Operations Coordinator-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 Operations Coordinator 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 $48,000. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The Position:

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

Reporting to the Associate Director of Operations & Compliance, the Operations Coordinator plays a critical, independent decision-making role within the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, with authority to determine student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional grants and loans. This position independently interprets and applies complex financial aid policies and guidelines to make final decisions on award adjustments, freeze date appeal approvals or denials and exercises professional judgment in compliance with all relevant regulations.

The position also serves as a key operational liaison, ensuring cross-departmental coordination among Financial Aid Systems, Financial Aid Student Services, Scholarships, and Operations and Compliance teams. This role manages transfer monitoring, operational reporting, and auditing to maintain regulatory compliance and optimize award accuracy.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree and two (2) years relevant experience, OR

Associate's degree and three (3) years relevant experience, OR

High school diploma and five (5) years relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree

• 2+ years of progressively responsible direct financial aid experience.

• Working knowledge of federal and state financial aid rules and regulations.

• Supervisory experience preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to write clear, concise letters using effectual writing skills.

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

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

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

• Ability to work under time constraints.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Ellucian Banner, OnBase, Argos and/or Saleforce or similar software experience preferred.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products

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!