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Interdepartmental Program Assistant: Department of Biology - UTK
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Position Number: 6064067
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Education

Interdepartmental Program Assistant: Department of Biology - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 2010
Job Category: Administrative
Posting Date: 03/07/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1403 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
The Division of Biology seeks an Interdepartmental Programs Assistant to assist faculty and steering committees in developing processes and overseeing interdepartmental Biology Division programs such as the Global Health concentration and the anticipated Professional Masters program in Biology.

This position will help with the administration necessary for curriculum and course catalog changes, develops, and shepherds the materials to propose a new master's program. This position will monitor program-related emails and phone calls and communicate with students as well as liaise between advising and faculty, with the communications specialist, and with the events coordinator. In addition to assisting faculty directors of the programs with scheduling, this position communicates with units to help identify important deadlines and opportunities to ensure enrollment capacity is available for students within the program to progress towards degree.

Responsibilities
Interdepartmental Program Coordination

Serves as the first point of contact for current and prospective students in programs jointly administered by the Biology Division and provides front desk, customer, and operational services for Biology Education.
Works closely with the three Biology Heads and serves as an administrative assistant to inter-departmental program directors/leadership and faculty engaged in undergraduate research.
Implements an annual program that spans recruitment, nomination, admission, training progress, and post-graduation of students within the programs.
Sends announcements; handles logistics for meetings; serves as an information resource; proofs documents and website for accuracy; maintains confidential files.
Coordinates with event planning staff to plan, advertise, and hold student events and professional development activities.
Directs student worker(s) when necessary; and other duties as assigned.

Undergraduate Research Coordination

Coordinates undergraduate research opportunities and solicits information about available opportunities and advertises them among undergraduates in all concentrations (BCMB, EEB, Microbiology).
Answers student questions about steps to engage in research, including applying for conference travel awards and developing abstracts.

Program Communication and Dissemination

Liaises with departments and advising to update course offerings for the concentration.
Corresponds with students regarding interdepartmental programs; directs students to the appropriate offices for matters related to student advising.
Assists with applications for Biology summer REU programs and student award applications; corresponds with applicants regarding the processes and application status for graduate certificates; connects graduate certificate candidates with appropriate faculty for mentoring.
Tracks student data; maintains lists of majors/graduate certificates and corresponds as needed.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education: Associate's Degree
Experience: Three years of experience in an office environment
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Excellent attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to diligently follow up to collect required information.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in order to meet deadlines.
Ability to build and maintain respectful work relationships across a diverse workforce.
Ability to work both independently and as a contributing member of a team.
Excellent computer skills including email, calendars, word processing, shared file management, and careful data management using spreadsheets. Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to quickly learn new software
Problem solving skills and ability to use sound judgment to arrive at practical solutions. Ability to understand and apply policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to learn new skills as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: One year of experience in an office environment; experience working in an academic department; educational background that includes biology coursework
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Experience working with students and faculty in an academic environment.
Experience managing social media communications.
Experience with event coordination.
Experience with a large platform ERP, website maintenance, Banner, Nolij, Argos Reporting, and calendaring and room reservation systems.

Work Location

Knoxville, TN; onsite

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR 5, Full-time, Non-exempt
Anticipated hiring range: $36,000 - $40,000
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For full consideration, interested individuals should provide a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required minimum qualification and preferred qualification, a resume, and complete contact information for three professional references.

The Knoxville Campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

About Us
With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state's flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative 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. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!
Ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates", "One of America's Best Large Employers", "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/2010/?mode=location