Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships - Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships - UTK

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships 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 minimum starting salary for this position is $95,000. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

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

Reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost for Financial Initiatives & Chief Financial Aid Administrator (AVP), the Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the internal operations of the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (OFAS), directly supervising four associate directors, and leading a team of that manages day-to-day administration of federal, state, and institutional aid. This includes regulatory compliance, data integrity, business process improvement, and student service delivery. The Director is a transformational leader responsible for financial aid and scholarship operations, exercising significant independent authority to make decisions that support enrollment, retention, and student financial wellness. Collaborating with the AVP, Enrollment Management, and campus partners, the Director ensures alignment with institutional strategies, enhances operational effectiveness, and cultivates staff leadership to advance the university’s goals.

The Director provides transformational leadership and strategic oversight to all areas of OFAS, including data accuracy and integrity, operational efficiency, compliance with federal and state regulations, and the effective use of student financial aid systems such as OnBase, Oracle ERP & Finance solutions for federal work-study, the scholarship management platform, and Ellucian Banner. This position is responsible for comprehensive planning and execution of key initiatives, major projects, and staff management, including senior-level managers. This role facilitates coordination and communication across university departments to create a positive educational experience for students while ensuring compliance with all regulatory and institutional policies.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or other related fields.

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in administration of Title IV Federal Financial Aid, state aid, and institutional awards.

• Complete at least four NASFAA Professional Credentials within one year of hire date.

• 3 years minimum of supervisory experience of professional staff.

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 Education and Experience:

Master's degree

• At least 7 years of relevant experience including time spent in leadership role in a financial aid office.

• Previous experience in financial aid administration in higher education.

• Thorough understanding of federal and state financial aid rules and regulations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and the ability to interpret and apply them to ensure compliance and support student success.

• Skill in leading and developing staff through coaching, mentorship, and fostering an inclusive, empowered team environment.

• Skill in strategic planning and operational management to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with institutional goals.

• Ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders through effective communication and collaboration.

• Strengths in creating a culture of curiosity and inquisitiveness.

• Ability to think innovatively and implement creative solutions to operational and service challenges.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products (or similar).

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ellucian Banner, Argos Reporting, OnBase, Tableau, Campus Logic, Next Generation Scholarship Manager and/or similar platforms.

• Knowledge of enrollment management principles and the role of financial aid in recruitment, retention, and student success strategies.

• Skill in using data analysis and technology tools to inform decision-making, improve processes, and communicate outcomes clearly to various audiences.

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, 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!