Director, Libraries Marketing and Communications: University Libraries - UTK

The Director of Libraries Marketing & Communications provides vision and strategic direction to advance the Libraries’ mission, vision, and goals. Working collaboratively across the Libraries, the campus, and the local community, the Director develops and implements a strategy for communications and marketing. This position is responsible for the operational management, administrative direction, training, and coordination of staff and activities of the University Libraries Marketing and Communications Department with responsibility for promotional and communications activities of Hodges Library, Pendergrass Library, and the DeVine Music Library. This position manages staff with expertise in graphic design, communications, social media, and editing to effectively publicize library initiatives, resources, services, expertise, and programming. This position works with Libraries administration to oversee internal and external communications on behalf of the Libraries. The Director must use their experience with communications practices and professional standards to exercise independent judgment in planning and carrying out Libraries Marketing and Communications goals with consideration for timing and quality of outcomes.

70%

• Responsible for providing leadership and direction for the University of Tennessee Libraries Marketing and Communications unit which serves Hodges Library, Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library, and the DeVine Music Library.
• Directly supervises staff responsible for Marketing and Communications operations and is accountable for managing & coordinating all activities of individuals in the department; establishes performance goals & measures to evaluate the success of marketing operations.
• Collaborates with Libraries’ leadership to develop strategic marketing campaigns to promote the educational mission of the Libraries to campus, the greater community, and nationally.
• Collaborates across the libraries to meet marketing needs on behalf of departments and individuals.
• Consults with Libraries Administration to develop and manage internal and external communications on behalf of the Libraries.
• Develops processes for timely, responsive communication on Libraries, campus, and social media platforms; consults with Libraries Administration to develop communications for changes in services or in response to sensitive situations.
• Uses creativity and innovation to create strategic communications priorities for the Libraries through planning, managing resources, and prioritizing needs.
• Aligning with University branding guidelines, creates a recognized look for library materials, signage, online branding, and swag.

20%

• Collaborates on the production of special communications, invitations, announcements, and informational materials to engage the Hodges Society, donors, and the greater community in consultation with the Dean of Libraries, Dean's staff, and Director of Advancement.
• Oversees production of established UT Libraries publications, such as the Library Development Review and the Libraries annual report.
• Leads production of publications and press releases for external and internal Libraries constituencies using a variety of media.
• Prepares reports for the Library Administration giving results of marketing and public relations efforts.

10%

• Engages in strategic planning for the Libraries internal and external communications setting the communications and marketing goals of the Libraries and branches and selects methods, techniques and evaluative criteria for obtaining results according to professional standards.
• Monitors key industry trends and utilizes information in the design of Libraries’ marketing efforts.
• Uses data-drive analysis to identify and resolve problem with communications and to improve services.
• Advises Libraries Administration on budgeting for communications and marketing program and monitor annual allocation.
• This position represents the Libraries to UTK’s Office of Communications and Marketing, UTK Creative Communications, and other campus communicators to ensure we align with campus branding and communications strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in communications, marketing, or related field
• Experience:
• At least 4 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, and/or media roles
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
• Knowledge of communication and marketing theories, concepts, techniques, mediums, and strategies.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse audience.
• Ability to manage, direct, and evaluate the progress of marketing and communications professionals.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines
• Experience with technologies and best practices for campaigns across multiple platforms
• Knowledge of copyright considerations and best practices
• Excellent media relations skills
• Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative environment
• Skilled in writing, editing, and producing print and electronic communications and with contemporary forms of social media
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to exercise independent judgment

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:
• Master’s Degree in communications, marketing, or related field
• Experience:
• Advanced degree and at least 4 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, and/or media roles
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
• Demonstrated ability to be responsive in managing a large, multi-faceted operation
• Knowledge of emerging trends in marketing, communications, and libraries.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR13
• Anticipated hiring range:
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

The University of Tennessee Libraries is an integral part of the flagship campus of Tennessee’s premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity. As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation is key to our mission. UT enrolls approximately 40,421 students at its Knoxville campus. For more information about the people who comprise the UTK community, view resources on our Data Central website. The University culture is guided by adherence to core values that define the Volunteer spirit and include seeking knowledge, leading with innovation and integrity, engaging locally and globally, and embracing responsible stewardship of resources.