Job Details

Assistant Director-Financial Aid Student Services- UTK

Position Number: 6253134
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Financial Aid

Assistant Director-Financial Aid Student Services- UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 3125
Job Category: Student Services
Posting Date: 05/23/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1331 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (Hybrid)

Job Description
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Assistant Director Financial Aid Student Services position. We are seeking candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to enhance the accessibility of higher education, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment, and improving the recruitment and graduation of our students. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been ranked by Forbes as one of America's best large employers, as recognized on the 2024 list.

The target starting salary for this position is $54,000 - $58,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities
This is an on-campus position with some hybrid/remote work schedule flexibility.

Under the immediate direction of the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director provides critical leadership, management, and oversight within the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. This position supervises assigned staff, oversees day-to-day counseling operations, and coordinates all elements of verification, appeals, and professional judgment. The Assistant Director shares in administering federal, state, and institutional aid programs and plays a key role in ensuring compliance, delivering excellent customer service, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. This role requires a blend of financial aid expertise, technical skill, management ability, and problem-solving strength, as well as the ability to provide support to students, families, staff, and campus stakeholders.

Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree

OR

a combination of an associate degree and experience totaling at least 7 years of progressively responsible

experience in financial aid, student services, or higher education administration.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in higher education administration, financial aid administration or

student services.

OR

1-2 years of supervisory or team lead experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Excellent and demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, the public, the university community, and external constituencies.

In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.

Ability to work independently and under time constraints.

Ability to collaborate and work independently.

Ability to supervise staff and coordinate job assignments.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proficiency with financial aid management systems (such as Banner), Microsoft Office Suite, and CRM/ticketing systems.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to resolve complex student issues and improve business processes.

Commitment to customer service excellence and continuous improvement.

Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to coach and develop staff.

Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and programs, including Title IV, SAP, verification, and professional judgments.

Benefits:

University of Tennessee employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:

Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days

Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team members

Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses

Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

The Division

The Enrollment Management (EM) division comprises more than 190 full-time staff who serve our students through the following departments and functions: Undergraduate Admissions, International Recruitment, Transfer Center, One Stop Student Services, Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Center for Financial Wellness, University Registrar, Pre-college Research Excellence Programs, EM Research & Analytics, EM Communications, and EM Operations. The Division of Enrollment Management is committed to our Vision, Mission and Values. We are passionate about fulfilling our land-grant mission of accessible education and making an impact that will transform lives through the student experience.

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/3125/?mode=location