Strategic Communications & Media Relations Leader

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s UTIA invites a visionary Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations to lead a high‑performing team within the Office of Marketing and Communications. You will shape integrated strategies across earned, owned, and shared media, elevate UTIA’s reputation, and ensure alignment with the land‑grant mission and institutional voice.

You will mentor staff, guide crisis communications, forge strong relationships with faculty and leaders, and partner with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in communications and media relations work.
• At least two of those years in a leadership position.

Responsibilities

• Leads the communications and media relations division to plan and accomplish goals.
• Develops, leads, and executes a comprehensive strategic communications and media relations strategy aligned with UTIA priorities.
• Directs the development of compelling stories highlighting UTIA’s research, Extension, and academic impact.
• Builds strong relationships with faculty and subject matter experts and maintains deep knowledge of their work.
• Partners with senior leadership to ensure consistent, strategic messaging across units.
• Represents UTIA Marketing and Communications on committees and task forces.
• Uses data and analytics to inform strategy and measure effectiveness.
• Provides strategic counsel on reputation management, messaging, and communications strategy.
• Leads, mentors, and manages a team of communications professionals, fostering growth and development.

Skills

Strategic comms

Media relations

Public affairs

Crisis comms

Writing & editing

Analytics

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Team management

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Job description

University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s UTIA invites a visionary Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations to lead a high‑performing team within the Office of Marketing and Communications. You will shape integrated strategies across earned, owned, and shared media, elevate UTIA’s reputation, and ensure alignment with the land‑grant mission and institutional voice.

You will mentor staff, guide crisis communications, forge strong relationships with faculty and leaders, and partner with