Partnership Coordinator - Office of Communications & Marketing - UTK

The University of Tennessee is a prestigious public research university located in Knoxville, TN, known for its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. As a cornerstone of higher education in the region, the university fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment that supports student success and drives impactful discoveries across various disciplines. The university is dedicated to advancing its reputation and influence through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and global connections, ensuring a positive impact both locally and beyond.

The Office of Communications and Marketing at the University of Tennessee plays a critical role in promoting the university's brand and achievements. This office supports the institution's mission by crafting audience-focused communications utilizing data, best practices, and emerging trends. It consists of several cross-functional teams with experts in design, development, video production, content strategy, feature writing, editing, marketing, media relations, internal communication, and special events. Within this dynamic setting, the Brand Partnership team seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Partnership Coordinator to support its growing needs.

The Partnership Coordinator is a vital member of the Brand Partnership team responsible for supporting the execution of corporate sponsorship activations on campus. This role contributes to the university's overall mission by orchestrating meaningful, visible partnership activations that enrich the campus environment and engage the university community. As a key figure in partner hosting, this role leads the planning and execution of hospitality events, including game day logistics, home football tailgates, and account visits. The coordinator builds detailed itineraries, manages communication with internal and external stakeholders, and independently sources and prepares meeting materials, ensuring all partner-related events proceed smoothly and professionally.

In managing partner relations, the Partnership Coordinator oversees activation projects for a portfolio of brand partners, ensuring deadlines are met and communication is proactive. Building and maintaining strong relationships with partners and university stakeholders is crucial, as is contributing to the development of renewal materials, year-end recaps, and upsell opportunities. The role demands meticulous asset tracking, documentation of meeting notes, and leadership in hosting and status meetings.

Internally, the Partnership Coordinator collaborates closely with campus teams, including the UTK creative and design groups, to develop assets that support partnership proposals and manage asset storage solutions. The coordinator also fosters campus-wide communication to ensure seamless support for partner projects and foundational partnership deals.

The role includes partner research responsibilities such as monitoring press releases, social media, and product announcements to keep the university informed of partner activities. The coordinator prepares concise one-sheeters for leadership ahead of meetings and creates detailed post-event partner reports with analyses and recaps, communicating insights effectively to partners.

The position is full-time, onsite in Knoxville, TN, and requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and home games. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Compensation aligns with the University of Tennessee market range MR09. The university provides a highly competitive benefits package including health and retirement plans, generous leave accruals, longevity pay, tuition waivers, and discounts.

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references for full consideration, with a preference for current or former supervisors. This is a unique opportunity to join a respected institution with a vibrant campus life and make a significant impact on its brand partnership initiatives and community engagement.