Event Coordinator - Strategic Programming, Division of Student Success - UTK

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Administration

Knoxville, TN, USA

USD 52k-52k / year

Posted on Jul 12, 2026

The Event Coordinator plays a role in the development of major programs and special events from enrollment to commencement and beyond for the Division of Student Success and the Office of the Provost through development of student-facing and outreach events representing the Division and supervision of the student leader program including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and supervising 30-50 student interns and orientation leaders supporting Divisional programs throughout the year.


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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

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!

The Event Coordinator plays a role in the development of major programs and special events from enrollment to commencement and beyond for the Division of Student Success and the Office of the Provost through development of student-facing and outreach events representing the Division and supervision of the student leader program including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and supervising 30-50 student interns and orientation leaders supporting Divisional programs throughout the year.

Required Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or Student Affairs related from an accredited institution

Experience:

  • 1-3 years of experience in student affairs or event planning

  • Direct experience working with students in a higher education setting

  • Experience programming effectively for a large university student population

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Event planning skills and experience

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated leadership ability

  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

  • Ability to relate effectively with students, parents, alumni, organizational leaders, and University partners

  • Proven superior work ethic

  • Commitment to the educational development of students

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:

  • Master's degree in higher education, college student personnel, or related field preferred

  • Experience working in student activities, new student orientation, or transition programs

  • Management of high profile events on a college campus

  • Experience with relevant technology programs (CRM, Survey software, etc.)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of issues related to student success, retention, and first-year transition

  • Demonstrated experience in student engagement, event management, student development, or a related area within higher education.

  • Proficiency in using assessment practices and data analysis to inform planning and improve program outcomes.

  • Knowledge of issues related to student success, retention, transition, and leadership Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Work Location

  • Location: Knoxville, TN

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR8

  • Anticipated hiring range: $52,000

  • 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.

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter


Event Planning & Program Development (40%)

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Signature Events, the Event Coordinator will assist in the oversight of all aspects of event and special program development (concerts, performances, donor engagement, professional development series, speakers, etc) for the Division of Student Success. This includes communication and coordination with campus partners and off-campus vendors, management of budget, etc. The coordinator will be a point of contact for divisional programs and signature events, and will serve as an event manager for select programs and special events for units within Division of Student Success. The incumbent will work with campus partners (Office of the Chancellor, Student Life, Athletics, UTPD, etc.) to develop programs for special populations and strategic initiatives.

Student Leader Supervision (30%)

Lead student leadership activities for the office, including: recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of student interns and orientation leaders, staffing operations and scheduling, strategic leadership development, and evaluation and assessment processes.

Student Success Express (10%)

Lead Student Success Express initiative, including marketing campaigns, operations and staff scheduling, budgeting responsibilities, materials management, and assessment.

Assessment, Data & Technology (10%)

Under the direction of office leadership, conduct assessment and data analysis of programs; Participate in self-study and program review process w/ peer/aspirational institutions; Utilize campus technology (i.e. Salesforce, Blackthorn, Booqable, etc.). Work with team to identify trends and suggestions for improvements to programs.

Office Responsibilities (10%)

Contribute to shared program development in the office and committee work in the division, including but not limited to committee service, staff searches, and professional development.