The Assistant Director is an integral part of the Campus Culture and Community team. A successful candidate must be able to work independently or within a group dynamic to accomplish departmental and divisional goals and objectives. This position assists the Director with oversight, management, and strategic planning of the department with primary focus on the department’s Contribute with Purpose strategic priority and secondary focus on Support for Success strategic priority. The Assistant Director oversees campus-wide Vol is a Verb outreach and initiatives. Work closely with Student Life and University reporting and referral units to provide holistic support to students navigating campus culture. This position is onsite in Knoxville, Tennessee at the University of Tennessee and is not a remote position.

Required Qualifications

Education: Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or a related field

Experience:

• 2 years direct experience working with students in higher education setting or related experience.
• Experience developing and delivering a range and variety of campus-wide programmatic efforts to students in a collegiate setting.
• Experience supporting student groups and student programming.
• Experience teaching courses, leading and facilitating workshops and trainings.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Significant knowledge of special populations of college students.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and sensitivity to varying student populations.
• Working knowledge of issues related to various college students and their retention and graduation rates.
• Working knowledge of student development and learning outcomes theories, and the translation of those theories to practice.
• Knowledge related to the changing landscape of higher education.
• Effective and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to utilize higher education assessment models.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently.
• Ability to work collaboratively with campus and community partners.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.

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-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Experience with budget management.
• Direct experience working with a range of student populations.
• Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or a related field

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of best practices in the field of higher education
• Direct experience working with college student populations
• Experience supporting and leading students
• Experience developing & delivering programs/initiatives in a college setting
• Ability to utilize higher education assessment models

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR12
• Anticipated hiring range: Minimum starting salary $66,000. Final salary is commensurate with education and experience.
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before July 10, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

The Division of Student Life is comprised of an outstanding group of professionals who create student-centered opportunities that contribute to a transformative Volunteer Experience. These opportunities allow students to grow their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. From health and wellness to service and engagement, we provide opportunities where students exemplify the Volunteer Spirit, inspiring others to learn, lead, and serve.

Our departments provide essential services that support student success and future growth, fostering engagement, leadership, and wellness while enhancing belonging. Together, they create transformative experiences that help students achieve both academic and personal goals.

[OVERSIGHT & LEADERSHIP]

• Assist the Director with oversight and management of the department and functions as the senior leader in management in the Director's absence
• Oversee day-to-day operations that will positively contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the Office for Campus Culture and Community programs, initiatives, and services
• Supervise full-time staff, oversee department student support efforts, and programmatic strategic planning
• Assist the Director with department strategic planning and implementation
• Oversee research and assessment initiatives and provide feedback and make recommendations to the director as appropriate
• Responsible for appropriately supporting the vision and mission of the university, Division of Student Life, and the Office for Campus Culture and Community

[SUPERVISION & TRAINING]

• Supervise up to three full-time professional staff, and practicum/internship students, including hiring, training, task assignment, and evaluation
• Develop initiatives supporting/expanding the department's Contribute with Purpose strategic priority and secondary focus on Support for Success priority, including but not limited to student support coordination, Vol is a Verb facilitations and programming, Listen. Learn. Lead. Week, Interfaith initiatives, global competencies, and Pack to Give Back.

[OTHER]

• Chair Student Life Access Committee
• Serve as a resource to staff and students in the Office for Campus Culture and Community
• Campus engagement and programming, collaborate with University, Division departments, and Local community entities
• Assist with Division of Student Life events, programs, and committees
• Serve on various University committees
• Participate in higher education professional associations