Director of communications

Full job description

Director of Communications, UTIA

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Director of Communications

University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Director of Communications for the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA). Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Director of Communications leads the Office of Advancement’s marketing and communications strategy, defines objectives, and measures success of campaigns—with special attention to storytelling and project management.

This role will work directly with the Advancement team and key partners across the Institute on written storytelling for stewardship, development, annual giving, special events, and alumni programs. Their efforts work toward the goal of increasing philanthropic support, enhancing donor stewardship, and better engage alumni and current students.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Communications Strategy & Leadership:

• Develops a formalized process for storytelling, distribution, and potential media coverage around major gift announcements.
• Creation and oversight of UTIA Advancement Resource Center and training for Advancement staff members on use of branded templates, best practices, and workflow process.
• Researches and creates content for advancement publications including impact stories, fundraising proposals, and other communications for major donors.

Project Management:

• Oversight of project management for the division, defined as the successful completion of all Advancement projects including ideation, organization, and execution.
• Sets deadlines, communicates regularly about the state of projects, ensures projects stay on track and on budget, and adjusts necessarily to meet new requirements.
• Researches and creates content for advancement publications including impact stories, fundraising proposals, and other communications for major donors.

Collaboration:

• Serves as liaison and point of contact with OMC's team to distribute Advancement stories to media.
• Collaborates with college/unit communicators to develop alumni and donor stories that are relevant for use both centrally and in the college/units.
• Reviews weekly commitment reports for storytelling leads and collaborates with Senior Director of Strategic Engagement and Advancement Services on gift agreements.

Required Education and Experience

The candidate who fills the Director of Communications position is required to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, or related field
• Five or more years of experience in communications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with photo/video editing software and graphic design software
• Experience with CMS and HTML email marketing
• Ability to manage multiple projects; time management; prioritization

Preferred Education and Experience

In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:

• Master’s degree in Communications, Business, or related field
• Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Premiere, InDesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, After Effects, Audition) experience
• Experience managing social media, podcasting development and production, and website management
• Superior writing and editing skills
• Experience with Encompass or a similar CMS

Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before May 28, 2024 via our Taleo application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without explicit permission of the candidate.

NOTE – When determining minimum qualifications, only information entered into the candidate profile can be considered. Please ensure your candidate profile is completed in its entirety as it relates to qualifying education/work experience.

Questions about the search may be directed to .

Target Start Date: July 1, 2024

Benefits: Recognized as a Top Employer by Knoxville Top Workplaces in 2022 and 2023, the Foundation’s greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:

• Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days
• Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team members
• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses
• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

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The Foundation: The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is dedicated to providing “Real. Life. Solutions.” to society’s most pressing issues. Through its extensive presence across the state and global outreach efforts, UTIA’s work has a profound impact on agriculture, research, veterinary medicine, Extension, and more, ultimately contributing to economic growth, biodiversity and human and animal health.

The UT System: The University of Tennessee System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Institute of Agriculture; and the Institute for Public Service.

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

Job Advancement

Primary Location US-Tennessee-knoxville

Organization Ag Development Pay

Campus/Institute Development Foundation

Schedule Full-time

Job Posting May 13, 2024, 1:53:18 PM