Job Description

The (3) Coordinators of Flagship Communities serve as key representatives of the Office of Flagship Communities within the Division of Access and Engagement, fostering partnerships with K–12 schools, community organizations, and stakeholders to advance college access and readiness initiatives across the region. These positions coordinate outreach programs, educational events, and community engagement efforts while supporting the University of Tennessee’s mission to expand educational opportunities and strengthen pathways to higher education. One coordinator position will be based in each of the three regions of Tennessee (West, Middle, and East) with occasional travel to Knoxville for staff retreats and programs.

The Office of Flagship Communities seeks three (3) full-time Coordinators, one position located in each of the Tennessee regions (West, Middle, and East). Within the Division of Access and Engagement and reporting to the Director of Flagship Communities in the College Access Unit, the Coordinators serve as a representatives of the Office of Flagship Communities, building and sustaining partnerships with assigned Flagship Community K-8 schools/community organizations to support college access and readiness initiatives. The coordinators are responsible for understanding the needs of their region, applying best practices to improve regional engagement efforts, and evaluating and reporting on outreach impact. This position will include occasional evenings, weekends, and travel.

Engagement, Outreach, Events, and Program Coordination

• Engage with flagship communities and assigned Flagship High Schools to build new and existing relationships and partnerships with teachers, counselors, alumni, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Network to build trust, authentic, and mutually beneficial relationships with flagship communities within the area of the assigned Flagship High Schools.
• Meet with community stakeholders such as school administrators, counselors, and key contacts throughout the year to ensure program quality and successful partnerships.
• Attend outreach events as needed at Flagship High Schools in assigned area/region.
• Maintain communication as the lead liaison between the Flagship High Schools and UTK OCEO.
• Independently coordinate high school college fairs and school visits. Determine the type of visit, timing, and materials needed to make the visit as successful and mutually beneficial as possible.
• Create and implement ongoing partnerships with the school system, nonprofits, and other organizations in flagship communities.
• Create and maintain collaborative internal and external partnerships.
• Participate in university-wide events and open houses as well as community fairs and events.
• Plan educational informational sessions for students, parents/guardians/caregivers in flagship communities.
• Track participation do build a database over multiple years.
• Provide general support for the OCEO programming activities and events.
• Evaluate, track, and report on progress for each assigned high school to include ACT scores, pre-college programs, campus visits, college applications, admittance to college, and financial aid applications.
• Seek out best practices that will help you excel in getting students engaged from your regional area of Tennessee.
• Serve as the liaison between the Office of Community Engagement and Outreach, financial aid, admissions, and local community agencies.
• Coordinate events with OCEO and other coordinators/staff.
• Work with Alumni in the local area to assist with promotional events.
• Execute an outreach plan, including outbound calling and emailing students, parents, and counselors.
• Advise prospective students, parents, high school guidance counselors, and UTK faculty staff on a variety of policies, practices, and procedures.
• Conduct a variety of presentations.
• Respond to emails, phone calls, and counsel prospective students, high school counselors, community college partners, alumni and other UTK offices.
• Process expense reports for programs in a timely manner.

Communication and Information

• Coordinate the distribution and collection of program evaluations in support of the assessment of initiatives.
• Create, oversee, and manage letters and/or certificates acknowledging those who participate in community engagement and outreach programs, professional development, workshops, and seminars.
• Develop and manage outreach and promotional materials for faculty, staff, current and prospective students, community partners, and state, municipal and local elected officials.
• Manage calendar of community engagement and outreach events as it relates to Flagship High Schools and flagship communities.
• Oversee, manage, and update community resource handbook.
• Maintain website and promotional materials.
• Provide leadership for the development of deliverables at end of each fiscal year cataloging the outputs and outcomes of all projects.

Data Collection, Assessment, & Reporting

• Consistently monitor and report on independent area outreach
• Survey, analyze, interpret feedback information, and prepare and submit annual reports and impact summaries.
• Coordinate ongoing development and management of the tracking and records of engagement and outreach projects.
• Provide project summaries and have tangible outputs and products at the end of the projects.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree

• Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience in program management, community outreach, or education (2 years of part-time or student employment may count as 1 year of experience).

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Attention to detail, writing, listening, and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to plan visits, events, and presentations independently and strategically for prospective students.

  • Have strong oral presentation/public speaking skills.

  • Knowledge of how to build college-going culture and understanding admissions processes.

  • Ability to problem solve and research solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: P referred Bachelor’s Degree: Education, Social Sciences, or related field.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Knowledge of best practices in community engagement and working with diverse audiences.

  • Knowledge and familiarity with Tennessee Flagship High Schools and flagship communities.

  • Ability to work in a complex organization with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Work Location

• Location: East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, or West Tennessee
• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Remote

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR09
• Anticipated hiring range: $50,000 - $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 on or before June 26, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter: Please clearly specify which region (East, Middle, or West Tennessee) that you are applying for.
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division

The Office of Flagship Communities (OFC) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), provides exposure for K-8 students across Tennessee to envision and achieve their college dreams. Through innovative programs and community partnerships, we’re building bridges between elementary and middle school students and higher education opportunities. Our programs support students, families, school counselors, teachers, administrators, nonprofit leaders, learning-focused organizations, and the community on accessible pathways to higher education. By providing our community with valuable information and resources, the office helps create opportunities for all students to gain awareness, exposure, and access to college pathways.

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 Statement of Aspirations for learning and opportunities.

Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK