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

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a prestigious flagship land-grant university known for its commitment to leadership, service, and innovative research. Founded in 1794, UT Knoxville is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees, all united by the Volunteer spirit. The university offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools and holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity. It maintains deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, expanding its impact across Tennessee and beyond.

At UT Knoxville, employees are valued as the university's number one asset, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, competitive compensation, and ongoing professional development. The institution provides extensive opportunities for career advancement, coaching, continued education, and skills training. The Volunteer employee experience fosters a vibrant staff community, encouraging involvement and engagement while supporting a culture of inclusion and empowerment. The university’s strong land-grant mission focuses on learning, engagement, and service, making it a nationally recognized employer lauded for its inclusive and family-friendly workplace environment. Recognized as one of the best employers for new graduates, a top large employer in America, and a leading workplace for women and parents, UT Knoxville offers a dynamic and supportive work environment.

The Event Coordinator role is integral to the Division of Student Success and the Office of the Provost, playing a key part in developing and managing major programs and special events. This full-time position, based onsite in Knoxville, TN, with an anticipated hiring salary starting around $52,000, oversees student-facing outreach events and supervises a robust student leader program consisting of 30-50 interns and orientation leaders supporting divisional programming throughout the academic year. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Signature Events, the Event Coordinator assists in managing comprehensive event planning activities including concerts, performances, donor engagement, professional development series, and speaker events. This involves collaborating with both campus partners and off-campus vendors, managing budgets, and ensuring events align with the division’s goals and values.

In addition to event planning, the Event Coordinator leads recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and supervision of student leaders, strategically developing leadership capabilities and overseeing evaluation and assessment processes. The role also manages the Student Success Express initiative, handling marketing campaigns, operational scheduling, budgeting, and materials management. Furthermore, the coordinator supports the office by conducting assessments and data analyses using campus technologies such as Salesforce, Blackthorn, and Booqable, helping refine and improve program outcomes. This position also contributes to committee work and shared program development across the division. It requires a mix of strong organizational skills, leadership, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to student development and success, making it ideal for candidates passionate about higher education and student affairs.