Director of Flagship Communities: Division of Access and Engagement - UTK

The Director of Flagship Communities, within the Division of Access & Engagement (DAE), will support university-community partnerships that build and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with the 52 Flagship Communities across the state of Tennessee. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Access and Engagement, this position provides key support for developing and managing pathways for K-8 students within the Flagship Communities to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

As the university seeks to improve the well-being of Tennessee citizens and advance its land-grant mission, the director will provide management of the day-to-day operations and programming for engaging and supporting students, families, school counselors, teachers, administrators, faith-based leaders, and the community on educational and post-secondary opportunities at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). In partnership with Enrollment Management, the director will provide leadership to align UTK's enrollment and outreach goals for Flagship High Schools and their surrounding communities.

Leadership and Staff Supervision

In this role, the individual will train, direct, manage, and evaluate multiple Assistant Directors and Coordinators working with Flagship High Schools and their communities. They will provide leadership and oversee statewide programs and collaborate with various units to promote access initiatives and scholarship opportunities. Maintaining and growing relationships with school systems, nonprofits, community-based organizations, alumni, and community partners will be crucial. They will manage strategic initiatives with community leaders and stakeholders; oversee major events; and lead, plan, and execute annual events and comprehensive community initiatives.

Comprehensive Program Development & Management

The Director of Flagship Programs oversees statewide initiatives in Flagship communities, focusing on college readiness, financial aid, and FAFSA workshops. They establish new programs connecting community-based organizations to the university and manage initiatives to advance access, engagement, education, and opportunities. The Director promotes dual enrollment, coordinates UTK Campus visits, and develops programs to enhance engagement and outreach. They also cultivate relationships with stakeholders for educational and engagement sessions.

Communications & Marketing

The director helps coordinate editorial support for print and digital materials, manages new publications and resources, and contributes to the monthly newsletter. They also highlight UT's community engagement in Flagship communities.

Data Collection, Assessment & Reporting

The Director of Flagship Communities prepares annual reports and impact summaries, and coordinates with the division’s Office of Assessment & Evaluation to manage project records. They will also provide project summaries, evaluate program impact, tracks participation, and manage the flagship database of high school scholars and their progress.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education, communications, business, public policy, or related field.
• 5 years of related experience working in higher education, particularly in admissions, recruitment, or enrollment management leading educational and community partnerships.
• Experience coordinating academic programs, projects, and events.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute programs or activities involving the campus community and/or external organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8 to 10 years of related experience.
• Experience working in educational outreach and pre-collegiate programs.
• Experience with academic programming.
• Experience working with a variety of university-community partnerships with educational, nonprofit, and community-based organizations.
• Experience with creating and sustaining long-term community partnerships.
• Experience with both print and web-based writing is preferred.

Competencies

• Ability to lead remote staff statewide.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate and interact effectively with faculty, staff, administrators, students, community partners, and stakeholders.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR14
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Process

To be assured full consideration, the following documents must be submitted with the online application:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Contact information for three (3) professional references

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!