Title: Director of Strategic Communication - Workforce Development

Employee Classification: Executive/Admin & Managerial

Institution: System Office

Department: External Affairs

Campus Location: Tennessee Board of Regents System Office

Job Summary

The Director of Strategic Communications – Workforce Development is responsible for developing and executing compelling marketing and communications content across publications, websites, and social media platforms to support TBR’s workforce development priorities. This role plays a critical part in creating communications and marketing content to support two key priorities: recruiting businesses to partner with Tennessee’s community and technical colleges for customized training solutions and attracting students to workforce-focused academic and technical programs.

Working closely with the AVC for Government and Public Relations, other Directors in the Department of Government and Public Relations, and the Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Development, this position ensures clear, consistent, and targeted messaging that highlights the value of Tennessee’s public community and technical colleges in meeting workforce needs. The Director will lead efforts to develop strategic messaging, content creation, and campaign coordination to raise the profile of TBR institutions as premier providers of workforce training and education.

The Director supports major TBR events, including quarterly board meetings, presidents’ meetings, statewide workforce convenings, TBR Days on the Hill, and the annual Statewide Outstanding Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Awards.

This position will serve in a cross functional role with the other Directors in the Department of Government and Public Relations.

This position may have the opportunity to work remote within the state of Tennessee but with periodic visits to the TBR System Office (Nashville, TN) at the employee’s expense, and potential travel to Tennessee TBR colleges may be necessary.

Job Duties

• 25% - Business and Industry Communications Develop and manage marketing and communications content tailored to business and industry partners, showcasing TBR’s customized training capabilities. Ensure consistency and efficiency by coordinating workforce communications and marketing content with the AVC for Government and Public Relations, the Director of Content and Public Relation, the Director of Marketing and Advertising, and institutional chief marketing officers. - (Essential)
• 25% - Student-Focused Promotional Content Create promotional materials, digital content, and success stories that highlight workforce training programs and their outcomes to attract prospective students and promote the value of TBR institutions. - (Essential)
• 20% - Workforce Event Communications and Oversight In coordination with other Directors in the Department of Government and Public Relations, lead the planning, promotion, and execution of systemwide special events. Develop event communications and ensure strategic alignment to deliver cohesive branding, smooth logistics, and a positive attendee experience. - (Essential)
• 25% - Workforce Program Messaging and Partnership Support Collaborate with the Center for Workforce Development, college workforce teams, and external partners to translate complex training offerings into accessible, business-friendly language. Develop communication tools that support program development, employer engagement, and grant proposals, positioning TBR as a responsive and strategic workforce partner. - (Essential)
• 5% - Perform other responsibilities as assigned. - (Marginal)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field
• 5 years of experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field
• Demonstrated excellence in professional communication, including public relations, media relations, and content development across various platforms
• Strong working knowledge of the Associated Press (AP) style and standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in or with higher education institutions
• Experience working in or with a community college
• Experience working with social media in a professional capacity
• Photography and videography experience, including editing capabilities
• Working knowledge of internet/web tools

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of strategic communications and marketing planning, including audience research, content development, and campaign execution, particularly in support of workforce development and higher education initiatives;
• Proven ability to develop compelling messaging for diverse audiences, including business and industry partners, prospective students, and community stakeholders—across traditional and digital media platforms;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience with content creation that aligns with organizational goals;
• Experience coordinating communications and marketing initiatives among multiple internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and impact;
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to balance competing priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced setting; and
• Ability to travel occasionally within the state for quarterly board meetings, presidents’ meetings, and related events.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions