Assistant Director For Student Advocacy

Reporting to the Director of Student Advocacy, the Assistant Director provides leadership and operational oversight for the Center for Student Advocacy. The position helps set goals and priorities; develops and implements policies and procedures; supervises professional and student staff; and supports key functional areas including the Tennessee Family Experience and Student Government Association (SGA) advising. The Assistant Director leads outreach and partnership initiatives and collaborates closely with Student Life Communications to support strategic communications efforts.

The position also represents the center on university teams and committees.

• 25% - Administration:
  Provide vision, leadership, and oversight of Center services and programs; support budgeting and policy/procedure development;
  Partners with Student Life Communications on Tennessee family communication strategies; serve as a primary consultant for family advocacy; participate in Center leadership; support recruitment, hiring, and training of student coordinators; ensure compliance with best practices; prepare reports as requested.
• 25% - Communication, Outreach, and Partnerships:
  Partners with Student Life Communications to coordinate public relations and communications (including coordinating web updates, reports, and publications); grow Student Advocacy through campus and community outreach and partnerships; serve on and chair select university teams.
• 20% - Personnel Management:
  Supervise professional coordinator staff and student coordinators; provide direction/feedback on expectations and procedures; develop professional development opportunities (e.g., NASPA, AHEPPP, SACSA, SEC Exchange); assist with annual intern/practicum recruitment.
• 20% - Education and Programming:
  Develop, coordinate, and implement Tennessee Family Experience initiatives focused on communication, advocacy, social programming, and volunteer opportunities; assist with other Center programming/education; review and advise Student Government Association outreach and programming.
• 10% - Advising:
  Serve on the SGA advisement team; advise SGA legislative functions; advise student leaders on policies/procedures; empower student leaders and advocate for students; attend meetings and programs; maintain strong collaborative relationships with SGA, university leadership, and supporters.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  
  Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  Four (4) years of related work experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  Strong interpersonal communication (oral/written) and listening skills; ability to collaborate with internal and external constituents and foster positive, productive relationships; ability to make sound decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience:
  
  Experience in a higher education environment; experience advising student organizations; experience in case management; demonstrated commitment to the educational and holistic development of students.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  Knowledge of trends/issues affecting students and families (including legal issues, programming, and national trends); knowledge of student development and learning theory and application; knowledge of assessment practices (learning outcomes and reporting); strong presentation, organization, and supervision/management skills.

• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote:
  Onsite (campus-based). Occasional evening/weekend hours and occasional overnight travel may be required.

• UT market range: MR10
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

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 March 17, 2026

• Resume
• List of 3 Professional References

The Division of Student Life is comprised of an outstanding group of professionals who create student-centered opportunities that contribute to a transformative Volunteer Experience. These opportunities allow students to grow their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. From health and wellness to service and engagement, we provide opportunities where students exemplify the Volunteer Spirit, inspiring others to learn, lead, and serve
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Our departments provide essential services that support student success and future growth, fostering engagement, leadership, and wellness while enhancing belonging. Together, they create transformative experiences that help students achieve both academic and personal goals.

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…