Operations Coordinator-Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships-UTK

Overview

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for the Operations Coordinator position. We are seeking candidates who can contribute to the accessibility of higher education, foster a diverse and inclusive academic environment, and improve the recruitment and graduation of our students. UTK has been ranked by Forbes as one of America’s best large employers on the 2025 list. The minimum starting salary for this position is $48,000. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This is an on-campus position with some hybrid/remote work schedule flexibility. Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Associate Director of Operations & Compliance, the Operations Coordinator plays a critical, independent decision-making role within the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, with authority to determine student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional grants and loans. This position independently interprets and applies complex financial aid policies and guidelines to make final decisions on award adjustments, freeze date appeal approvals or denials, and exercises professional judgment in compliance with all relevant regulations. The position also serves as a key operational liaison, ensuring cross-departmental coordination among Financial Aid Systems, Financial Aid Student Services, Scholarships, and Operations and Compliance teams. This role manages transfer monitoring, operational reporting, and auditing to maintain regulatory compliance and optimize award accuracy.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years relevant experience, OR
• Associate’s degree and three (3) years relevant experience, OR
• High school diploma and five (5) years relevant experience.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to write clear, concise letters using effective writing skills.
• Sensitive to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member and supervise staff.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and make independent decisions.
• Ability to work under time constraints.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of Ellucian Banner, OnBase, Argos and/or Salesforce or similar software experience preferred.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products.

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 (EM) division comprises more than 190 full-time staff who serve our students through 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 and to fulfilling UTK’s land-grant mission of accessible education.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since 1794. UTK 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 partnerships with industry leaders and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UTK, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service. UTK is committed to work-life balance, compensation, and professional development for employees, and emphasizes a diverse and inclusive culture.

Eligibility and Application

Apply today to join the Tennessee Volunteer community.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Higher Education

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Salary: USD 48000 - 67200 per year