Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

College of Communication and Information

Full-Time, Non-exempt, Hourly, Market Range 07

Description: This position reports to the Director of the School of Journalism and Electronic Media (JEM) in the College of Communication and Information (CCI), specializing in communications. The primary purpose of this position is to document and promote the life and activities of JEM through the production of stories and other communications about school, student, faculty, and alumni activities, events and achievements. Other key duties include growing JEM's social media presence and managing email marketing, online advertising, and website content creation and maintenance.

Responsibilities:

Written and Print Communication

• Produce stories and other communications about school, student, faculty, and alumni activities, events, and achievements

• Assist CCI Director of Communications and Marketing in preparing and sending press releases

• Promote JEM to College and University Communities, and to other audiences and stakeholders

• Design print and digital collateral such as brochures, handouts, event invitations, signage, short publications, certificates and newsletters

• Coordinate production of various collateral with other service units when appropriate

• Supply design ideas, layouts, and suggest illustrations or photography or combinations of both to support the design idea

• Ensure all communications conform to publication style and publisher guidelines

• Produce copy for advertisements and promotional materials, and to coordinate communications across multiple channels (print, Website, social media, etc.)

Digital Communication Channels and Events

• Maintain and grow JEM's social media presence in collaboration with the CCI Director of Communications and Marketing via platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn while monitoring and responding to all interactions

• Manage JEM email marketing through Emma in collaboration with student services staff

• Expand recruitment efforts through social media and email campaigns

• Assist in communication strategies, policies, and messaging with the JEM director and other JEM faculty and staff as needed and the CCI Director of Communications and Marketing

• Works with JEM (and CCI) staff to execute special events, including developing event communications, promoting the event, taking photographs during the events, and communicating about the event after it has happened

• Manage all events, meetings, and communication for the JEM Advisory Board

Online Advertising and Website Maintenance

• Work with the CCI Office of Communications and Marketing to plan paid online ad placement campaigns

• Create, update, and maintain webpage content, including SEO keyword research and best practices

• Maintain website accessibility standards up to, and beyond, required compliance

• Conduct user experience design research and testing and implement changed based on analysis of results in conjunction with the CCI IT Administrator/Web Manager

Manage Outside Communications

• Foster and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders and audiences, including attending conferences and other special events as a school representative

• Liaise with media and handle requests for interviews, statements, etc.

• Assist with maintenance of the JEM general email account and respond to or direct inquiries to appropriate parties

• Field communication requests from the public and other constituents

Alumni Relations

• Create and maintain comprehensive school alumni database for undergraduate and graduate students

• Track and update personal and professional information

• Provide support for alumni events

• Contact alumni for testimonials and special stories for brochures, newsletters, etc.

• Serve as a liaison to the UTK and CCI Career Development Offices in providing support to students and collecting data for program review and planning

• Maintain and distribute school alumni surveys

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in related field required.

Required Skills and Experience:

• At least 1-2 years of work experience and demonstrated success in a communications role that includes the use of modern channels, software, and principles

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, including the ability to write for a variety of audiences and communication mediums

• Proven print and electronic collateral design experience

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience working with website content management systems, Word Press a plus

• Experience using social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube

• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite

• Experience with media relations including writing press releases and other statement s for the public

• Experience working at a university or other non-profit a plus

To Apply:

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled. For full consideration, applicants must provide a resume, cover letter, and a minimum of three references. All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position.