Director of Engagement, Division of Diversity and Engagement

Director of Engagement (Administrative Professional 2 – MR12)

Division of Diversity and Engagement

University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

The Director of Engagement works with individuals across campus and from the community to lead, support, and facilitate engagement activities that bolster visibility of UTC in the community and understanding of issues that affect the lives of UTC staff, faculty, and students, as well as in the Greater Chattanooga community and beyond. The director will oversee various engagement projects (i.e., the Mocs In the City branding initiative, MOC Forward Conference) and strategize with campus and community partners on a wide range of diversity, civic, and engagement initiatives (i.e., creation of new scholarships and fellowships, large scale events honoring community and campus leaders, etc.). The Director of Engagement will also provide leadership, logistical, and administrative support to diversity and engagement committees and task forces. The position should establish and maintain collaborative relationships with campus stakeholders (including academic units, relevant task forces or committees, student groups and organizations) and off-campus stakeholders, to facilitate engagement initiatives and partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Director of Engagement leads, strategizes, manages, and supports engagement opportunities linking the campus with the community and strengthening on- campus engagement and relationships. In order to fulfill these duties, the position works independently on complex issues requiring in-depth analysis; selects methods and evaluation criteria for obtaining and evaluating results; utilizes innovative solutions to solve problems and modifies solutions when challenges are present; exercises latitude to determine objectives; consults with higher level administrators when clarification is needed; performs complex tasks at a high level that require extreme attention to detail; responds independently to partnership and event inquiries; solves problems; manages budgets; trouble shoots with various campus and community constituents; manages a variety of projects; organizes, prioritizes, and delegates work; and makes decisions within established guidelines and policies.

The Director of Engagement maintains on-campus and off-campus relationships and networks related to the University's engagement and inclusion priorities; communicates regularly with university administration, as well as other internal and external constituents, regarding engagement and inclusion initiatives. The position is also responsible for providing correspondence to campus constituencies and written materials for recurring and one-off engagement activities; and prepares, distributes, and appropriately archives records and reports related to the University’s engagement activity.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Proven project management and analytical skills
• Effective oral and written communication, time management, problem-solving, and customer service skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Ability to analyze and document project failures and successes
• Ability to lead meetings effectively
• Ability to set objectives and hold others accountable for project outcomes
• Ability to consistently interact effectively with a variety of constituencies including administration, faculty, staff, students, and community partners
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Superb attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Professional yet flexible manner with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks efficiently and simultaneously, including handling routine challenges and regular interruptions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment and juggle competing priorities
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to exercise good judgment and use discretion in handling confidential information
• Knowledge of and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with social media channels
• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the University
• Knowledge of UTC's institutional organization, operations, and culture
• Knowledge and understanding of technology applications to facilitate communications, including web applications and collaboration/communication tools
• Significant knowledge of Chattanooga or demonstrated capacity to quickly establish a social network within the community
• Capacity to quickly establish a social network within the community and sustain existing relationships with stakeholders
• Commitment to the values of diversity, engagement, and inclusion

This position requires a flexible (nights/weekends) schedule.

Review of applications will begin February 13, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration. In addition to the online application, a cover letter and resume are required.

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a bachelor’s degree in communication, business, marketing, public relations, or relevant field and four years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree; significant knowledge and experience at a higher education institution- preferably in community relations, diversity and inclusion, event planning, alumni and development, or special projects; and knowledge of social media applications is preferred.

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

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