Job Description

Summary

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center seeks an experienced, entrepreneurial, and dynamic leader for the position of Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications and Marketing. This role is pivotal in enhancing the institution’s statewide presence and impact as part of our new strategic vision — Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities.

Key Opportunities

Lead Strategic Initiatives: Develop and implement a comprehensive, multichannel marketing and communications plan that amplifies UT Health Science Center’s mission and achievements across Tennessee.

Foster Collaboration: Work closely with academic and clinical leaders to strengthen partnerships and enhance visibility of programs and research initiatives.

Engage with Communities: Actively participate in community outreach to promote health awareness and the impact of UT Health Science Center’s work in Tennessee.

Brand distinction: Evaluate how best to position the UT Health Science Center brand across the state, including a possible rebranding, name update, new visual identity package, and more.
Why Join UT Health Science Center?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Tennessee’s leading health sciences institution. The Vice Chancellor will have a profound impact on the health and wellness of communities across the state while advancing UT Health Science Center’s reputation as a national leader in health sciences education, research, and care.

The Opportunity

The next Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications and Marketing will be a visionary leader based in Memphis, with a statewide scope of influence. This role calls for an inspiring, collaborative, and strategic professional who brings experience and expertise to propel UT Health Science Center forward during a period of growth and momentum.

The ideal candidate will be an empathetic listener and a transparent communicator, skilled at fostering a positive and inclusive internal culture while building and sustaining strong external relationships across Tennessee and beyond.

The Vice Chancellor will be instrumental in positioning the UT Health Science Center as a leader in health sciences education, interprofessional clinical practice, community engagement, and basic, clinical, and translational research. Serving as a key spokesperson, the Vice Chancellor will work to enhance the institution’s reputation, drive enrollment growth, secure state resources, and expand philanthropic support.

Reporting directly to Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, the Vice Chancellor will collaborate closely with executive leadership to advance the clinical-educational mission, strategically grow enrollment, and strengthen fundraising efforts.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in modern health sciences marketing and communications, with a proven ability to amplify the impactful work of clinicians, researchers, educators, and staff.

They must excel in leading change management and crisis communication strategies, demonstrating agility and poise in complex situations. A strong commitment to community engagement and a dedication to serving the state of Tennessee are essential for success.

About UT Health Science Center

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center transforms lives through collaborative and inclusive education, groundbreaking research, compassionate clinical care, and dedicated public service.

Statewide Impact

Headquartered in Memphis with additional campuses in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Nashville, UT Health Science Center is Tennessee’s largest educator of healthcare professionals. The institution encompasses six colleges—Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy—equipping future healthcare leaders to meet the needs of communities across the state and beyond.

Key Recent Achievements

Research Excellence: Conducted nearly $100 million in extramurally funded research in FY 2023.
Healthcare Delivery: Partnered with 11 clinical hospital affiliates statewide to provide patient care.
Education and Training: Trained over 3,000 students and 1,400 residents and fellows annually.
A New Era of Leadership

The university is entering a transformative phase with dynamic new leadership appointed over the past two years, including:

Chancellor
Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer
Inaugural Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships
Vice Chancellor for Advancement
Vice Chancellor for Research
Deans of Pharmacy and Dentistry
Three Regional Campus Deans for the College of Medicine
Interim Executive Dean of the College of Medicine (national search ongoing)
System-wide Inaugural Chief Wellness Officer
This leadership team is driving innovation and positioning the UT Health Science Center for continued success in education, research, and community engagement.

The Office of Communications and Marketing

The Office of Communications and Marketing is comprised of a highly skilled and specialized group of professionals, organized as a central group with communications and marketing leads also embedded in several of the health sciences colleges, research, academic affairs, the library, and at campuses in association with our health care partners (see Appendix B for the Table of Organization).