The University of Tennessee - Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) is seeking a Communications & Marketing Coordinator to play a crucial role in supporting and elevating the impact of the institute's education, research, and workforce development. As the Communications & Marketing Coordinator for UT-ORII, you will be a strong news writer who will bring a passion for sharing stories internally and externally about our exciting UT-ORNL graduate and other education programs, and our joint research advancements. Social media and website experience is essential. You will also be responsible for planning and executing UT-ORII's events and other activities. We are looking for someone who is agile, has strong organizational skills, and is a go-getter who is eager to excel in a variety of communications and marketing duties and assignments. This position reports to UT-ORII's Director of Communications and will regularly interface and support UT-ORII's Science Alliance and Bredesen Center teams.

UT-ORII, a pioneering organization jointly led by the University of Tennessee (UT) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), offers a unique opportunity to strategically align the expertise and infrastructure of these two prestigious institutions. This alignment aims to usher in world-class interdisciplinary research and graduate education. Learn more about UT-ORII at http://www.utorii.com.

UT-ORII operates from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and ORNL; the Marketing and Communications Coordinator will work from both locations. The Marketing and Communications Coordinator is an employee of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.



Responsibilities

Science & News Writing

· Generate creative and original content (feature stories, website copy, social media posts, fact sheets, presentations, news releases...) promoting UT-ORII's UT-ORNL collaborative research and Bredesen Center joint UT-ORNL PhD programs and other education initiatives.

· Writes and produces monthly UT-ORII e-newsletters

· Serves as editor and primary writer for the Science Alliance's annual report

· Conduct interviews (that may be recorded for public distribution) with UT and ORNL experts to explore their research findings.

· Expertly translates scientific studies, jargon, and topics into compelling content that can be understood by various audiences, from the public to academic peers.

· Proactively identifies new opportunities and story leads

· Story placement/pitching to targeted internal and external publications and media

· Provides quality assurance by checking facts and reviewing proofs

Event Manager

· Manages UT-ORII and Science Alliance events and other activities, including UT-ORNL Research Symposium for joint faculty and graduate students, Bredesen Center PhD recruitment events, and more.

· Works with UT-ORII leadership and others to identify key messages, goals/objectives, agenda needs

· Plans the appearance, presentation, and details of events.

· Creates and manages detailed, prioritized event plans and timelines to track progress, meet deadlines, and ensure event success.

· Negotiates with venues and vendors and coordinates with UT-ORII business services to ensure all venue and vendor contracts align with university policies and financial guidelines.

· Oversees and manages logistical details of events, such as invitations, catering orders, hotel rooms, transportation, audio and visual equipment, guest registration, speakers, security, parking, and clean-up.

· Works with UT and ORNL partners on badging, protocol, parking, safety, and security needs.

Social Media & Website Management:

· Manages the content and presentation of UT-ORII and Bredesen Center websites.

· Plans and develops UT-ORII messaging for websites and social media with high visibility and impact.

· Exhibits sound and professional judgment in the preparation and delivery of website and social media content.

· Develop and execute a digital recruitment strategy utilizing branding, storytelling, and targeted online advertising.

· Craft compelling digital content, including website copy, social media posts, email, and advertising campaigns.

· Ensure all content on UT-ORII and Bredesen Center websites and UT-ORII social media are error-free and current.

· Strong understanding of digital marketing best practices, including Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), social media marketing, and content marketing.

· Researches and identifies best practices, innovation, and new developments in social media, website, and other marketing-related initiatives; and makes recommendations for improvement based on research and analysis

Communications and Marketing Specialist

· Perform other communications and marketing duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

· A BS/BA degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, science, or another related field.

· Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in producing communications.

· Minimum of 2 years relevant experience in event logistics, event management, or project management.

· Candidates will be expected to share a portfolio of writing samples.

Required Qualifications

· This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

· Skilled in writing and producing a high quantity of news articles and communications products.

· Skilled in news writing and telling compelling stories on the research and other efforts of our UT-ORNL researchers and students.

· Skilled in communicating with a variety of audiences

· Ability to work effectively with a broad range of leaders and stakeholders and demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and confidence in executing responsibilities

· Ability to manage multiple communications projects from concept to completion as an individual contributor or in collaboration with other team members.

· Skilled in using WordPress or other website content management systems.

· Solid science/news writer with demonstrated journalism skills

· Excellent writing and storytelling skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives for a research audience

Preferred Qualifications

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience producing communications products on science- and/or technology-related subjects for diverse audiences.

· Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in event logistics, event management, or project management.

· Relevant communications experience working with national labs, universities or other state or federal entities.

· Solid knowledge of AP Style guides and rules

· Knowledge of working with national labs, universities, or other state or federal entities.

· Knowledge and skill in Adobe CC software, including Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop and Illustrator.

· Ability to work with and manage expectations of scientists and engineers to build relationships and trust.

Application Requirements

For full consideration for this position, applicants must provide:

· A stand-alone resume

· A letter of interest/cover letter

· Three professional references

· Portfolio of writing samples