Digital Communications Coordinator

University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid leave

Flexible work arrangements

Education benefits

Retirement plans

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employee discounts

Remote workday (one per week)

Job summary

The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is seeking a Digital Communications Coordinator for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

The role leads the planning, development, and delivery of divisional event registrations in Blackthorn, ensuring accessible, user‑centered experiences aligned with fundraising and engagement goals. You will collaborate with Marcom, DSI, campus partners, and stakeholders to guide strategy, optimize attendee journeys, and translate performance data into

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• 1+ years of communications experience including web content management, writing, editing, digital marketing, and/or email marketing.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end event registration strategy and execution in Blackthorn for divisional events and priority initiatives.
• Analyze registration performance data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Provide strategic oversight of Blackthorn platform administration and maintain standards and workflows.

Skills

Communications

Web content management

Writing

Editing

Digital marketing

Email marketing

Graphic design

Website design

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Blackthorn

Job description

Job Description The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Digital Communications Coordinator for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Director of Digital Communications, this role oversees the planning, development, and delivery of divisional event registrations in Blackthorn, ensuring registration experiences are accurate, accessible, user-centered, and aligned with Advancement priorities and engagement goals. The coordinator collaborates closely with Marcom colleagues, DSI, campus partners, and event stakeholders to provide strategic guidance on registration approach and attendee experience, ensure cross-channel alignment, and translate performance data into actionable insights and recommendations that strengthen fundraising participation, alumni engagement, stewardship, and student engagement. This role serves as the division’s subject matter expert on digital event registration, exercising independent judgment in advising partners and contributing to strategic planning for major initiatives and campaigns.

Responsibilities

Registration Marketing and Strategy

Leads end-to-end event registration strategy and execution in Blackthorn for divisional events and priority initiatives, including the It Takes a Volunteer campaign. Determines registration structure, workflows, and attendee journeys to deliver an intuitive, accessible, high-performing experience aligned with engagement and fundraising goals. Serves as the division's subject matter expert, advising campus partners and stakeholders on strategy, timelines, and platform capabilities. Coordinates cross-functionally with Advancement colleagues, DSI, and campus partners so registration aligns with broader campaign and communications strategies.

Data, Reporting, and Optimization

Analyzes registration performance data, including volume, attendee trends, completion patterns, and engagement metrics, to drive strategic decisions and continuous improvement. Translates those insights into recommendations that strengthen fundraising participation, alumni engagement, and stewardship outcomes. Prepares and presents performance summaries to Advancement partners and leadership to inform future campaign and event planning. Implements optimizations such as form design, workflow, messaging, and user experience refinements, incorporating email, web, and social performance insights.

Administrative and Platform Leadership

Provides strategic oversight of Blackthorn platform administration, establishing and maintaining the standards, workflows, documentation, and intake processes that keep registration consistent and scalable across the division. Manages visibility into the registration pipeline, proactively handling timelines, dependencies, and priorities. Oversees QA/QC for registration builds to ensure accuracy, functionality, and accessibility before launch. Acts as a strategic liaison with campus partners and alumni chapters, and provides cross-training and backup support across digital platforms during peak cycles.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1+ years of communications experience, which may include web content management, writing, editing, digital marketing/analysis, email marketing, and/or graphic and or website design

A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position. UTFI reserves the right to consider all appropriate circumstances. In general, any significant driving offense less than 12 months old will eliminate the application from consideration for the position.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Higher Education Experience

Target Start Date

December 1, 2026

Benefits

• 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, including one remote workday per week, may be available after six months of employment
• 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

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Questions about the search may be directed to [e-mail] .

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 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.