About this role
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 Associate Director for Veteran Engagement plays a crucial role in creating a supportive and engaging environment for veteran students at the Veteran Success Center (VSC). As a key member of the VSC team, the Associate Director will work closely with the Director to create, execute, and manage a wide-ranging program of student engagement activities. This involves coordinating events, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that enhance veteran students' academic, social, and professional development. Additionally, the Associate Director will provide supervision to student staff.
Management of Veteran Student Programming
- Responsibilities for this role include all aspects of strategic planning, organization, and management of veteran student programming, with the ultimate goal of positively impacting the university's retention and graduation rates for veteran students.
- Directs the planning and execution of signature, university-wide events and veteran student programs such as Green Zone training and veteran’s day planning.
- Coordinate, plan, and implement veteran-related events on campus, including Veterans Week (Veterans Day events), Ped Walking Tabling events, "in-house" tailgating, athletic events, and more.
- Collaborates with campus partners on programmatic efforts to ensure programming is timely, relevant, and effective for the veteran student population.
- Facilitate student veteran orientation programs.
- Collaborates with Director of Veterans Success Center in maintaining partnerships.
Management of the Veteran Impact Program
- Leads the development and execution of strategic planning for the Veterans Impact Program.
- Directs the strategic planning process for the Veterans Impact Program, with a focus on enhancing retention and graduation rates for veteran students.
- Set strategic goals, enhance communications plan, and oversee the execution and assessment of programming.
Supervision and Leadership
- Collaborate with the Director to establish the vision and strategic direction of the Veterans Success Center, aiming to meet veteran student needs and improve retention and graduation outcomes.
- Provide direct supervision to the academic coaching and student staff in the Veterans Success Center.
- Assist in the leadership and management of the VSC office, including overall office oversight in support of the Director.
- Manage and train staff on student tracking and appointment software (Vol Connect).
- Serving as liaison among Division of Student Success committees
Other Duties as Assigned
Required Qualifications
Education
- Master’s Degree
Experience
- This position requires a master's degree and two years of experience by date of hire (part-time calculated as half time) working in a higher education, K-12, or community outreach environment.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student support;
- Positive attitude and sincere desire to provide academic support to students in need as well as to provide university information to parents, faculty, staff, and other constituents;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including attention to detail, accuracy, and presentation skills;
- Ability to relate to and effectively establish rapport with a diverse undergraduate population;
- Professional demeanor and maturity indicative of a leadership position demonstrating the ability to function as a staff member of a university department;
- Flexibility in scheduling work hours (some evenings and weekend hours);
- Proficiency with MS Office application, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint;
- Willingness to develop a strong working knowledge of UT policy and procedure and campus resources;
- Focus upon the success of the VSC team and willingness to help with all tasks;
- Must be able to work well with supervisors, colleagues, students, and the university community;
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
Experience
- Higher Education experience/experience working with student veterans in a higher education setting
- Experience with student programming and programmatic assessment and reporting.
- Administrative leadership of programs involving diverse student populations;
- Supervision of student staff;
- Commitment to ongoing professional development to expand skill sets and stay current on best practices;
- Experience with academic software, such as EAB Navigate, Banner.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills along with the ability to use computer technologies and software.
- Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office, scheduling software, and similar office technology, as well as Zoom technology for remote communication and access.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Complete Knowledge of FERPA.
- Knowledge of state and federal veterans education regulations.
- Demonstrated leadership ability.
- Excellent project management skills.
- Must have the ability to work independently.
- Excellent skills in planning, organization, and ability to analyze data.
- Attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information.
- Strong communication skills.
Work Location
- Location: Knoxville, TN
- Onsite
Compensation and Benefits
- UT market range: MR12
- Anticipated hiring range: Minimum $73,000
- 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 noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted.
- Resume
- Cover Letter