Director Of Communications And Marketing - Baker School Of Public Policy

Director of Marketing and Communications

MR14

POSITION SUMMARY

The University of Tennessee seeking a Director of Marketing and Communications for the new Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs to lead the school's marketing efforts and provide leadership and accountability for the marketing and communications team. Coordinating with the UT Office of Communications and Marketing to ensure brand alignment, integrity, and overall university standardization, the new director will develop an integrated marketing strategy to include content strategy, outbound student communications innovations, inbound marketing, paid media, donor communications, data and trends analysis, and project management. The director will lead an internal team and serve as the primary contact for outside vendors and partners.

The director will report to the school's chief of staff and will work closely with the academic and operational leadership to stay informed of School priorities and opportunities. The role will be integral in helping the Baker School achieve its enrollment and impact goals. The new director will be operating in an environment of rapid change and will need to continually update their priorities and tactics to reflect the environment in which they operate.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

--STRATEGY EXECUTION

Plans and directs the overall development, administration, and evaluation of marketing channels, paid, and earned media, content and communications within the Baker School and establishes policies and procedures to ensure consistency of vision, narrative, and implementation.

Serves as editor and curator of all marketing and communications content and ensures quality.

Works closely with other School units to develop and execute Communications and Marketing strategies and timelines.

--MARKETING STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT

Leads the development and execution of all strategic marketing initiatives in the Baker School by first, articulating who the key audiences are and developing unique marketing and communication strategies, tactics, and timelines for reaching the specific groups according to Baker School goals.

Define the Baker brand by developing the relevant message via text, actions, concepts, and experiences that support the specific brand, while establishing policies and procedures to ensure consistency of the vision, narrative, and implementation.

 Develop metrics to adequately assess brand awareness. Provide regular monitoring of metrics via measurement of website traffic, social media engagement, search volume, and surveys. Evaluate additional strategies as necessary based on results.

Develop strategic budget priorities based on established metrics and goals, and monitor activity to ensure appropriate progression in achieving established goals.

Identify key contracts and partners and facilitate collaboration.

--TEAM OVERSIGHT AND DEVELOPMENT

Establishes and holds team accountable to goals and key performance indicators (KPIs)

Oversees staff performance and ensures quality.

Oversees hiring and staff development.

Ensures positive and proactive interaction between Communications and Marketing team and other teams in Baker School.

--RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

Cross-functional leader who collaborates closely with the Baker School executive committee members and all operational units, as well as with the University Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) to ensure goals are being met and to reassess as necessary.

Provides exceptional relationship management by creating synergies with Baker School teams, campus marketing units, and external vendors and partners.

Monitor external contract partners to ensure adequate performance metrics and timeliness.

Manages and grows relationships with non-contract partners external to the University, finding areas of common interest. Manages and grows relationships with media partners.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

Candidates must have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as outstanding oral and written communication skills, and strong attention to detail.  Strong problem-solving skills and time management skills are required.  Excellent adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and an ability to work with many different types of individuals including executives, faculty and corporate customers is required.

Candidates must be a proven leader with supervisory experience who can set priorities and carry out initiatives to drive successful outcomes and to manage high-performing teams.

Candidates must be effective decision makers with an ability to manage competing priorities. They must be able to analyze and interpret data to solve problems, and to provide effective communication across all stakeholders (internal and external).

Must be able to occasionally work nights and weekends with occasional overnight travel. Must have a valid driver's license and vehicle.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business or a related field is required. A Master's is preferred. A minimum of 5 years of business work experience is required, preferably in higher education.

Applicants should submit the following for consideration:

        Cover Letter

        Resume 

        List of three references

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. 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, or covered veteran status. The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University.

About the Baker School

The new Howard H. Baker Jr. School for Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School), was established in 2023 to honor the distinguished life and legacy of Howard H. Baker Jr., a former US Senator, Senate Majority Leader, White House Chief of Staff, and Ambassador to Japan. Located in a 51,000-sq. ft purpose-built facility, the Baker School evolved from the Baker Center, which for twenty years has operated as a think-tank producing research, public engagement programming, and an active set of student programs. The Baker School is very excited to add degree programs and to grow its research programming into independent research centers. In addition, the Baker School houses the Institute of American Civics, which is responsible for encouraging civic knowledge and civic participation among UT undergraduates and the state at large.

Who We Are

We are a dynamic and close-knit team of dedicated and hardworking individuals who are devoted to research, education, and public service initiatives that address real world problems in local, state, national, and global communities. Each member of our team is a valuable contributor to achieving our mission and we work together to find innovative approaches to moving the Baker School forward. We are fast-moving and growing. Our work is constantly evolving to meet changing needs.

Who We Are Looking For

We are in search of a solution-finder, someone who enthusiastically embraces opportunities to address novel situations through teamwork and collaboration. We need a hardworking and flexible professional, who thrives in developing out-of-the-box approaches and addressing new challenges. We are looking for an achiever, someone who is searching for a chance to grow their skills and who is open to learning from others. We need a critical thinker who exercises good judgment and who can be relied upon and trusted to provide sound counsel to colleagues and leadership. We need teammates who are dedicated to public service.