Financial Aid Counselor for UT Scholarship Operations - Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships - UTK

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Financial Aid Counselor for UT 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 2025 list.

This is an on-campus position with some hybrid/remote work schedule flexibility.

The Scholarship Counselor is a key member of the centralized team within the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, independently responsible for awarding state and institutional scholarships while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Serving as an advanced-level resource for students with in-depth questions or issues regarding scholarship eligibility, including those referred from One Stop. Reporting to the Coordinator for University Scholarship Operations and assisting in the awarding of university-wide scholarship programs, including institutionally funded, private endowed, and non-endowed awards. Awarding and renewing institutional scholarships for prospective and current students who continue to meet eligibility criteria. Advising and counseling students and parents on UT scholarship eligibility and renewal requirements, as well as financial aid options for students with limited resources. Serving as a primary point of contact for UT colleges and various departments regarding university and endowed scholarships and the Scholarship Manager system. Administering federal, state, and university financial aid programs in accordance with all applicable guidelines. Serving as a voting member on multiple scholarship selection committees, including the Institutional Scholarship Appeals Committee. Participating in recruitment events and delivering presentations on scholarships and other financial aid opportunities. Working closely with full-time staff and supervising scholarship-related federal work-study employees. Assisting the Coordinator in the day-to-day operations of the scholarships division, aligning priorities with the Assistant Director of Scholarships.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree OR one to two years progressively responsible direct financial aid experience and a working knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

• Ability to write clearly and concisely using effectual 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.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data and make independent decisions, responsible for decisions.

• Ability to work independently and under time constraints.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Customer Service Skills

• Computer knowledge

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 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.