The Associate Director serves as a senior leader within the department, directly supervising two Assistant Directors who oversee registered student organizations and campus programming. This position is responsible for developing and leading department-wide processes that ensure consistency in student training and leadership development, communications and outreach, calendar building, program planning, budget management, and assessment initiatives.

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The Center for Student Engagement (CSE), within the Division of Student Life, invites applications for the position of Associate Director. This is a 12-month, full-time, non-tenure track staff position reporting to the Director of the Center for Student Engagement. The Center for Student Engagement contributes to the holistic education of all students by providing programs, services, and leadership opportunities that foster student learning, involvement, and a strong sense of belonging. Our work is supported by a dedicated team of Student Engagement Ambassadors who partner in advancing the department’s mission. Through these collective efforts, the Center hosts more than 150 programs annually and supports over 550 registered student organizations and their advisors, serving as a central hub for student involvement and campus connection.

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Required Qualifications
Education: Master’s Degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, College Student Personnel, or other related field
Experience: 5 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in student life, higher education administration, campus activities, student organization advising, or related area

• 2 years as a Graduate Assistant/Intern is equal to 1 year of professional experience
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of student development, leadership, and engagement theory
• Ability to show initiative and make sound decisions
• Ability to work and collaborate with internal and external constituents to foster positive productive relationships and build strong report to further advance departmental vision and mission
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Strong work ethic, organization, and initiative
• Experience with event and retreat planning
• Strong student advocacy skills
• Specialized knowledge of working with campus and community partners
  

Preferred Qualifications
Experience: Professional experience in student engagement; Considerable experience in program planning and student affairs at the college level; Direct oversight and coordination of large-scale campus programs; Experience with student training and development; Experience marketing campus events; Experience with graphic design using Canva or other systems

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams
• Working knowledge of Blackthorn, Encoura, Baseline, other student engagement software platforms
• Knowledge of large-scale event planning, including production and contract negotiations
• Understanding of social media content management platforms and creative systems such as Buffer, Adobe, and Canva
  

Work Location
This position is located on the Knoxville, Tennessee campus, and is fully in – person with the opportunity for limited remote hours

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR12
• Anticipated hiring range: Starting salary of $68,000
• 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 attachments noted below. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before April 1st

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References
  

About The College/Department/Division The Division of Student Life is comprised of an outstanding group of professionals who create student-centered opportunities that contribute to a transformative Volunteer Experience. These opportunities allow students to grow their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. From health and wellness to service and engagement, we
provide opportunities where students exemplify the Volunteer Spirit, inspiring others to learn, lead, and serve.

Our departments provide essential services that support student success and future growth, fostering engagement, leadership, and wellness while enhancing belonging. Together, they create transformative experiences that help students achieve both academic and personal goals.

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The Associate Director for Student Engagement helps provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and vision for the Center for Student Engagement. Serving as a key member of the department’s leadership team, this position functions as the senior leader in the Director’s absence and plays a central role in advancing the Center’s mission to foster student involvement and sense of belonging.

This role leads comprehensive efforts related to recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing student staff development. The Associate Director establishes and maintains departmental policies, processes, and training resources to ensure consistent, high-quality practices across all functional areas.

The position leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive assessment strategy, utilizing data to evaluate programs and initiatives, inform decision-making, and drive continuous improvement. This includes oversight of student engagement platforms and monitoring departmental outcomes and key performance indicators.

In partnership with Student Life Communications, the Associate Director develops and executes a strategic communications and marketing plan that includes digital media, print materials, newsletters, website content, and social media engagement. This includes coordinating internal processes for graphic design, social media content management, distribution of digital and print marketing materials, and campus and community communications.

The role cultivates strong relationships with campus and community partners to advance collaborative programming and sponsorship opportunities as well as represents the department on institutional committees and at campus events.

Additionally, the Associate Director supports fiscal stewardship of the department by monitoring budget processes, tracking expenditures, coordinating reporting, and assisting with contracts and large-scale program logistics.