The University of Tennessee Southern · 2 months ago
Director of Communications and Campus Engagement, UT Southern (Pulaski, TN)
Pulaski, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expThe University of Tennessee Southern is seeking a Director of Communications and Campus Engagement to enhance its visibility and engagement. This role involves leading communications efforts, managing media relations, and overseeing campus events to align with institutional priorities.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Lead media relations efforts as the primary campus media contact, developing and executing proactive strategies to secure earned media coverage
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and statewide media, write, edit, and distribute news releases, media advisories, op-eds, and official statements
Identify and mine compelling stories from across campus to highlight the achievements of students, faculty, staff, and alumni
Produce high-quality written and multimedia content for both internal and external audiences, supporting brand storytelling that aligns with UT Southern and UT System priorities
Support faculty and staff engagement through campus newsletters, updates, and leadership messaging
Ensure a consistent tone, clear messaging, and alignment with institutional strategic priorities, while managing internal communication channels to strengthen transparency and foster a positive campus culture
Manage the university’s centralized master calendar of events to ensure coordination, visibility, and strong promotional support for major initiatives
Partner with academic, student life, athletics, and advancement units to identify opportunities for storytelling and media coverage tied to campus events, and provide strategic communication guidance for signature campus and community programs
Serve as a senior advisor within the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, providing guidance that ensures all communication efforts align with UT Southern’s strategic plan and brand standards
Mentor and collaborate with junior staff and student workers, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment while strengthening the overall effectiveness of the team
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field
5–8 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or media strategy
Experience managing organizational communications, internal messaging, or editorial calendars
Preferred
Master's degree required in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field
Knowledge of higher education admissions and recruitment communications
Company
The University of Tennessee Southern
The University of Tennessee Southern is a four-year public institution, and part of the University of Tennessee System.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Cheri Thomas
Professor of Business
Company data provided by crunchbase