University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Job Description

The Program Support Admin for the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (EPP) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture plays a vital role in supporting the department’s daily operations, outreach activities, and academic initiatives. This role involves extensive coordination with faculty, staff, and students, as well as facilitating program development and maintaining compliance with university policies. The Program Support Admin is responsible for a broad range of duties, from overseeing office administration and supporting undergraduate programs to coordinating events and assisting with financial tasks.

• 50% Administrative Support for EPP’s new Undergraduate Program
• 25% Office and Compliance Administrative Support including dedicated support to the department head
• 20% Administrative Support for Outreach and Event Coordination
• 5% Special Projects as assigned

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary administrative support for establishing and maintaining new undergraduate programs, working to ensure program alignment with department and university objectives.
• Serve as a primary resource for students, connecting students with appropriate university offices and resources as needed.
• Develop, maintain, and update course schedules each semester by coordinating with the registrar’s office and using Banner, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for students and faculty.
• Collaborate closely with Herbert College’s academic services team, including the Director of Enrollment Services, Recruiting Coordinator, Student Success Advisor, and Student Life Coordinator, to promote student recruitment, retention, and success.
• Support academic advising efforts by preparing and organizing student records, maintaining accurate program information, and facilitating communication between students and advisors.
• Compile, verify, and assemble data from various sources to compile periodic reports for external reviews by ensuring the program meets record keeping requirements based on professional and university standards. Examples include academic reviews, compliance status reports, and external and internal survey requests, among others.
• Act as the initial point of contact for external (public/governmental) and internal (units, department, and Extension agents) inquiries, applying best practices to address a range of program activities such as events, registrations, resources, and publications.
• Screen and distribute incoming inquiries and deliveries, utilizing problem-solving skills to respond accurately.
• Manage departmental documentation (both physical and electronic) securely and efficiently, following best practices in data management.
• Oversee and manage equipment control, inventory, and facilities space, ensuring proper decommissioning of unused inventory.
• Coordinate and communicate program outreach and departmental activities, collaborating closely with the EPP communications specialist and Herbert College Coordinator of Communications.
• Organize retreats, meetings, faculty searches, and regional or national events hosted by the department.
• Support the Department Head in scheduling and setting up electronic and in-person meetings, and accurately record and archive faculty meeting minutes.
• Coordinate guest visits for departmental activities
• Oversee, train, and delegate tasks to students involved in departmental functions and events.
• Undertake special projects as assigned.
• Engage regularly with faculty, staff, students, and department leadership.
• Communicate decisions and resolutions from leadership.
• Prepare materials as requested for various department needs.
• Participate in cross-functional teamwork and collaboration with other administrative and financial associates.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Experience: 2 years of professional administrative experience in higher education or similar field
• 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 Qualifications

• Education: Associates Degree in Administration or related field
• Experience: 5 years of UTK Administrative experience with current knowledge of Banner and TimeTable.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Current knowledge of TimeTable and Banner at UTK.

Work Location

• Location: University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN
• Position is expected to work 100% onsite

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range:

• Anticipated hiring range: 45k-48k
• 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 on or before 07/20/2025.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (EPP) provides leadership in the generation and dissemination of knowledge on insects, related arthropods, and plant and animal diseases that affect the quality of life of all Tennesseans. Our department is the only academic unit in Tennessee with the mission and responsibility to provide basic and applied information on questions of plant diseases and insect related problems affecting plants, animals, and humans.

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 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!