University of Tennessee
Director Internal & Executive Communication - Division of Student Success
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, 37955
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Position Announcement
Director Internal & Executive Communication, Division of Student Succe
Position Summary
The Director for Internal and Executive Communication sets the strategy for communication within the Office of the Vice Provost (VPSS) for Student Success. Reporting directly to the VPSS Chief of Staff, this position creates communications for the VPSS and the Division of Student Success. The director develops and executes strategy for Vice Provost communication that is consistent with the Vice Provost's brand and leverages social media accounts. This position must maintain a high level of confidentiality when handling sensitive topics, ensuring that all communications are handled with discretion and professionalism. Additionally, this position advises and directs colleagues across the division and campus partners to execute the VPSS' communication strategy. The director supervises 1 full time staff member.
About the Division
The Division of Student Success at UT works to engage each scholar's experience by supporting their unique strengths and goals. We collaborate with UT faculty and staff to help each scholar maximize their strengths and understand how they contribute to their academic dreams, career paths, and personal well-being.
Qualifications:
Job Responsibilities
Internal Communication: (30%)
• Creates strategy, develops content, and implements communication plan to enhance staff engagement, alignment with DSS goals, and overall organizational effectiveness.
• Leads the creation, development, and distribution of the DSS employee newsletter, curating content that informs, engages, and connects staff members.
• Manages and maintains the DSS intranet, ensuring it serves as a central hub for internal communication, resources, and collaboration and is in alignment with strategic communication plan.
• Authors and leads the dissemination of organizational announcements, updates, and important information through various internal communication channels, including email, intranet, and digital signage.
• Develops and tracks success metrics, and adjusts tactics as a result, as part of plan execution.
Executive Communication: (30%)
• Creates speeches, articles, press releases, columns, talking points, briefing materials, op-eds, and email messages to various audiences (internal and executive) and other materials on behalf of the Vice Provost and VPSS leadership team in alignment with brand and strategic direction
• Advises senior leaders and creates content to articulate key messages, strategic priorities, and organizational updates for internal and external audiences.
• Leads development and implementation of comprehensive communication plans for fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and advancement initiatives.
• Work strategically with the Advancement team to define communication objectives, target audiences, key messages, and channels for effective outreach and engagement.
• Support VPSS in preparing for speaking engagements, press conferences, media appearances, and events by authoring compelling speeches, talking points, and presentation materials.
• Provides strategic communication direction to VPSS team to develop presentations, including crafting talking points, letters, emails, PowerPoint presentations, and other materials as needed. Ensure that communications align with the VPSS, Division of Student Success, and University's overarching communication strategies and messaging.
• Offer specialized communication support and coordination for communications-related projects and initiatives on behalf of the VPSS.
• Act as a confidential aide to the VPSS, ensuring smooth and efficient communication flow.
• Share qualitative and quantitative data, learnings and findings with the VPSS to enhance the student experience, reinforce institutional retention efforts, and promote increased degree completion rates.
• Facilitate seamless communication for VPSS between project leads, campus leaders, unit directors, faculty, staff, and project managers, guaranteeing timely and budget-friendly project execution while delivering exceptional value to students, staff, and campus stakeholders.
• Create engaging communication materials for VPSS that increase student involvement in campus activities and events.
• Direct communication strategy on VPSS and DSS initiatives that positively impact student retention, resulting in higher rates of student persistence and success.
• Provide comprehensive reports and updates on select DSS and VPSS projects, ensuring clear communication with all involved parties.
Supervision (20%)
• Supervise 1 full-time staff member and student employees, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee staff performance evaluations, goal-setting, and ongoing feedback to ensure high-quality work and team cohesion.
• Delegate tasks and projects effectively, balancing workload and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting open communication and teamwork among staff.
Social Media Management (10%)
• Leads the development of social media campaigns and initiatives to
• promote the VPSS, Division of Student Success and its offices and programs.
Assume Chief of Staff Responsibilities as Needed and Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
• This role will also assume the duties and responsibilities of the Chief of Staff when the Chief of Staff is unavailable. This includes overseeing and directing high-priority projects and initiatives within the Division of Student Success, managing research, policy development, student success programs, fundraising, and event coordination as well as providing leadership and operational oversight for the Vice Provost for Student Success Office, ensuring effective communication and decision-making processes within the Office.
• Other duties as assigned.
Required Competencies/Qualifications
• Previous supervisory experience with demonstrated leadership skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with proficiency in project management software and collaboration tools.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Familiarity with social media analytics and reporting tools.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in communication efforts.
• Proven experience in project management, with a track record of successfully leading and executing communication initiatives and campaigns.
Preferred Competencies/Qualifications
• Proficiency in graphic design tools and strong design skills.
• Experience in higher education or a similar complex organizational
Required Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field
3-5 years' experience. Proven experience in social media management, including content creation and campaign execution
Preferred Education & Experience
5-7 years of progressive experience in communication, public relations, social media management, or related role
Anticipated hiring salary: Minimum of $75,000
Flexible work arrangements are available. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package.
