Financial Aid Counseling Coordinator of Appeals and SAP - Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships - UTK

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Financial Aid Counseling Coordinator of Appeals and SAP 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 2025 list.

The target starting salary for this position is $44,000 - $46,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

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

This position will serve as an expert level of support to students and families who have in-depth questions or issues regarding their financial aid eligibility or financing their education. The coordinator is expected to have a high level of technical knowledge and expertise in federal and state regulations, will make independent judgments and decisions, and will serve as a backup to the Assistant Director Financial Aid Student Services. The coordinator will review verification and appeal files completed by financial aid assigned staff for quality assurance purposes, and will provide direct feedback, coaching, and training.

The coordinator will also have final decision and override authority for all professional judgment appeals. The coordinator will be responsible for schedule coordination and workload prioritization to assigned staff.

Required Education and Experience:

High School diploma and 5 years of direct financial aid experience., or

Associate degree and 3 years of direct financial aid experience., or

Bachelor's degree and 1 year of direct financial aid experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of progressively responsible direct financial aid experience.

• Supervisory experience preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

• Ability to write clearly and concisely using effectual writing skills.

• Sensitive to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.

• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member, and ability to supervise staff.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data, and ability to make and be responsible for independent decisions.

• Ability to work under time constraints.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Ellucian Banner, OnBase, and/or Salesforce and Campus Logic experience preferred.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products (or similar).

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.

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.

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!