The Office of the Visitors Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Assistant Director - Guest Relations & Group Experience 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 $50,000 - $54,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

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

Reporting to and in coordination with the Director of the Visitors Center, while upholding the integrity of the University and Volunteer creed, this position develops, leads and coordinates strategic recruitment initiatives for the campus visit program. This role will be responsible for the development of innovative approaches to build in community and campus components to a guest or visitor experience. The role will have responsibilities for evaluation of data related to targeted campus visit and experience efforts and will develop and lead the execution of strategies which solve for and impact recruitment challenges seen in an increasingly competitive market, specifically the high academic achieving student market. This role will bring expertise through research and benchmark efforts in order to develop elevated curated experiences which differentiate UTK from SEC, peer and aspirational competitors. Serve as primary coordinator to lead the development of intentional academic college components within the campus visit experience. Serve as lead for academic college visits, acting as a liaison with academic colleges on in-person and virtual scheduling, developing and leading experiential moments as part of the campus visit program for targeted prospective students and groups to meet university enrollment goals and accommodate special university requests. In partnership and guidance with the Director, this role will develop and maintain strong community partnerships which can serve to complement the visit experience. In addition, this role will serve as primary lead for the development of high academic achieving student recruitment strategies, leveraging the support from EM and campus stakeholders. Coordinate group visit experiences for middle school, high school and community college students. Coordinate with research team for reporting on individual academic and group visit experiences. Provide logistical and strategic support for admission initiatives with internal and external stakeholders. Participate in broad recruitment activities and strategies essential to accomplishing the university's enrollment goals. Conducts admission information sessions for prospective students and families in the Visitors Center.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree

• Minimum one year of professional experience in admissions, counseling, recruiting, or advising.

• Experience giving oral presentations.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Master's Degree

• Minimum three years in higher education setting, including at least one year in recruitment field.

• Participation during undergraduate experience in admissions or communications.

• Experience working with diverse populations.

• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, data driven decision making and relationship building.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to serve as a liaison between the Visitors Center various academic units, and other organizations within the university and general public.

• Attention to detail, writing, listening and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to independently and strategically plan visits, events and presentations for prospective students.

• Ability to lift, transport and distribute objects up to 40 pounds.

• Oral presentation/public speaking skills.

• Knowledge of university admissions process.

• Ability to problem solve and research solutions.

• Ability to communicate across diverse audiences.

• Strong organization skills with the proven ability to balance competing priorities, complex situations within tight deadlines.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work with new technologies to enhance recruitment.

• Knowledge of university policies and procedures.

• Demonstrated skills with a variety of databases and web-based applications.

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.