Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships – UTK Position Available In Knox, Tennessee

Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships – UTK
University of Tennessee Chattanooga Knoxville, TN Full-time Education
Posted on April 08, 2025
Job Description
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 will receive priority review.
The target starting salary for this position is mid $90,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
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.
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:

Master’s degree

• At least 7 years of relevant experience including time spent in 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.

Benefits:

University of Tennessee employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of 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 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 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.