Assistant Director - Office of Communications and Marketing

The Office of Communications and Marketing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks applications and nominations for the position of Assistant Director, Creative. The Assistant Director works closely with team members and campus partners to support the strategic priorities of the division and the overall mission of the university. This position leads the creative development of materials across channels in support of integrated campaigns, overseeing designers and providing guidance for other stakeholders, ensuring consistency across marketing channels. They also serve as an integral member of the Office of Communications and Marketing leadership team.

UT is the state’s flagship research university, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, the institution fulfills its access mission through a commitment to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement.

The Office of Communications and Marketing is dedicated to advancing the university’s reputation. Staff members support the institution’s mission and goals, promote its successes and achievements, inform and engage its stakeholders, and ensure the integrity of its brand. We craft audience-focused communications based on data, best-practices, and emerging trends.

The division comprises several cross-functional teams, employing more than 50 full-time professionals with expertise in design, development, video production, content strategy, feature writing, editing, marketing, media relations, internal communication, and special events.

We seek candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the university.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Leads the creative development of internal- and external-facing materials that align with the overall university brand, in support of the university’s integrated marketing plan.

• Serves as a lead designer for high impact, campaign-level marketing materials

• Defines key art and creates guidance for team members and partners on how to execute campaign materials within the university’s brand.

• Oversees the successful implementation of campaign assets across multiple channels (digital, print, social, etc.), optimized for effectiveness and aligned with current best practices

• Serves as the art director and key creative decision-maker on OCM’s cross-functional digital platform team

• In collaboration with OCM leadership, advances and advocates for the university's brand standards.

• Serves as a primary creative liaison, collaborating across a multi-disciplinary team

• Reviews and approves materials designed, developed, and produced in support of strategic communications and marketing plans to ensure quality and consistency with the university's brand standards.

• Provides creative direction to other designers as well as campus partners, as needed.

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with colleagues across campus to guide partners in meeting their objectives and help the university achieve its communication goals.

• Manages direct reports including recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees; maintains a safe, secure, and legal work environment; develops personal growth opportunities.

• Communicates job expectations; monitors and appraises job results; coaches, counsels, and disciplines employees(s).

• Enforces policies, procedures, and productivity standards.

• Maintains customer service standards and resolves problems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrates a mature and nuanced understanding of brand guidelines

• Expert knowledge of industry standard design software

• Expert knowledge of best practices in print and digital communication

• Advanced knowledge of effective multi-platform marketing and communication strategies, with a focus on digital tactics

• Advanced knowledge of digital design principles and techniques (responsive layouts, fundamentals of good UX/UI)

• Familiarity with CSS, HTML, JavaScript and experience working with web developers

• Familiarity with print processes and techniques

• Familiarity with video and photography production

• Strong organizational skills

• Proven written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma and at least 8 years professional experience in Graphic Design or related field; OR,

• Associate’s degree and at least 7 years professional experience in Graphic Design or related field; OR,

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years professional experience in Graphic Design or related field

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years professional experience in Graphic Design or related field

Salary

The hiring range for this position is MR13. Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

The university offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement plans through the State of Tennessee, generous annual and sick leave accruals, longevity pay, tuition waivers and discounts, discounted athletics tickets, and more.

Application Process

A review of all applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants must apply electronically through Taleo and submit a cover letter, resume, and a portfolio of work (link, or PDF are fine) as well the names, addresses and phone numbers of three references. A minimum of two references should be current or previous supervisors.