Executive Assistant - Office of Operations and Real Estate - UTK

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) seeks a highly organized, strategic, and service-oriented Executive Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative support to senior leadership within Campus Operations & Real Estate. This position serves as a trusted partner to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Operations and the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Business Operations, ensuring seamless coordination of executive priorities, communications, and operational initiatives.

The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and able to manage sensitive information with discretion while thriving in a fast-paced, collaborative university environment.

Executive Support & Calendar Management

• Manage complex executive calendars, scheduling high-level meetings across campus leadership, UT System offices, vendors, and external partners

• Coordinate travel arrangements, itineraries, and expense reconciliations

• Prepare briefing materials and background documentation for meetings and presentations

Communication & Correspondence

• Draft, edit, and manage executive communications including emails, memos, reports, and presentations

• Serve as a primary liaison between executive leadership and campus stakeholders

• Maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive operational, personnel, and financial matters

Operational & Project Coordination

• Support division-wide initiatives, retreats, and strategic planning efforts

• Track action items and follow-up on key priorities to ensure timely completion

• Assist with documentation, process improvements, and workflow coordination

Administrative & Financial Support

• Process transactions, reconcile expenses, and support procurement activities in accordance with university policy

• Maintain organized records and documentation systems

• Support onboarding logistics and administrative coordination for division staff

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred

• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible administrative experience supporting senior leadership

• Demonstrated experience managing complex calendars and high-volume communications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, public sector, or large complex organizations

• Experience supporting multiple executives

• Familiarity with university systems such as DASH, IRIS, or similar ERP platforms

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of executive-level administrative practices
• Advanced skill in written and verbal communication
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands and exercise sound judgment
• Strong ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism

• High level of skill in Microsoft Office Suite and digital collaboration tools

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in an office environment and may require occasional evening meetings or special event support.

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR8
• Anticipated hiring range: Commensurate with qualifications.
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Why Join Campus Operations & Real Estate?

Campus Operations & Real Estate supports the physical and operational backbone of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. From real estate strategy and financial stewardship to essential campus services, our team plays a vital role in enabling the university’s academic mission. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and contribute to strategic initiatives that shape the campus experience.

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 1/28/26.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. 

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!