For full consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 references.
Position Announcement
Director Internal & Executive Communication, Division of Student Succe
Position Summary
The Director for Internal and Executive Communication sets the strategy for communication within the Office of the Vice Provost (VPSS) for Student Success. Reporting directly to the VPSS Chief of Staff, this position creates communications for the VPSS and the Division of Student Success. The director develops and executes strategy for Vice Provost communication that is consistent with the Vice Provost's brand and leverages social media accounts. This position must maintain a high level of confidentiality when handling sensitive topics, ensuring that all communications are handled with discretion and professionalism. Additionally, this position advises and directs colleagues across the division and campus partners to execute the VPSS' communication strategy. The director supervises 1 full time staff member.
About the Division
The Division of Student Success at UT works to engage each scholar's experience by supporting their unique strengths and goals. We collaborate with UT faculty and staff to help each scholar maximize their strengths and understand how they contribute to their academic dreams, career paths, and personal well-being.
Qualifications:
Job Responsibilities
Internal Communication: (30%)
• Creates strategy, develops content, and implements communication plan to enhance staff engagement, alignment with DSS goals, and overall organizational effectiveness.
• Leads the creation, development, and distribution of the DSS employee newsletter, curating content that informs, engages, and connects staff members.
• Manages and maintains the DSS intranet, ensuring it serves as a central hub for internal communication, resources, and collaboration and is in alignment with strategic communication plan.
• Authors and leads the dissemination of organizational announcements, updates, and important information through various internal communication channels, including email, intranet, and digital signage.
• Develops and tracks success metrics, and adjusts tactics as a result, as part of plan execution.
Executive Communication: (30%)
• Creates speeches, articles, press releases, columns, talking points, briefing materials, op-eds, and email messages to various audiences (internal and executive) and other materials on behalf of the Vice Provost and VPSS leadership team in alignment with brand and strategic direction
• Advises senior leaders and creates content to articulate key messages, strategic priorities, and organizational updates for internal and external audiences.
• Leads development and implementation of comprehensive communication plans for fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and advancement initiatives.
• Work strategically with the Advancement team to define communication objectives, target audiences, key messages, and channels for effective outreach and engagement.
• Support VPSS in preparing for speaking engagements, press conferences, media appearances, and events by authoring compelling speeches, talking points, and presentation materials.
• Provides strategic communication direction to VPSS team to develop presentations, including crafting talking points, letters, emails, PowerPoint presentations, and other materials as needed. Ensure that communications align with the VPSS, Division of Student Success, and University's overarching communication strategies and messaging.
• Offer specialized communication support and coordination for communications-related projects and initiatives on behalf of the VPSS.
• Act as a confidential aide to the VPSS, ensuring smooth and efficient communication flow.
• Share qualitative and quantitative data, learnings and findings with the VPSS to enhance the student experience, reinforce institutional retention efforts, and promote increased degree completion rates.
• Facilitate seamless communication for VPSS between project leads, campus leaders, unit directors, faculty, staff, and project managers, guaranteeing timely and budget-friendly project execution while delivering exceptional value to students, staff, and campus stakeholders.
• Create engaging communication materials for VPSS that increase student involvement in campus activities and events.
• Direct communication strategy on VPSS and DSS initiatives that positively impact student retention, resulting in higher rates of student persistence and success.
• Provide comprehensive reports and updates on select DSS and VPSS projects, ensuring clear communication with all involved parties.
Supervision (20%)
• Supervise 1 full-time staff member and student employees, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee staff performance evaluations, goal-setting, and ongoing feedback to ensure high-quality work and team cohesion.
• Delegate tasks and projects effectively, balancing workload and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting open communication and teamwork among staff.
Social Media Management (10%)
• Leads the development of social media campaigns and initiatives to
• promote the VPSS, Division of Student Success and its offices and programs.
Assume Chief of Staff Responsibilities as Needed and Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
• This role will also assume the duties and responsibilities of the Chief of Staff when the Chief of Staff is unavailable. This includes overseeing and directing high-priority projects and initiatives within the Division of Student Success, managing research, policy development, student success programs, fundraising, and event coordination as well as providing leadership and operational oversight for the Vice Provost for Student Success Office, ensuring effective communication and decision-making processes within the Office.
• Other duties as assigned.
Required Competencies/Qualifications
• Previous supervisory experience with demonstrated leadership skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with proficiency in project management software and collaboration tools.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Familiarity with social media analytics and reporting tools.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in communication efforts.
• Proven experience in project management, with a track record of successfully leading and executing communication initiatives and campaigns.
Preferred Competencies/Qualifications
• Proficiency in graphic design tools and strong design skills.
• Experience in higher education or a similar complex organizational
Required Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field
3-5 years' experience. Proven experience in social media management, including content creation and campaign execution
Preferred Education & Experience
5-7 years of progressive experience in communication, public relations, social media management, or related role
Anticipated hiring salary: Minimum of $75,000
Flexible work arrangements are available. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package.
For full consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 references.