Associate Director Systems - 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 Associate Director of Systems 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 $71,792. 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 Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships, the Associate Director of Systems serves as the visionary, strategic and technical lead for financial aid systems at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). This position ensures the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships delivers accurate, efficient, and compliant services while driving innovation that reimagines how financial aid supports student access, retention, and success.

The Associate Director oversees the Banner Financial Aid module and integrated technologies, Department of Education systems, and other third-party solutions, and leverages them to reduce barriers, streamline processes, and improve the student and family experience. The role directly supervises two Financial Aid System Analysts, providing leadership, coaching, and professional development to ensure the team is empowered to design and deliver solutions that align with UTK’s land-grant mission and strategic enrollment plan. Through a focus on automation, predictive analytics, and student-centered system design, the Associate Director helps position UTK as a national leader in financial aid technology.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree-

• Minimum of five years of progressive full-time professional experience in student systems management at a college or university.

• Expert knowledge of Financial Aid Systems

• Knowledge, experience, or training in federal financial aid regulations

• At least one year of supervisory experience or experience leading or coordinating with a team

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience in financial aid administration or enrollment management technology strongly preferred.

• Experience in ODS Oracle, PL/SQL, Web Tailor, and/or Argos

• Experience in working with financial aid software such as SAIG, File Transfer Programs (FTP), ELM, COD, CPS and NSLDS.

• Experience with Ellucian Banner.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted profession.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills are needed.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and knowledge of systems included in above descriptions is essential.

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of computer systems documentation and forms design is helpful.

• Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing financial aid programs is beneficial.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a dynamic, complex environment.

• Strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Technical expertise in student information systems with the ability to envision and implement innovative solutions.

• Commitment to continuous improvement, equity, and student-focused service delivery.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency with Ellucian Banner ERP (highly preferred).

• Experience with ODS Oracle, PL/SQL, Web Tailor, Argos, and other similar systems

• Familiarity with federal systems (COD, NSLDS, CPS, SAIG), loan processing tools, and automation platforms.

• Background in applying technology to business process improvement in higher education.

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.