Job Details

Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships 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 2024 list.

Applications received within the first 2 weeks (14 days) of the job posting date (April 7, 2025) will receive priority review. Apply ONLINE and join the Tennessee Volunteer community by visiting our UTK Career Opportunities site.

The target starting salary for this position is mid $90,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities

This is an on-campus position with some hybrid/remote work schedule flexibility.

Under the leadership of the Assistant Vice Provost for Financial Initiatives & Chief Financial Aid Administrator (AVP), the Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships has direct oversight of the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (OFAS). The Director is responsible for formulating, interpreting, and implementing federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and takes responsibility for the daily internal operations of the department. The position exercises substantial independence of administrative authority and discretion and is authorized to independently commit the institution to financial aid decisions. This role collaborates closely with the Enrollment Management division and other campus partners to support institutional enrollment, retention, and financial wellness goals. The Director serves as a key leader in enhancing operational effectiveness, developing staff leadership, and contributing to the university's strategic vision for financial aid and scholarships.

This position provides leadership and strategic support to all aspects of the OFAS, including data accuracy and integrity, operational efficiency, compliance with state and federal regulations, and active support of student financial aid data systems, including the OnBase document management system, DASH solutions for federal work-study, scholarship management platforms, and the university's Ellucian Banner student information system. The Director is responsible for comprehensive planning and execution of key initiatives, major projects, and the work of staff, including senior-level managers. The position facilitates coordination and communication between university departments, creating a positive educational experience for students and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or other related fields.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in administration of Title IV Federal Financial Aid, state aid, and institutional awards.
• Complete at least four NASFAA Professional Credentials within one year of hire date.
• 2 years minimum of supervisory experience of professional staff.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• At least 7 years of relevant experience including time spent in a leadership role in a financial aid office.
• Previous experience in financial aid administration in higher education.
• Thorough understanding of federal and state financial aid rules and regulations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Well-developed oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt to work in an innovative and fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal and supervisory skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products (or similar).
• Ellucian Banner, Argos Reporting, OnBase, Tableau, Campus Logic, Next Generation Scholarship Manager and/or similar platforms.

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

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.

About Us

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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

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.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Education and Training

Industries

Higher Education