & Event CoordinationPrepare and deliver to the Dean a comprehensive monthly agenda outlining all scheduled travel and media-related engagementsCoordinate and manage all associated logistics to ensure seamless execution before during and after each eventAccompany the Dean to designated engagements serving as a professional representative while safeguarding the Deans time focus and presenceBuild detailed travel itineraries including key contacts schedules and briefing booksCoordinate with event organizers and hosts to ensure visibility and maximize networking opportunitiesPrepare post-trip debriefs highlighting outcomes follow-up tasks and relationship management needsInternal & External CommunicationsAlign messaging with university leadership and system-level communications teamsEnsure CECS maintains consistent high-impact visibility that reflects and advances the Colleges mission and visionOversee and approve all internal and external communications prior to public release to safeguard accuracy consistency and brand alignmentDirect the timely development and distribution of all media formats (print digital and social) with particular attention to recurring publications and campaignsGuarantee that all content is polished strategically crafted and tailored to its intended audience including presentation materials and slidesCoordinate crisis communications and rapid response in high-profile situationsSpecial Projects & Strategic PlanningLead special visibility campaigns including award nominations speaking engagements and thought leadership initiativesManage communications around high-level collaborations with industry government and nonprofit partnersDevelop and update annual public affairs and communications plans including metrics for reach and impactOperational & Administrative SupportPrepare comprehensive briefing materials before every public-facing engagementMaintain calendars talking points and priorities to ensure alignment across unitsServe as the coordination point between the deans office marketing communications and external partnersCollaboration and coordination with CECS leadership and personnelCollaboration and partnerships with university units such as central communications office provosts communication team Enrollment management registrars office student success ORIED for informed and wide dissemination of CECS initiatives and brandSupervisory LeadershipProvide strategic direction and supervisory leadership to the Director of Campus Marketing and Communications and the Marketing Coordinator fostering collaboration accountability and innovation while ensuring all efforts align with CECSs marketing and communications prioritiesProvide leadership supervision and guidance to the Events Manager and Events CoordinatorQualificationsRequired QualificationsEducation:Bachelors degree in political science public relations communications journalism marketing management or related fieldExperience57 years of professional experience in public affairs communications media relations or similar high-profile rolesDemonstrated success in managing executive-level communications and media strategiesExperience in executive decision-makingSkills & CompetenciesExceptional written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiencesHigh attention to detail excellent organization and time management skillsProven ability to prepare leadership for national media interviews including message developmentStrong strategic planning and project management with the ability to meet tight deadlinesExperience coordinating travel logistics and high-profile eventsProficiency in digital media platforms analytics tools and media monitoring systemsDemonstrated proficiency in delivering consistent high-impact internal and external communications that ensure accuracy coherence and alignment with institutional brand standardsProfessional TraitsHigh level of discretion and confidentiality with sensitive informationAbility to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple projectsExcellent interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with leadership media and stakeholdersPreferred QualificationsEducation:Masters degree in political science public relations communications journalism marketing management or related fieldExperienceExperience in higher education government or corporate executive communicationsTrack record of national-level media engagement and communication leadershipPrevious support of a president provost dean or C-suite executiveSkills & ExpertiseKnowledge of trends in public affairs higher education and technology sectorsExpertise in speech writing presentation design and multimedia storytellingData-driven strategy expertise using analytics to optimize visibility campaignsProfessional TraitsPolitical savvy and ability to navigate complex organizational and external dynamicsExperience managing communications under pressure with rapid turnaroundAdvanced relationship-building with journalists thought leaders and high-profile stakeholdersWork LocationLocation: Knoxville TNOnsiteBenefitsFind more information on UT BenefitshereApplication InstructionsTo express interest please submit an application with the noted below attachments:ResumeCover LetterList of 3 Professional ReferencesRequired Experience:Exec Key Skills Crisis Management,Marketing,Public Relations,Fundraising,Media Relations,Constant Contact,Strategic Planning,Social Media Management,Team Management,Public Speaking,Wordpress,Writing Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1