The posting
Job Description
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Digital Communications Coordinator for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Director of Digital Communications, this role oversees the planning, development, and delivery of divisional event registrations in Blackthorn, ensuring registration experiences are accurate, accessible, user-centered, and aligned with Advancement priorities and engagement goals.
The coordinator collaborates closely with Marcom colleagues, DSI, campus partners, and event stakeholders to provide strategic guidance on registration approach and attendee experience, ensure cross-channel alignment, and translate performance data into actionable insights and recommendations that strengthen fundraising participation, alumni engagement, stewardship, and student engagement. This role serves as the division’s subject matter expert on digital event registration, exercising independent judgment in advising partners and contributing to strategic planning for major initiatives and campaigns.
Responsibilities
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Registration Marketing and Strategy: Leads end-to-end event registration strategy and execution in Blackthorn for divisional events and priority initiatives, including the It Takes a Volunteer campaign. Determines registration structure, workflows, and attendee journeys to deliver an intuitive, accessible, high-performing experience aligned with engagement and fundraising goals. Serves as the division's subject matter expert, advising campus partners and stakeholders on strategy, timelines, and platform capabilities. Coordinates cross-functionally with Advancement colleagues, DSI, and campus partners so registration aligns with broader campaign and communications strategies.
Data, Reporting, and Optimization: Analyzes registration performance data, including volume, attendee trends, completion patterns, and engagement metrics, to drive strategic decisions and continuous improvement. Translates those insights into recommendations that strengthen fundraising participation, alumni engagement, and stewardship outcomes. Prepares and presents performance summaries to Advancement partners and leadership to inform future campaign and event planning. Implements optimizations such as form design, workflow, messaging, and user experience refinements, incorporating email, web, and social performance insights.
Administrative and Platform Leadership: Provides strategic oversight of Blackthorn platform administration, establishing and maintaining the standards, workflows, documentation, and intake processes that keep registration consistent and scalable across the division. Manages visibility into the registration pipeline, proactively handling timelines, dependencies, and priorities. Oversees QA/QC for registration builds to ensure accuracy, functionality, and accessibility before launch. Acts as a strategic liaison with campus partners and alumni chapters, and provides cross-training and backup support across digital platforms during peak cycles.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Digital Communications Coordinator position is required to have:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 1+ years of communications experience, which may include web content management, writing, editing, digital marketing/analysis, email marketing, and/or graphic and or website design
A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position. UTFI reserves the right to consider all appropriate circumstances. In general, any significant driving offense less than 12 months old will eliminate the application from consideration for the position.
Preferred Education and Experience
In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:
- Higher Education Experience
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before October 20th via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, and resume. Candidates selected to move forward in the evaluation process will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without explicit permission of the candidate.
When determining minimum qualifications, only information entered into the candidate profile can be considered. Please ensure your candidate profile is completed in its entirety as it relates to qualifying education/work experience.
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 visa status.
Questions about the search may be directed to [email protected].
Target Start Date: December 1, 2026
Benefits: The Foundation’s greatest asset is our team. Foundation employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:
- Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days
- Flexible work arrangements, including one remote workday per week, may be available after six months of employment
- Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses
- Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
- Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods
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The Foundation: The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been advancing knowledge and enriching lives since its founding in 1794. Tennessee’s flagship public research university, UT Knoxville is a diverse community whose shared commitment to discovery, creativity, and education combines with a tradition of service and engagement to carry the Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. UT’s campus—home to more than 36,000 students and 9,000 faculty and staff members—is part of the vibrant city of Knoxville, located on the Tennessee River with the Great Smoky Mountains nearby.
The UT System: The University of Tennessee System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Institute of Agriculture; and the Institute for Public Service.
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. 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, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.
