Coordinator for ut scholarship operations - office of financial aid and scholarships - utk

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Coordinator for UT Scholarship Operations 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.

The target starting salary for this position is $44,000 - $46,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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

The Scholarship Coordinator serves as an expert resource for students and families regarding scholarship eligibility and is expected to possess advanced technical knowledge of state and institutional regulations. This role exercises independent judgment and has final decision-making and override authority for all scholarship appeals, while also serving as the backup to the Assistant Director of Scholarships. Key responsibilities include supervising, coaching, and training a Scholarship Counselor, including schedule coordination and workload prioritization, identifying operational efficiencies and implementing process improvements, providing training to campus users on the Scholarship Manager software. Work closely with the scholarship counselor to provide support on Scholarship Manager. Additionally, the coordinator will serve as an expert advisor on all scholarships, including institutional, donor-funded, merit-based, and need-based awards, and guiding students, parents, and campus partners on eligibility requirements, oversee all institutional scholarships, including serving on and occasionally chairing selection committees for donor-funded scholarships. Acting as the primary point of contact for the UT Promise Scholarship, the coordinator will work directly with the UT System to identify eligible students, troubleshoot scholarship issues, and represent the Knoxville campus in UT Promise system meetings. Maintaining and updating scholarship policies and procedures, implementing new processes to enhance efficiency and automation in awarding and renewing multi-year scholarships. The coordinator will collaborate closely with fundraising teams in UT Advancement, academic departments, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with scholarship selection criteria.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of progressively responsible direct financial aid experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely using effectual writing skills.
• Sensitive to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, and ability to make and be responsible for independent decisions.
• Ability to work under time constraints.

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 Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of progressively responsible direct financial aid experience.

• UT and/or state scholarship knowledge preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Ellucian Banner, OnBase, and/or TeamDynamix experience preferred.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products (or similar).

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 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, 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!