The Office of the Visitors Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Associate Director Events & Pre-College Programs 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.

Applications received within the first 2 weeks (14 days) of the job posting date will receive priority review.

The target starting salary for this position is $68,000 - $73,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

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

Reporting to the Director of the Visitors Center, the Associate Director for Events & Pre-College Programs, while upholding the integrity of the University and Volunteer creed, will play a crucial role in enhancing the university’s visibility and engagement with prospective students and their families. This position is responsible for the leadership of planning, executing, and evaluating recruitment events that align with the university's strategic enrollment goals. This position will supervise an Event Coordinator team and the Pre-College Programs team. Reporting to and in collaboration with the Director of the Visitors Center, this role will monitor expenses, including budget oversight and projections for all Enrollment Management hosted events, both off and on campus. This position will work closely with the VC Student Programs team and the One Stop Student Services team as part of the Student Services & Experience unit and will serve as a member of the Visitors Center leadership team.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in event planning, recruitment, or related fields, preferably in higher education.

• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale events and leading teams.

• Experience hiring, supervising and training professional staff.

• Experience with or proven knowledge of managing budgets. experience working with different audiences including faculty, administration, students, students’ families, and the general public.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Master’s Degree

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and skills in specifically leading a team of staff, motivating top performance, encouraging creativity, reinforcing organizational and institutional vision as team contributes to broad department and university goals.

• Exceptional organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines and flourish in a high stakes pressurized environment.

• Excellent writing and presentation skills. Knowledge Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and CRM platforms.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience working with events and excellent planning and organization skills.

• Ability to work with new technologies.

• Knowledge of university travel policies.

• Knowledge of and experience using and managing social media platforms.

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.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is the state of Tennessee’s flagship university and is classified as a Carnegie Research 1 institution. As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation is key to our mission. UT enrolls over 35,000 students (more than 6000 graduate/professional students) at its Knoxville campus. Led by the example of our Chancellor’s Cabinet and their Principles for Engagement, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, builds and supports an inclusive community that provides opportunities to lead, serve and engage as Volunteers and citizens. We strive to create a welcoming community rich with diverse experiences. We seek colleagues who are committed to teamwork and have a passion for working with and serving all constituents. We especially seek candidates who have an ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the goals of the university.

The Knoxville Community: Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville has a metropolitan statistical area population of more than 850,000 people. We enjoy a dynamic culture that includes numerous theaters and museums, a vibrant and diverse music scene including a symphony orchestra and an opera company, world-class restaurants, numerous cultural festivals and an active downtown market square. Surrounded by lakes and the Tennessee River, the Knoxville area boasts wonderful year-round water activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming that make for scenic and breathtaking views of the area. Knoxville is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains, and a day’s drive to Memphis, Chicago and Washington D.C.

For full consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter detailing relevant experience along with a resume and the name, e-mail address, and telephone number of three to five professional references. References will not be contacted without explicit permission of the candidate.