GEAR UP Assistant Director, Communications and Engagement

Job Summary 

The ETSU GEAR UP Assistant Director, Communications & Engagement provides strategic leadership for communications, outreach, and engagement initiatives that strengthen school and community partnerships, promote program visibility, and support a college-going culture. Reporting to the Director and working closely with the Associate Director, this position plans, develops, implements, and evaluates integrated communications and engagement strategies aligned with grant goals and priorities.

The Assistant Director leads and produces a wide range of communications and outreach efforts, including digital and print content, branding, marketing campaigns, community engagement activities, and major program events across ETSU and partner schools. This role exercises independent judgment in ensuring communications and engagement activities align with grant requirements, institutional standards, and compliance expectations.

Working collaboratively with GEAR UP staff, school partners, and ETSU stakeholders, the Assistant Director advances student, family, and educator engagement through effective communication, strategic partnerships, and coordinated outreach efforts that enhance program impact throughout the region.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of GEAR UP or similar college access programs. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate program goals and progress into strategic, audience-appropriate messaging across multiple platforms. 
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships, and effectively engage with school administrators, educators, students, families, and community partners. 
• Proficiency with social media platforms, digital communication tools, and content creation or basic graphic design software. 
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and lead the execution of outreach events involving multiple stakeholders. 
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects, timelines, and priorities with strong attention to detail. 
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with FERPA, university policies, and federal grant requirements. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a college access team. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making in a fast-paced, grant-funded environment. 
• Flexibility, integrity, and sound professional judgment in a fast-paced, grant-funded environment. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, education or a related field and two (2) years of related experience.
  OR 
• A combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in a related field and experience working with federally funded grants, PK–12 partnerships, or higher education outreach initiatives.
• Experience supporting youth-focused or educational programming in school or community settings.

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family – Communications and Marketing Professional 2
• Market Range – 7 (Salary Schedules)
• For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check. 
• Documents to attach to application:
  • Resume

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.