Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships and Operations, Division of Student Success

Job Description

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications and nominations for the Executive Director for Strategic Partnerships & Operations within the Division of Student Success. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success and Transition, the Executive Director (ED) for Strategic Partnerships & Operations serves as the primary leader responsible for shaping, launching, and sustaining Rocky Top Gateway (RTG), a signature access and transition initiative housed within the Division of Student Success. The ED provides strategic, operational, and fiscal leadership for the program and serves as the primary steward of the university–community college partnership.

This role requires a leader who can operate at both an executive and implementation level, building and leading a team, managing a complex auxiliary operation, driving cross-institutional alignment, and designing systems that support the full student lifecycle from recruitment through transfer and post-matriculation persistence.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership, Program Oversight and Governance

The Executive Director will provide comprehensive leadership, guiding Rocky Top Gateway’s development as an auxiliary, revenue-supported operation that expands access, strengthens student transition, and improves retention and long-term academic success.

Institutional Leadership, Advocacy & External Engagement

The Executive Director will serve as the primary institutional advocate and spokesperson for Rocky Top Gateway, representing the program to senior leadership, campus partners, prospective students and families, and external stakeholders.

Organizational Leadership & Team Development

The Executive Director will provide overall leadership for a growing Rocky Top Gateway team and lead strategic planning that supports sustainable organizational growth.

Cross-Institutional Partnership & Stakeholder Alignment

The Executive Director serves as the executive liaison between UT Knoxville and the community college partner, ensuring consistent alignment across academic policies, student services, enrollment processes, and shared support structures.

Financial Stewardship, Data Strategy & Accountability

The Executive Director will provide executive oversight of Rocky Top Gateway as an auxiliary-funded operation by ensuring responsible fiscal management, regulatory compliance, and strategic alignment of resources with program priorities.

Qualifications

Required Education Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Student Affairs, or a related field.

Required Experience Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience within higher education, including operations and/or program management, with demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives and drive measurable outcomes.

Preferred Education Doctoral degree (Ed.D., Ph.D., or equivalent terminal degree) in a related field.

The anticipated start date for this position is September 1st, 2026.