Job Details

Job Description

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Associate Director of Systems 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 2025 list.

The minimum starting salary for this position is $71,792. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

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

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships, the Associate Director of Systems serves as the visionary, strategic and technical lead for financial aid systems at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). This position ensures the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships delivers accurate, efficient, and compliant services while driving innovation that reimagines how financial aid supports student access, retention, and success.

The Associate Director oversees the Banner Financial Aid module and integrated technologies, Department of Education systems, and other third-party solutions, and leverages them to reduce barriers, streamline processes, and improve the student and family experience. The role directly supervises two Financial Aid System Analysts, providing leadership, coaching, and professional development to ensure the team is empowered to design and deliver solutions that align with UTK's land-grant mission and strategic enrollment plan. Through a focus on automation, predictive analytics, and student-centered system design, the Associate Director helps position UTK as a national leader in financial aid technology.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of five years of progressive full-time professional experience in student systems management at a college or university.
• Expert knowledge of Financial Aid Systems
• Knowledge, experience, or training in federal financial aid regulations
• At least one year of supervisory experience or experience leading or coordinating with a team

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience in financial aid administration or enrollment management technology strongly preferred.
• Experience in ODS Oracle, PL/SQL, Web Tailor, and/or Argos
• Experience in working with financial aid software such as SAIG, File Transfer Programs (FTP), ELM, COD, CPS and NSLDS.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted profession.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills are needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and knowledge of systems included in above descriptions is essential.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of computer systems documentation and forms design is helpful.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing financial aid programs is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a dynamic, complex environment.
• Strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Technical expertise in student information systems with the ability to envision and implement innovative solutions.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, equity, and student-focused service delivery.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency with Ellucian Banner ERP (highly preferred).
• Experience with ODS Oracle, PL/SQL, Web Tailor, Argos, and other similar systems
• Familiarity with federal systems (COD, NSLDS, CPS, SAIG), loan processing tools, and automation platforms.
• Background in applying technology to business process improvement in higher education.

Benefits

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 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 6,000 graduate/professional students) at its Knoxville campus. We strive to create an inclusive community that provides opportunities to lead, serve and engage as Volunteers and citizens. We especially seek candidates who can 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. We offer a dynamic culture with theaters, museums, a vibrant music scene, diverse restaurants, cultural festivals, and an active downtown. Knoxville is within driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, 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 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!

Job Info

• Job Identification 5496
• Job Category Info Technology
• Posting Date 10/17/2025, 05:41 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 1331 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US

EEO/AA Statement

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the EEO office. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the EEO office.