Assistant Director (Communications & Marketing Special Events Coordinator) - UT Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is a respected public university known for its commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences and fostering a vibrant campus community. The University Center (UC) at UTC is a central hub for student activities, events, and collaboration, offering a dynamic space that supports both university functions and external gatherings. The UC encompasses a 200,000-square-foot facility that requires expert operational management to ensure it meets the needs of diverse campus groups and external clients. As a vital part of the university's infrastructure, the UC plays an essential role in enhancing campus life through strategic event management, effective facility oversight, and proactive collaboration across various university departments and external partners.

The Assistant Director of the University Center is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for supporting the daily operations of this prominent university facility. This position carries the responsibility of overseeing event logistics, managing a professional and student staff, and maintaining the facility's smooth and safe functioning. The Assistant Director will coordinate with several campus partners such as catering services, parking, and campus police to guarantee the success of each event held within the UC. They are tasked with providing logistical support for events, including consultation on room layout designs, technology setups, and staffing needs, using advanced event management tools such as the 25Live reservation system. Moreover, the Assistant Director will actively manage room setups and troubleshoot equipment issues to ensure seamless event execution.

In their supervisory capacity, the Assistant Director oversees a team that includes the University Center Coordinator and approximately 25 student staff members, supporting their recruitment, training, and performance evaluation. In addition, the individual manages the student marketing team, ensuring that all marketing activities align with the broader departmental goals and university branding standards. The role also involves collaboration with custodial and facilities teams to maintain a safe, welcoming environment, and participating in an on-call rotation to address after-hours challenges. The Assistant Director’s responsibilities also extend to promoting campus events and coordinating marketing efforts with other university departments, enhancing the visibility and impact of UC programs.

The successful candidate will be adept at juggling multiple events simultaneously, possess strong communication skills tailored to a diverse audience including students and external clients, and demonstrate sound knowledge of event management principles. Experience with audiovisual equipment and familiarity with event management platforms such as 25Live or Social Tables will be considered an asset. This role offers an excellent opportunity for professionals passionate about campus life and event management to contribute to a vibrant university culture. The position is full-time, fully onsite at the UTC Chattanooga campus, with a competitive salary range between $52,750 and $55,000, aligned with the UT Market Range MR07 structure. This role combines event coordination, facility management, staff supervision, and marketing oversight in one comprehensive leadership position. Application review will begin on July 8, 2026, with priority given to early applicants.