Business Manager: Department of Anthropology - UTK

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Sales & Business Development · Full-time

Knoxville, TN, USA

USD 66,250-77,500 / year

Posted on Sep 29, 2026

The Business Manager oversees the financial activities of the Department of Anthropology and ensures that these activities are in compliance with applicable university, state, and federal policies and regulations. This involves the management and oversight of college-funded and externally-funded accounts, including the accounts associated with the Forensic Anthropology Center (FAC), the departmental salary budget, and gift, grant, and contract accounts. This position provides data and data analysis to the department head for use in strategic planning and in decisions related to the use of departmental resources. The breadth of responsibilities is such that decisions can have far-reaching and long-term impact on the continuing success of the Department, the college, and the campus by affecting its ability to meet fiscal objectives, supporting and assisting faculty with regard to the financial matters of sponsored research, start-up funds, etc., complying with relevant federal regulations and statutes as well as University policies and procedures.


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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

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!

This position serves as the Business Manager for the Department of Anthropology and is responsible for financial, administrative, and human resources functions in the Department, including the Forensic Anthropology Center (FAC). In consultation with the Department Head, this position recruits, selects and trains unit staff to perform daily operations for the department. This position establishes departmental standards and practices, ensures fiscal compliance per University policies and procedures, and manages departmental budgets (for both state-funded and externally-funded accounts). This position is the primary resource for departmental faculty and staff questions regarding fiscal and human resources policy matters.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of financial management experience

  • Associate’s degree with 7 years of financial management experience

  • High School diploma with 11 years of financial management experience

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of basic accounting principles

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

  • Microsoft Office skills, with strong Excel skills

  • Creative problem-solving ability

  • Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work under pressure, managing competing deadlines

  • Ability to work independently

  • Ability to supervise others

  • Ability to integrate and analyze information for the generation of reports

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-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

  • Experience in higher education

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of a large platform ERP

Work Location

  • Location: Knoxville Campus

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR11

  • Anticipated hiring range: $66,250-$77,500, Depending on experience and qualifications

  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

  • Three references will be requested when finalists are identified

About The Department

The Department of Anthropology is a department where students explore the vast and diverse aspects of what it means to be human. Through an interdisciplinary approach that spans from genomics to human rights, we offer a comprehensive understanding of past and present humanity. Our department thrives on collaboration, research, and engagement, providing students with the tools to study the human species in all its complexity. Whether through anthropological archaeology, biological anthropology, or cultural anthropology, our students gain hands-on experience in field methods, laboratory work, and theoretical exploration, preparing them for impactful careers in academia, public policy, and beyond.


The Business Manager for Anthropology is responsible for the management of the salary and operating budgets for the department and for the FAC. Management of these funds requires verification that the budget aligns with expected commitments, as well as budget management throughout the fiscal year, identifying and requesting adjustments as needed to ensure that expenditures do not exceed the total allocated funding.

Additionally, the Business Manager ensures compliance with Unrelated Business Income requirements. The Business Manager works with the department head and with sponsored project PIs to support the proper management of fiscal resources, whether departmental or grant-funded, and provides financial reporting and analysis to inform financial decisions, making effective recommendations on the strategic use of available funds.

In addition to supporting the larger financial goals of the unit, the Business Manager supervises the administrative and financial staff, overseeing training, performance reviews and improvement, and the use of annual and sick leave. Additionally, the Business Manager has approval authority for financial and human resources transactions related to departmental expenditures and employment-related actions. The Business Manager establishes departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Federal, University, and College policies.