Assistant Director- Center for Basic Needs - UTK

University Of Tennessee College
University Of Tennessee College

Knoxville, TN, USA

USD 57k+ / year

Posted on Jul 21, 2026
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The Assistant Director oversees service operations, supply chain, assessment, and communications for the Center for Basic Needs. The position is responsible for all facets of supply chain, student staffing, and shopping experience of the Big Orange Pantry, Smokey’s Closet, Pocket Pantries, and the Free Store. The position leads the department’s assessment efforts, serves as the primary liaison to Student Life Communications to support communications and outreach initiatives, supports complex student needs when necessary, and serves in a leadership capacity during the director’s absence.

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!
The Assistant Director oversees large-scale operations and supply chain for the department. This position is responsible for all facets of supply chain, student staffing, and shopping experience of the Big Orange Pantry, Smokey’s Closet, Pocket Pantries, and Free Store.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree

  • Experience: 5 yrs of experience in supervision, volunteer management, or related experience. A Master's degree may substitute for 2 years of experience.

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Time management skills to manage competing priorities; Organizing skills; Written and oral communication skills; Ability to problem solve and implement changes.

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

  • Education: Master’s Degree

  • Experience: 4 yrs working in a non-profit setting; 1 year working in a retail or store setting.

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of food safety practices; Knowledge of higher education institutions.

Work Location

  • Location: Knoxville, TN

  • Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR10

  • Anticipated hiring range: Minimum starting salary $57,000. Final salary is commensurate with education and experience.

  • 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. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before July 29th

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

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.

Leadership & Oversight:

  • Assist the director with oversight and management of the department

  • Oversee supply chain and operational process for sourcing and storing food, clothing, hygiene items, and donations for the Big Orange Pantry, Smokey’s Closet, Pocket Pantries, and the Free Store

  • Support complex student needs through the consultation process as needed

  • Support director with advancement efforts and donor relations, large-scale campus partnerships, and Southeastern Conference engagement

Supervision:

  • Provide direct supervision and feedback for 5-6 Basic Needs student Directors

  • Recruit, hire, and train basic needs student director staff

  • Oversee and supervise graduate intern/temp staff that coordinate 60+ weekly volunteers, annual volunteer cohort, and service opportunities

  • Coordinate service and volunteer opportunities

  • Oversee staffing and coverage of 35+ hours of weekly open operations for the various basic needs facilities

Assessment & Communications:

  • Coordinate departmental assessment strategy

  • Develop semesterly reports on usage and impact

  • Serve as the department’s liaison to Student Life Communications by providing subject matter expertise to support social media, website, and outreach initiatives.

Apply now
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