The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Student Services Specialist position. We are seeking candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to enhancing 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 2024 list.

Applications received within the first 2 weeks (14 days) of the job posting date will receive priority review.

The Position:

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

Manage and process Federal Direct Loans including Parent and Graduate Plus Loans in accordance with Federal, State and Institutional Policies. Determine student eligibility for federal loans and responsible for ensuring compliance with federal loan and grant regulations. Work with other University offices and outside agencies to complete financial aid processes and perform tasks within federal, state and institutional policies. Works in conjunction with the Assistant Director of Loan Processing with tasks such as Return to Title IV, Unofficial Withdrawals, late and retroactive fund disbursements, and loan adjustments. Assist Assistant Director with resolving Federal Pell Grant rejects and errors and Transfer Monitoring. Assist Assistant Director with reconciliation of Federal Loans, as needed, including resolving errors.

Required Education and Experience:

High School diploma/GED

Preferred Education and Experience:

Associates degree

• Two or more years of financial aid experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and communication skills.

• Ability to write clear, concise letters using effectual writing skills.

• Sensitive to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member.

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

• Ability to successfully use Microsoft Office products (or similar).

• Ability to work independently and under time constraints.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ellucian Banner, OnBase, and/or TeamDynamix experience preferred.

• An understanding of interest rates and loan fees for federal loans is also preferred.

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, need analysis, and governmental agency guidelines preferred for analyzing students eligibility for federal and loans and grants.

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.