Job Details

Academic Advisor: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies - UTK

Position Number: 6257270
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Academic Advising

Academic Advisor: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 3167
Job Category: Student Services
Posting Date: 05/27/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1122 Volunteer Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for an Academic Advisor (I) position to begin as soon as possible. We are searching for an individual with an interest in student success to deliver academic advising and professional development guidance to students. We are seeking an exceptional team member who has a deep commitment to higher education.

As part of the Academic and Student Affairs Team, this Academic Advisor (I) position reports to the Director of Advising in the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS). This position is responsible for all aspects of advising for Distance Education and Knoxville campus students at the University of Tennessee. This position will guide students to co-create educational plans in ways that are consistent with their aspirations, interests, and strengths. The Academic Advisor will support students as they transition at various points throughout their academic careers at UT, which include:

self-exploration that focuses on strengths, interests, and values,
major and career exploration,
identification of co-curricular, career, and experience learning, and leadership opportunities to support both academic and professional development, and
selection of major and development of an academic plan that aligns with strengths, aspirations, and abilities.

The Academic Advisor (I) supports all services related to new student and transfer orientation advising sessions and conducts academic advising appointments. The Academic Advisor position responsibilities are grounded in best practices as outlined in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Academic Advisor Career Path, and will be eligible to participate in this program for advancement. A person holding this position will be expected to create professional development plans with their supervisor that will include advancement on the Advising Career Path.

Responsibilities
(40%) Distance Education Campus Advising

For students enrolled on the Distance Education campus, this position will engage with prospective students to gauge eligibility, interest and fit for Vols Online programs, communicate with prospective students via call and text campaigns, emails and other forms of communication, and utilize CRM tools to track interactions and the progress of all assigned leads. This position will work closely with Distance Education's recruitment and student success processes to ensure a seamless experience for prospective, admitted, and enrolled students.

Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned prospective students from the first inquiry through enrollment confirmation and into annual academic advising. Provide swift responses to inquiries, maintain professional written and verbal communication, and engage in strategic outreach at each stage of a student's progression through the enrollment funnel.

Advise prospective students on the best program fit using a consultative approach combined with thorough knowledge of all online degree requirements, admissions policies, and procedures.

As requested, participate in recruitment activities and student retention initiatives, including attending virtual open house events, information sessions, webinars, and other events, to offer guidance to new and returning students.

Builds working relationships with academic units and advising teams across UTK and ensures students have access to necessary resources and tools.

Utilize resources and critical thinking skills to problem solve, quickly make decisions, and provide the best experience to online students at UT.

As directed, serve as liaison to Digital Learning to facilitate integrated student success functions and resolve issues of competing priorities.

(40%) Knoxville Campus Advising

For students enrolled on the Knoxville campus, this position will engage in proactive outreach to empower students through positive reinforcement, building rapport, and establishing meaningful academic relationships working with the Academic and Student Affairs team.

Advises students on developing academic and professional plans to achieve their academic and career goals.

Develop and use extensive knowledge of UTK policies (academic and others) to help students navigate academic choices and improve student persistence.

Works to build student knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs that support success.

Monitors student engagement via dashboards and elevates issues to leadership for interventions as needed, following University policy and applicable laws.

Employ case management (CRM) and other academic software to document advising sessions and communication with students (Salesforce).

Provides high-quality student-centered support using text, email, phone, and chat, serving a significant volume of students in a fast-paced environment.

10% Academic and Student Affairs Team Support

Support the success of the Academic and Student Affairs Team by engaging in recruitment, enrollment, advising, and other student engagement activities and services. This may include organizing and leading events and other initiatives, participating in regular strategic planning and staff meetings, and retreats. This position will be expected to work with other CECS team members and faculty to advance recruitment, retention, completion, and accreditation goals.

5% University Engagement

Support CECS by attending the University's Division of Student Success Monthly meetings, active service on TennACADA, and other advising and student success committees.

5% Other Duties as Assigned

This position may be asked to take on additional duties and responsibilities by the leadership of CECS and/or Academic and Student Affairs.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience:

Master's degree
Requires experience working with students in higher education.
Requires experience in advising or a related field in higher education.

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 visa status.

Desired Experience:

Experience working in an academic team-oriented environment and collaborating with campus partners.
Experience advising STEAM or STEAM-adjacent majors.
Experience conducting freshmen and/or transfer programming.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent oral communication and writing skills.
Demonstrated ability to successfully navigate change and be adaptable.
Administrative and organizational skills with the ability to handle simultaneous projects.
Ability to utilize technology that supports both students and professional practice (MS Word, Excel, Student Information Systems, Degree Audits, Internet/Online Resources.

To Apply:

Applicants should submit the following:

letter of interest
resume
the name, address, email, and phone number of three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

About the College:

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is at the forefront of changing the future of higher education. It is a first-of-its-kind college created to meet the needs of students seeking a customizable degree path in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and data science that leads to rewarding careers upon graduation. CECS offers timely, innovative, student-centric degrees, minors, and stackable certificates at both undergraduate and graduate levels that address the future talent gap and expose students to experts and disciplines from across campus through a cross-cutting curriculum. CECS utilizes strong industry partnerships to ensure students gain relevant skills and real-world experience, offering for-credit internships and multi-disciplinary projects. CECS emphasizes the cohort experience where students learn and interact with fellow students from across campus and disciplines, allowing them to learn from one another and work together to solve real-world problems.

Who We Are:

We are a small team of energetic, adaptable, and hardworking individuals committed to educational initiatives that will lead to meaningful careers for our students and a positive impact on society. Every member of our team is a valuable collaborator, driven entrepreneur, and proficient multi-tasker dedicated to working together to find innovative approaches to achieving our shared goals. We are fast-moving and growing. Our work is constantly evolving to meet changing needs.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are searching for a pathfinder, problem navigator, and strategy creator who proactively works to make us more efficient and effective through teamwork and collaboration. We need an intentional learner with the intellectual resilience to tackle new challenges, welcoming uncertainty with a growth mindset. We need a seasoned professional who exercises good judgment and can be trusted to provide sound counsel to colleagues and leadership. We need a teammate dedicated to our mission and who shares our values.

About Us
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 university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/3167/?mode=location