Communications Specialist Tennessee Reading Research Center UTK

This position will serve as the communications specialist for the Tennessee Reading Research Center housed in the College of Education Health & Human Sciences (CEHHS) at UTK. This position will manage long-term projects that require an evaluation originality and ingenuity approach to content creation news/media releases web content research summaries campaigns and webpage creation. This position will supervise student workers and will be responsible for the performance management of those who create document layouts design webpages and keep them maintained and provide graphic design work. Additionally this position will use their professional judgment to ensure that messaging and content are on brand with center college and university standards and expectations keeping a cohesive and consistent writing style and appropriateness for the specific audience. This position will have knowledge of existing university systems policies and processes in order to evaluate and implement addition this position is responsible for ensuring compliance in regard to college and university brand standards and has the authority in consultation with the director to either approve advise and/or reject department-created content in relation to the UT brand image and/or policies. This is a 100% grant/soft funded position.

The Communications Specialist develops and manages the Tennessee Reading Research Centers communications plan and produces original content across web print video and digital platforms by determining the appropriate style audience and purpose for each product. The position manages long-term communications projects that require evaluation originality and creative problem-solving including research summaries news and media releases web content blog posts social media campaigns event coverage brochure text white papers and development and maintenance of the Centers website. Responsibilities also include reviewing written products generated by Center staff for accuracy clarity adherence to APA 7th edition style and alignment with the Centers mission university brand guidelines and funder requirements as well as planning and coordinating graphic design and production for print and digital publications. The Communications Specialist works independently manages multiple projects simultaneously and supervises student employees collaborating with the Director on policies and procedures and ensuring deliverables are completed on time and meet quality standards.

• Develops and manages a communications plan for the center.
• Creates and produce original content after first determining the style most appropriate for the medium (web print video and digital) audience and purpose (e.g. communicating with stakeholders disseminating research findings informing educators marketing recruiting research participants reporting center information etc.).
• Works independently and manages a small team of students on a project-by-project basis to fulfill internal/external goals timelines and guidelines of the center.
• Manages long-term projects that require an evaluation originality and ingenuity approaches to content creation news/media releases web content research summaries blog posts social media posts/campaigns event coverage brochure text and appropriate white papers.
• Develops and maintains a website for the center.
• Reviews all written products (e.g. research reports executive summaries white papers letters proposals reference lists curricular materials presentation slides) generated by center staff to ensure alignment with the center mission and vision.
• Checks documents for accuracy and adherence to APA 7th edition style.
• Makes recommendations for improving the writing quality readability and/or alignment to product guidelines.
• Coordinates with the colleges Creative Content Manager (and external agencies when appropriate) on the approval of creative content developed.
• Follows the university and funding agency approval processes for outward-facing documents in print digital and video form.
• Plans and coordinates graphic design and production details for center print and digital publications.
• Supplies design ideas and layouts; fits copy; suggests illustrations photography animations video or other media and imagery to support the design idea.
• Consults with center personnel to assess the needs for the product ensuring design specifications meet specific budget restrictions deadlines and funder requirements.
• When needed prepares specifications for quotes from vendors relevant to each production job.
• Prepares computer layout of the project and executes production of same.
• Prepares images for digital usage including digital manipulation of images or creation of digital animation.
• Works with printers to prepare itemized written estimates when needed.
• Determines and prepares graphics specifications in accordance with budgetary limitations.
• Supervises contract and/or freelance workers student interns student workers.
• Responsible for the performance management of those who create document layouts design web pages and keep them maintained and provide graphic design work.
• Collaborates with director on policies and procedures regarding contract/freelance workers student workers and student interns.
• Ensures deliverables of those being supervised are on time of high quality and on budget.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree(preferably in communications marketing or public relations) with 2 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to coordinate the work of contractors student employees and other staff
• Strong writing and editing skills with thorough knowledge of APA 7th edition style
• Skilled in web content management with strong knowledge of web design software (e.g. WordPress Drupal HTML )
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining a professional and positive attitude
• Ability to quickly master new software (content management graphic design video editing animation etc.)
• Knowledge of social media marketing strategies and best practices
• Ability to think creatively and look for unexpected solutions

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree or 4 years of relevant experience
• Skilled in graphic design with strong knowledge of graphic design software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop Illustrator InDesign Vyond Captivate Canva etc.)
• Ability to produce and edit videos using various means (e.g. video camera screencast lightboard webcam)
• Photography and/or illustration skills

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range:MR09

• Anticipated hiring range:$58000-$63000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere
• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

Application Instructions

To express interest please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before February 28 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division

TheTennessee Reading Research Center (TRRC) is conducting state-level evaluations of literacy initiatives as well as federally funded research to identify effective literacy instructional practices and improve the determination of students literacy outcomes. The projects are led by Professor and Director Dr. Deborah K Reed. The TRRC works with a dynamic team of professional and student staff as well as external collaborators from other universities state education agencies