Financial Aid Counselor for HOPE and State Scholarship - Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships - UTK

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Financial Aid Counselor for HOPE & State Scholarship 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 $45,000. 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.

This position is part of the centralized team within the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, responsible for independently awarding state and institutional scholarships while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations. The incumbent is expected to possess a high level of technical expertise in financial aid policies and will exercise independent judgment in decision-making. This role serves as a key resource for students with complex questions or concerns regarding scholarship eligibility, particularly for the HOPE Scholarship and other state-funded scholarships. Additionally, the position provides guidance to students and parents on eligibility and renewal requirements and assists students with limited financial resources in financing their education. This position also serves as a voting member on multiple scholarship selection committees and the Institutional Scholarship Appeals Committee. The incumbent will participate in recruitment events, delivering presentations on scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and will perform duties as directed by the coordinator for HOPE and state scholarships to fulfill the day-to-day operations of the scholarships division based on priorities set by the Assistant Director of Scholarships.

Required Education and Experience:

High School diploma and 5 years of experience in higher education or related finance field, or

Associate degree and 3 years of experience in higher education or related finance field, or

Bachelor's degree and 1 year of experience in higher education or related finance field.

Preferred Education and Experience:

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

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 diverse backgrounds.

• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member.

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

• Ability to work independently and under time constraints.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products (or similar).

• Ellucian Banner, OnBase, and/or TeamDynamix experience preferred.

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 is the state of Tennessee’s flagship university and is classified as a Carnegie Research 1 institution. As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation is key to our mission. UT enrolls over 35,000 students (more than 6000 graduate/professional students) at its Knoxville campus. Led by the example of our Chancellor’s Cabinet and their Principles for Engagement, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, builds and supports an inclusive community that provides opportunities to lead, serve and engage as Volunteers and citizens. We strive to create a welcoming community rich with diverse experiences. We seek colleagues who are committed to teamwork and have a passion for working with and serving all constituents. We especially seek candidates who have an ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the goals of the university.

The Knoxville Community: Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville has a metropolitan statistical area population of more than 850,000 people. We enjoy a dynamic culture that includes numerous theaters and museums, a vibrant and diverse music scene including a symphony orchestra and an opera company, world-class restaurants, numerous cultural festivals and an active downtown market square. Surrounded by lakes and the Tennessee River, the Knoxville area boasts wonderful year-round water activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming that make for scenic and breathtaking views of the area. Knoxville is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains, and a day’s drive to Memphis, Chicago and Washington D.C.

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.