Basic Needs Coordinator

Position Announcement

Coordinator for Basic Needs

Office of the Dean of Students

Office of the Dean of Students within the Division of Student Life invites applications for the position of Coordinator for Basic Needs. This position provides basic needs support to our campus community through education, programming, and outreach.

The Office of the Dean of Students seeks to cultivate a learning community that is engaging and inclusive for students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The principles of advocacy, support, and mattering and belonging guide our interactions with students. By embracing a dynamic and comprehensive approach, our departments offer experiences and services that are transformational to students and that reflect the mission, values, and vision of the Division of Student Life and university.

The Position: The Coordinator for Basic Needs plays a large role in providing individual support of students who are experiencing basic needs insecurities. This position does this through one-on-one student meetings, campus outreach and event planning, cultivating relationships with campus and community resources, and executing a robust social media strategy. This position is also responsible for establishing and maintaining a network of resources for students in the Knoxville and surrounding community.

Responsibilities:

• Receive, process, and provide consultations with students experiencing basic needs insecurity, connecting students with referrals as needed.

• Collaborate with campus and community partners, families, and other support partners to provide basic needs security support for students.

• Coordinate a variety of basic needs programs, including UT to West Tennessee, Big Orange Meal Share and Scholarships, and the Basic Needs Emergency Fund.

• Plan and execute presentations, tabling, and outreach events to increase awareness of basic needs resources, programs, and services.

• Manage all digital and social media content creation, engagement, and strategy.

The University and Region: UTK is the state’s flagship, land-grant university. We are a Research 1 university, housing 11 colleges and 900 programs of study. With an enrollment of 30,000 students, our undergraduate and graduate programs are repeatedly ranked among top national programs. The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a diverse music scene, active neighborhoods, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of outdoor and cultural activities. UTK is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains; and a day’s drive to Memphis, Chicago and Washington D.C. Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a statistical area population of over 850,000 people. The Knoxville region houses many leading corporations, including Bush Brothers & Company, Discovery Inc., Tennessee Valley Authority, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

What We Require

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Experience: 1 year of supervision experience (full-time, part-time, or student)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of best practices related to supporting students through basic needs insecurity

• Ability to collaborate with institutional and community partners

• Ability to navigate complex issues alongside students

• Knowledge of social media content and strategy best practices

What We Prefer:

Education: Master’s degree

Experience:

• 1 year of work in a non-profit devoted to basic needs

• 1 year of work on a college campus

Salary: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and other qualifications and is accompanied by a standard university benefits package. This is an exempt, 12-month, full-time, non-tenure track staff position.

Application Process: Please complete the on-line application for full consideration. Applicants should include a cover letter, resume, transcript, and a list of at least three references (with current e-mail address and phone number/s) in the application file. A review of all applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the search may be directed to the search committee chair.