The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Coordinator for HOPE & State 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.
This is an on-campus position with some hybrid/remote work schedule flexibility.
The Scholarship Coordinator serves as a subject matter expert on scholarship eligibility, providing high-level support to students and families. This role requires in-depth knowledge of state and institutional regulations, particularly regarding the HOPE Scholarship and other Tennessee state-funded programs. The coordinator exercises independent judgment and has final decision-making and override authority for all scholarship appeals, following institutional, federal, and state rules for various programs. Additionally, they act as a backup to the Assistant Director of Scholarships and oversee the operations of HOPE and state scholarship programs. Key responsibilities include supervising and mentoring a scholarship counselor, managing schedules and workload priorities, and offering direct feedback, coaching, and training. The coordinator also leads efforts to improve operational efficiency, develop training materials, and provide guidance to campus partners. As the primary point of contact for the HOPE Scholarship, the coordinator is responsible for identifying eligible students, resolving scholarship-related issues, and representing the Knoxville campus in state system meetings alongside the Assistant Director. This role also involves maintaining accurate policies and procedures, developing new processes as needed, and collaborating with technical staff to monitor recipient status, including renewal, cancellations, and notifications. Additionally, the Coordinator participates in selection committees for donor-funded scholarships and may chair these committees as needed. A scholarship counselor specializing in HOPE Scholarships reports to this position and assists with program operations.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of progressively responsible direct financial aid experience.
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 visa status.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of progressively responsible direct financial aid experience.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Benefits:
University of Tennessee employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:
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, 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.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
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