Assistant Director- Center for Basic Needs - UTK

The Assistant Director oversees service operations, supply chain, assessment, and communications for the Center for Basic Needs. The position is responsible for all facets of supply chain, student staffing, and shopping experience of the Big Orange Pantry, Smokey’s Closet, Pocket Pantries, and the Free Store. The position leads the department’s assessment efforts, serves as the primary liaison to Student Life Communications to support communications and outreach initiatives, supports complex student needs when necessary, and serves in a leadership capacity during the director’s absence. 

Leadership & Oversight: 

• Assist the director with oversight and management of the department

• Oversee supply chain and operational process for sourcing and storing food, clothing, hygiene items, and donations for the Big Orange Pantry, Smokey’s Closet, Pocket Pantries, and the Free Store

• Support complex student needs through the consultation process as needed

• Support director with advancement efforts and donor relations, large-scale campus partnerships, and Southeastern Conference engagement

Supervision: 

• Provide direct supervision and feedback for 5-6 Basic Needs student Directors

• Recruit, hire, and train basic needs student director staff

• Oversee and supervise graduate intern/temp staff that coordinate 60+ weekly volunteers, annual volunteer cohort, and service opportunities

• Coordinate service and volunteer opportunities

• Oversee staffing and coverage of 35+ hours of weekly open operations for the various basic needs facilities

Assessment & Communications: 

• Coordinate departmental assessment strategy

• Develop semesterly reports on usage and impact

• Serve as the department’s liaison to Student Life Communications by providing subject matter expertise to support social media, website, and outreach initiatives. 

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree 

• Experience: 5 yrs of experience in supervision, volunteer management, or related experience. A Master's degree may substitute for 2 years of experience.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Time management skills to manage competing priorities; Organizing skills; Written and oral communication skills; Ability to problem solve and implement changes.

 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree 

• Experience: 4 yrs working in a non-profit setting; 1 year working in a retail or store setting.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of food safety practices; Knowledge of higher education institutions.

Work Location 

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR10

• Anticipated hiring range: Minimum starting salary $57,000. Final salary is commensurate with education and experience.

• 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 July 29^th  

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division 

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.

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.