Associate Director Systems

Job Description

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications and nominations for our Associate Director of Systems position. We are seeking candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to enhance the accessibility of higher education, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment, and improving 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.

Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

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

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships, the Associate Director of Systems serves as the visionary, strategic and technical lead for financial aid systems at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). This position ensures the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships delivers accurate, efficient, and compliant services while driving innovation that reimagines how financial aid supports student access, retention, and success.
The Associate Director oversees the Banner Financial Aid module and integrated technologies, Department of Education systems, and other third-party solutions, and leverages them to reduce barriers, streamline processes, and improve the student and family experience. The role directly supervises two Financial Aid System Analysts, providing leadership, coaching, and professional development to ensure the team is empowered to design and deliver solutions that align with UTK’s land-grant mission and strategic enrollment plan. Through a focus on automation, predictive analytics, and student-centered system design, the Associate Director helps position UTK as a national leader in financial aid technology. 

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree

• Minimum of five years of progressive full-time professional experience in student systems management at a college or university. 

• Expert knowledge of Financial Aid Systems 

• Knowledge, experience, or training in federal financial aid regulations

• At least one year of supervisory experience or experience leading or coordinating with a team

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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted profession. 

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills are needed. 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and knowledge of systems included in above descriptions is essential. 

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of computer systems documentation and forms design is helpful. 

• Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing financial aid programs is beneficial. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a dynamic, complex environment. 

• Strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills. 

• Technical expertise in student information systems with the ability to envision and implement innovative solutions. 

• Commitment to continuous improvement, equity, and student-focused service delivery.

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Experience in financial aid administration or enrollment management technology strongly preferred.

• Experience in ODS Oracle, PL/SQL, Web Tailor, and/or Argos 

• Experience in working with financial aid software such as SAIG, File Transfer Programs (FTP), ELM, COD, CPS and NSLDS. 

• Experience with Ellucian Banner.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Proficiency with Ellucian Banner ERP (highly preferred).

• Experience with ODS Oracle, PL/SQL, Web Tailor, Argos, and other similar systems

• Familiarity with federal systems (COD, NSLDS, CPS, SAIG), loan processing tools, and automation platforms.

• Background in applying technology to business process improvement in higher educatio