Recruitment And Marketing Specialist - Plant Sciences Department (UTIA

Recruitment and Marketing Specialist, Plant Sciences Department

Institute of Agriculture

Knoxville, TN

The department of Plant Sciences at the University of Tennessee is a leader in educating future professionals, providing information to the citizens of Tennessee, and conducting transformational research. We seek an energetic motivated team member to help us recruit students and communicate with the public about our work.

This individual will be a student recruiter and departmental content creator. They will be responsible for planning and executing departmental recruitment strategies. This includes facilitating student visits to campus and representing the department at recruitment events. Additionally, this position will write, edit, and produce multimedia content with one voice that aligns with departmental strategic priorities.

This position will grow to understand the priorities and strategic objectives of the department and participate in creating and implementing plans to meet those objectives. Must be a self-starter with the ability to independently identify opportunities, solutions and resolve challenges. Demonstrated ability to deliver impactful results. Requires an attitude that actively seeks out change, and embraces critical questioning, innovation, service, and continuous improvement. Must understand how to deal with and navigate ambiguity, and act without having the total picture. Must bring an attitude of adaptability and flexibility to the workplace. Ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism and ethics, with the ability to earn credibility through integrity and transparency.

The Institute of Agriculture in Knoxville TN, comprised of The Herbert College of Agriculture, AgResearch, and Extension welcomes applications for this position held in the Department of Plant Sciences. This position will report to the Plant Sciences Department Head and collaborate with faculty members to achieve the below job functions.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Student Recruitment Function

In conjunction with Plant Sciences faculty and department head, develop and implement departmental recruitment strategies.

Carry prospective students from inquiry to registration

Take initiative in growing and maintaining the Plant Sciences program

Maintain thorough knowledge of degree requirements, policies, and procedures for current and proposed programs

Refer students to available online, campus-based, and off-campus resources and services.

Educate students about curriculum, progression and admissions requirements, supplemental programs, and opportunities

Ensure adherence to all university and college policies, student privacy/confidentiality and FERPA law.

Develop and facilitate outreach and recruitment plan to high school students

Develop and facilitate outreach and recruitment plan to FFA and 4H students across the state.

Develop and facilitate outreach to pre-high school students

Meet with and tour departmental facilities with prospective students and parents, arrange meetings and tours between students and faculty.

Plan, implement and participate in special events such as open houses, college fairs, virtual fairs and other recruitment events (evenings and weekends included/travel included)

Represent the Department of Plant Sciences at recruitment events across the state of Tennessee

Create and foster relationships with community stakeholders including high school counselors and teachers, alumni, community, and college/university partners,

Acts as liaison with community-based organizations/agencies to recruit disadvantaged and minority students.

Maintain networking contacts for recruiting/sourcing future applicants.

Respond to student inquiries via email, phone and text with clear, concise information and a warm, approachable tone

Promotions and Social Media Function

Develop online and print promotional material for the department

Network with technology team to leverage Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools for departmental content

Responsible to help build, grow and protect UTK Plant Sciences’ reputation

Content creation and production including video production

Copywriting captions, product descriptions, and posts

Media planning and prioritization

Photo editing and sourcing

Work with diverse faculty to promote the department

Promote departmental field days, UT Gardens activities, and Master Gardener Programs.

Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter (X), TikTok

Work with web team to develop a consistency in website appearance and messaging

Additional Responsibilities Duties and Needs:

Evening and weekend hours may be required on rare occasions

Travel may be required

Reporting to a physical office may be required

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Required Experience:

High School diploma or GED required with at least 2 years of relevant work experience.

Excellent written and verbal skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing & Communications, Business Management, or related field preferred.

Skilled knowledge of social media use and contemporary strategies, SEO, and content creation

Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about plant sciences, horticulture, and agriculture

How to Apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for 3 references to

Schedule: Full-time