This Assistant Director leads community engagement programming, staff development, and student ticketing operations to create vibrant campus experiences at the University of Tennessee. This role oversees all engagement and outreach programming, including recurring event series and pop-up activations. Additionally, the position serves as the primary liaison to the Athletics department to administer the Big Orange Tix student ticketing program, managing multiple ticketing platforms. The Assistant Director recruits, trains, and supervises more than 40 staff members for student gate operations, and designs comprehensive training and co-curricular learning experiences for Student Union student staff. Additionally, this position collaborates with Student Life Communication on marketing initiatives for the Student Union, manages program budgets, and utilizes assessment data to continuously improve services, programs, and learning outcomes.

Required Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree education, student affairs, business administration, or related field

Experience: 3 yrs full time experience in facility management to include supervision experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of facility management
• Strong communication and interpersonal relationship skills
• Ability to manage, supervise, and train staff
• Ability to gather and analyze data to make appropriate recommendations
• Excellent customer service skills and interacting effectively with campus community
• Ability to work effectively as team member in a diverse environment.

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-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree

Experience: Direct relevant student union experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of the role college unions serve on a university campus
• Knowledge of emergency management protocols
• Abilities/skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to use gathered data to strategically recommend long term plans.

Work Location: Student Union at The University of Tennessee, 1502 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN, 37912

Some remote work may be permitted when events schedule permits

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR10
• Anticipated hiring range: Minimum starting salary $60,000. Final salary is commensurate with education and experience.
• 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 July 10, 2026

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division

The Division of Student Life is comprised of an outstanding group of professionals who create student-centered opportunities that contribute to a transformative Volunteer Experience. These opportunities allow students to develop their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. From health and wellness to service and engagement, we provide opportunities where students exemplify the Volunteer Spirit, inspiring others to learn, lead, and serve.

The University of Tennessee Student Union partners with students to provide services and an intentional use of space to promote community, student learning and development, as well as a sense of belonging. The Student Union offers students the opportunity to eat, study, work, and relax in the heart of campus. It houses our Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, the Jones Center for Leadership and Service, the Dean of Students Office, the Center for Student Engagement, the Visitors Center, the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration, the VolShop, and VolTech.

(30%) ADMINISTRATION & STUDENT ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMMING:

• Establish and lead the programmatic/engagement functional area within the Student Union
• Create and implement outreach/engagement programming events, including Game Day at the SU/Athletics viewing parties, daytime and Finals programming, reoccurring series (Music at Noon), and pop-up programs
• Develop program budgets and submit SPSF requests
• Manage budget allocations and conduct financial evaluation and student satisfaction surveys
• Collaborate with Student Life Communications on marketing initiatives for the Student Union, including social media, print materials, and environmental marketing
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Athletics Department and respond to inquiries in Big Orange Tix inbox
• Administer community-based ticket subsidy
• Partner with Athletics and Student Life Communications to develop and implement communication protocols concerning ticket distribution and T-credits
• Contribute to the planning, execution, and evaluation of Student Union signature events
• Serve as Assessment Champion

(30%) SUPERVISION & OPERATIONS:

• Lead and provide direction to the SU Information Desk/Box Office and provide daily oversight including oversight of the Lost and Found program
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise 40 plus professional staff for gate operations at athletic events
• Oversee operations of multiple ticketing platforms (football/basketball student ticketing, university department and student organization events, community-based functions, etc.)
• Maintain ticket scanner technology, ensuring technology is updated and in working condition, secure, and arrange for it to be at all games
• Implement sale of community-based ticket subsidy programs and facilitate financial settlement of events
• Independently respond to student and community inquiries and provide resolutions to issues
• Work with Student Life Communications and OIT to develop, update, and implement Big Orange Tix training module
• Ensure gate and stadium staff are well-trained and properly resourced to carry out their duties, and oversee the distribution of access passes, parking, and concessions subsidies
• Delegate responsibilities clearly, ensuring accountability and operational efficiency
• Manage the Big Orange Tix budget, including arranging additional pay for staff, ordering uniforms and supplies for gate, ordering resources for Big Orange Tix promotion and education, etc.
• Serve as a liaison to Student Conduct and Community Standard and oversee adjudication processes at student gates for football and basketball games, ensuring smooth entry and conflict resolution
• Manage the staffing of Big Orange Tix marketing/opportunities/involvement fairs
• Serve as a member of the SU leadership team and as the primary departmental liaison to University Athletics
• Design and implement a customer service excellence program for the Student Union

(30%) STAFF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

• Exercise independent judgment in designing and implementing comprehensive training programs for Student Union student staff, including semesterly onboarding, ongoing development, and mid-semester evaluations
• Create content for the Student Union training Canvas platform, and lead the review and assessment of department learning outcomes
• Advise Student Union managers on the development of educational initiatives for student staff
• Plan and execute student staff appreciation and recognition events to foster morale and retention
• Design, implement, and assess co-curricular learning experiences that occur through Student Union programs, services, facilities, and signature events
• Integrate student learning outcomes into Student Union programs and event experiences
• Utilize assessment data and student feedback to improve programs, services, and learning outcomes

(10%) UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT & OTHER DUTIES:

• Serve on university and Student Life committees to determine policy and create change
• Represent the university as a member of regional and international organizations
• Monitor current trends in student union operations to determine potential application or impact to the department
• Participate in and support the Student Union Emergency Action Plan when necessary