As part of the Employee Success Center team, the Employee Engagement & Recognition Consultant designs, develops, implements, and promotes comprehensive employee experience programs, with a primary focus on recognition and engagement.

This role leads the coordination, delivery, and continuous enhancement of recognition initiatives that foster connection, appreciation, and community among employees at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The consultant contributes to broader Employee Success Center initiatives and signature events that strengthen university culture, belonging, and climate.

Through consultation, partnership, and data-informed assessment, this position advances a cohesive and engaging employee experience across campus.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 2 years of relevant experience - OR - an Associates degree with 3 years of relevant experience - OR - in lieu of degree, 5 or more years of relevant experience.
  

• Experience: Experience in developing and delivering innovative initiatives.
  

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of HR principles, employee engagement and recognition best practices.

  • Skill in program development, management and event coordination.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships across stakeholder groups.

  • Ability to design and deliver presentations that inform, inspire and engage diverse audiences.

  • Ability to analyze feedback and data to make recommendations for improvement.

  • Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.

  • Knowledge of higher education or large public-sector environments.

  • Knowledge of employee engagement and recognition best practices, including methodologies for measuring program effectiveness and impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Higher Education or HR consulting roles.

• Experience in recognition and engagement programs.

Work Location

• Fully on-site for an initial training period with the option to work 1-2 remote days per week after training, depending on departmental needs.
• Knoxville, TN

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR09

• Anticipated hiring range: $55,000 - $60,000

• 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

Recognition & Engagement Program Leadership

• Strategically identify, design, and introduce new engagement and recognition initiatives aligned with institutional goals and employee feedback.
• Evaluate and continuously enhance existing recognition programs to increase employee connection and visibility.
• Lead and manage university-wide recognition and engagement programs, including Service Awards, VOLgrams, Employee Appreciation Day, and Staff Appreciation Week.
• Oversee annual program planning, implementation timelines, communications strategy, and cross-campus coordination.
• Partner with HR Communications to develop messaging and storytelling that elevate recognition efforts and promote consistent university-wide participation.
• Design and maintain recognition tools and resources to ensure clarity, accessibility, and effective use across colleges and units.

Consultation & Partnership

• Serve as the primary HR consultant for recognition and engagement initiatives.
• Advise colleges and units on best practices, tools, and communication approaches to strengthen appreciation within their teams.
• Assess existing recognition practices and identify opportunities for enhancement, alignment, or additional support.
• Collaborate with institutional stakeholders, including HR Communications, OIT, HR Data, campus leaders, and system partners, to deliver coordinated and seamless recognition experiences.
• Provide presentations, consultations, and training to support effective engagement strategies.
• Represent the Employee Success Center on councils, committees, and cross-functional initiatives related to culture, climate, and belonging.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and administer surveys, feedback tools, and evaluation measures to assess program reach and impact.
• Analyze engagement and participation data to identify trends, strengths, and opportunities.
• Provide data-informed recommendations to HR and Employee Success leadership to strengthen employee connection, recognition visibility, and retention alignment.

Mentoring & Departmental Initiatives

• Support the university’s mentoring program in partnership with Career Consultants.
• Coordinate engagement touchpoints that foster connection throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Contribute to Employee Success Center programs, events, and cross-functional initiatives that advance employee experience and community-building.