Job Description

The Associate Director provides leadership and operational oversight for the Office of Leadership & Global Learning (LGL). Reporting to the Director, the position oversees daily operations of the unit; supervises full-time staff; provides work direction to LGL staff; and manages assigned budgets and resources. The Associate Director leads the development and continuous improvement of curricula and learning experiences, oversees assessment efforts for all LGL programs and initiatives, leads departmental strategic planning, implementation, and progress monitoring, and evaluates and strengthens operational procedures.

Administration & Leadership (30%)

• Directs the day-to-day management of the Office of Leadership and Global Learning, providing strategic oversight of daily functions and operations.
• Supervises full-time staff and provides work direction to all LGL staff including student employees.
• Partners with the director to advance the office’s vision, strategic priorities, and goals.
• Facilitates the development, implementation of the office's strategic plan and monitors progress toward established priorities.
• Establishes and strengthens departmental procedures and operational practices.
• Develop and propose departmental budget for approval; tracks and manages LGL's budgets throughout fiscal year; and serves as a secondary approver for budget-related matters in accordance with divisional and university policies.
• Represents the director and LGL on departmental, divisional, university, and external committees and initiatives.
• Advises the director on emerging trends, research, and opportunities related to leadership development, international education, student support and success, and access and engagement.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with campus and external partners to advance LGL priorities, strengthen programs, and identify opportunities for partnership.

Curriculum Development & Program Leadership (30%)

• Responsible for the L.E.A.D. Scholars Program in alignment with the Director’s vision and established program goals.
• Responsible for the design, development, and implementation of curricula for L.E.A.D. Scholars, global and domestic immersion experiences, and other LGL initiatives.
• Establishes learning objectives and program standards and incorporates appropriate measures of student learning.
• Utilizes Canvas and other digital learning tools to support instruction, engagement, and assessment.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, and campus and community partners to identify needs and then strengthen learning experiences and workforce readiness strategies.

Student Engagement & Facilitation (20%)

• Responsible for development, execution, and facilitation of all L.E.A.D. Scholar program aspects including workshops, community service opportunities, and alumni and industry professional engagement.
• Oversees the development and facilitates learning sessions for the Global Immersion Program, as well as other workshops, and educational experiences.
• Serves as the point of contact for Listen. Learn. Lead. Week in partnership with the Division of Student Life.
• Leads assigned student retention, graduation, engagement, and other special initiatives.
• Develops post-experience activities that strengthen belonging and community while connecting students’ experiences to career readiness, workforce development, and employability.

Assessment & Reporting (10%)

• Leads assessment efforts for LGL in collaboration with the Division of Access & Engagement’s Office of Assessment and Evaluation.
• Develop assessment instruments and reporting methods to measure program outcomes and effectiveness with input from the Office of Assessment & Evaluation.
• Analyzes and uses data to demonstrate program impact and measurable growth in student learning and development.
• Recommends improvements to strengthen program quality and alignment with divisional and institutional priorities.

Program Operations & Risk Management (10%)

• Serves as a program leader for assigned domestic and international immersion experiences.
• Provides guidance to LGL staff on student preparation, travel requirements, safety, risk management, and program protocols.
• Ensures programmatic, logistical, and student support needs are addressed before and during travel.
• Exercises sound judgment and decision-making during emergencies to support student well-being and mitigate institutional risk.
• Evaluates program needs and opportunities and recommends program enhancements and potential immersion destinations to the Director.

Required Qualifications

Education: Master’s Degree

Experience

• A Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in higher education, student development, leadership, or international education, or related field.
• Experience designing and implementing educational programs for diverse constituents.
• Prior experience supervising professional staff.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of higher education leadership, strategic planning, and student development initiatives.
• Staff supervision and office management skills with professional demeanor and deportment.
• Ability to design and deliver curricula for high-impact experiences and leadership programs.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion while executing program goals, policies, and regulations.
• Knowledge of program assessment, data analysis, and reporting for continuous improvement;
• Perform confidential and complex duties with sound problem-solving and analysis.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced computer skills, including Office 365 (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

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: Doctoral Degree

Experience

• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or a similarly complex organization, with demonstrated experience in curriculum design, program development, and administrative leadership.
• Experience overseeing program operations, supervising staff, managing budgets, and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of high-impact educational practices and student success initiatives in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Possesses strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence all levels of an organization.
• Technical competency in digital curriculum design, including experience with learning management systems and instructional design tools (e.g., Canvas, Articulate, Adobe), or demonstrated ability to rapidly acquire new platforms.
• Stays informed about emerging trends and best practices in access, engagement, and leadership development.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR 12
• Anticipated hiring range: $78,000 - $80,000
• 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.

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before December 1, 2026.

About The College/Department/Division

The Division of Access and Engagement impacts the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s strategic vision through access, belonging, a culture of respect, and community. We support academic access, foster community partnerships, and promote merit-based student success. In addition to our alignment with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s mission, we are aligned with the UT System's aspirational statement.

“We are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. Consistent with the University’s commitment to high academic standards, student achievement, and the preparation of responsible citizens, we believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth. Our collective strengths make us stronger, and we are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the University community feel welcome, can thrive, and achieve success.”

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!