Operations, Employer Relations & Student Support Specialist - Office of Financial Aid & Scholar

Operations, Employer Relations & Student Support Specialist

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for this position. We are seeking candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to enhance the accessibility of higher education, foster a diverse and inclusive academic environment, and improve 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 2025 list.

The minimum starting salary for this position is $36,841
. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The Operations, Employer Relations & Student Support Specialist role supports the administration of the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program by providing direct service to students and campus employer supervisors, managing onboarding and payroll workflows, maintaining accurate data across institutional systems, and ensuring adherence to established Financial Aid, HR, and Payroll procedures. This position performs work under the direction of the Campus-Based Coordinator and plays a key role in executing daily operational processes that support a compliant, student-centered employment experience.

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

High school diploma or at least two years’ experience in accounting and/or payroll.

• Well-developed oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.

Associate’s degree.

• Experience with Oracle ERP or similar payroll system.

• Must be able to work in a stressful environment due to the pressures and sensitivity of matters of financial concerns while maintaining student confidentiality.
• Working knowledge of the University payroll system preferred. Working knowledge of personnel or Human Resource functions.
• Ability to manage dates and deadlines.

• 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 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.

UT 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 6,000 graduate/professional students) at its Knoxville campus. We strive to create a welcoming community rich with diverse experiences and accept candidates who are committed to teamwork and passionate about working with all constituents.

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville has a metropolitan statistical area population of more than 850,000 people. The area offers dynamic arts, music, festivals, restaurants, and outdoor recreation, and is…