Assistant Director of Athletic Events
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
Assistant Director of Athletic Events
Job Description
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc (UTFI) invites applications and nominations to fill the position of Assistant Director of Athletic Events for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Reporting to the Senior Director of Athletic Events, the Assistant Director of Athletic Events is responsible for supporting the growing demands of athletic event planning, execution, and post event processes while providing leadership in volunteer coordination, student worker oversight, and intern direction.
This role will manage and guide event volunteers, ensuring they are trained, supported, and engaged to deliver exceptional event experiences.
Responsibilities
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Events, Programs, and Initiatives: Lead timeline and development, logistics planning, and internal coordination specific to athletic events. Collaborate with the Senior Director of Events during early planning phases with all internal and external parties. Provide leadership during event days to ensure real time problem solving and execution of event plans. Represent the events team in all high-touch, high visibility events. Lead post evaluations, recap reports, and debrief with key stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.
Operational and Strategic Support: Ownership of budgeting for athletic events, including forecasting, tracking and reconciliation. Ensure alignment with department financial protocols and event ROI tracking. Serve as lead for vendor relationships specific to athletics. Build consistent partnerships and streamline contracting and service delivery. Available for travel as required to support on/off site or out of town athletic events. Provide continuity and consistency across geographically dispersed events.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
The candidate who fills the Assistant Director of Athletic Events position is required to have:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3+ years of experience in event planning, volunteer management, budgeting, contracts, communications, or Advancement- related areas
- Strong customer service orientation, strong oral and written communication
- Experience in Teamwork system
A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required due to travel responsibilities of the position. UTFI reserves the right to consider all appropriate circumstances. In general, any significant driving offense less than 12 months old will eliminate the application from consideration for the position.
Note - Candidates holding a graduate degree must have at least 1 year of experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
In addition to meeting the required qualifications, the preferred candidate will have:
- Master’s degree
- Experience with athletic events or capital campaigns
- Ability to serve a diverse constituency
- Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and related software
Application Process: Priority will be given to applications received on or before September 8, 2025 via our DASH application system. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, and resume. Candidates selected to move forward in the evaluation process will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without explicit permission of the candidate.
When determining minimum qualifications, only information entered into the candidate profile can be considered. Please ensure your candidate profile is completed in its entirety as it relates to qualifying education/work experience.
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.
Questions about the search may be directed to hr@utfi.org.
Target Start Date: Fall 2025
Benefits: The Foundation’s greatest asset is our team. Foundation 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 Foundation: The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been advancing knowledge and enriching lives since its founding in 1794. Tennessee’s flagship public research university, UT Knoxville is a diverse community whose shared commitment to discovery, creativity, and education combines with a tradition of service and engagement to carry the Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. UT’s campus—home to more than 36,000 students and 9,000 faculty and staff members—is part of the vibrant city of Knoxville, located on the Tennessee River with the Great Smoky Mountains nearby.
The UT System: The University of Tennessee System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Institute of Agriculture; and the Institute for Public Service.
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.
Job Info
- Job Identification 4789
- Job Category Advancement
- Posting Date 08/26/2025, 01:52 AM
- Job Schedule Full time
- Locations 1609 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US
EEO/AA STATEMENT / NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the (EEO). Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the EEO office.
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