Administrative Specialist - Center for Learning, Education & Employment - UTK

The Administrative Specialist II performs complex administrative and financial duties for the Center and across all of its grants/contracts. The position requires extensive knowledge of UT policies and monitors compliance of the Center''s activities. This position requires experience in all phases of preparing, processing, and tracking/monitoring purchases, contracts/subcontracts, and other relevant financial transactions.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is in the heart of one of Tennessee's largest and most dynamic cities. As a national model for metropolitan universities, UTC collaborates with its many regional partners to offer an experiential learning environment with outstanding teaching scholars in 128 undergraduate degree programs and 55 graduate programs-at both the master''s and doctoral levels. UTC and Chattanooga-nationally recognized for its downtown redevelopment and wealth of outdoor recreation-are inextricably linked, and the University is central to the workforce and economic development efforts of the region and the state.

Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering and Computer Science; Health, Education and Professional Studies; and the Honors College are home to an array of award-winning programs from Nursing to Computer Science, Entrepreneurship to Veteran Student Support. Innovation is a strategic focus, and UTC research and development in smart city technology is an industry leader. UTC is the first and only university in the country with access to a managed, commercial quantum computing network, and we are introducing an artificial intelligence initiative involving entities across campus and engaging partners throughout the region.

From our deep ties to the city of Chattanooga to our national reputation for innovation and hands-on learning, UTC stands out as a university where students thrive, faculty inspire, and partnerships create real impact.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

• Experience: 2-3 years of administrative work and 1-2 years with purchasing/contracting.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of procedures for purchasing, contracts, and other basic accounting practices.

• Ability to stay current with UT administrative and fiscal policies.

• Has strong Microsoft Office skills.

• Ability to work independently and make sound fiscal decisions based on Center and University policies and procedures.

• Has strong interpersonal skills for a variety of audiences- University personnel, Center staff, and vendors/contractors.

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-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent

• Experience: 3+ years of administrative work and 2+ years with purchasing/contracting at the University of Tennessee

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Previous knowledge of UT systems and policies such as fiscal and HR policies and systems such as IRIS and DASH.

Work Location Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR05

• Anticipated hiring range: approximately $19-21/hour

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The Center for Learning, Education, & Employment

Founded in 1988, CLEE is a recognized leader in adult learning, education, and workforce development, driving meaningful change in Tennessee and across the U.S. With a team that spans Tennessee and beyond, we collaborate with state and national institutions, early childhood programs, K-12 and post-secondary schools, service agencies, employers, and workforce organizations.

Our team's passion to create change drives our innovation and excellence in all we do. This commitment fuels our work towards empowering every individual with limitless opportunities to thrive at all stages of life. We prioritize individuals from all backgrounds, with deep expertise in supporting people with disabilities and underserved populations.

Committed to staying at the forefront of emerging research, we partner with a wide variety of organizations, including those across the University of Tennessee system and beyond, to advance best practices in adult learning, education, and employment.

Administrative Support

• Solicits vendor & consultant forms and prepares necessary documentation for entry and tracking in DASH.
• Advises senior staff and works with vendors on the preparation, processing, and tracking of all contracts/subcontracts.
• Writes specifications and sole source justifications for taking bids for purchase orders and contracts.
• Tracks and bills UT internal invoices across all grants/contracts.
• Processes and monitors all incoming invoices from vendors and ensures timely payments.
• Maintains and updates equipment and space inventories.
• Stays up to date and informs center management of the latest fiscal and HR policies. Audits and processes procurement cards.
• Orders supplies, equipment and software for Center or project use.
• Troubleshoots financial and administrative issues.
• This position will also collaborate with the Project manager to manage internship stipend payments, contract development and management, relocation reimbursements, and mentor stipends for 5 cohorts of school mental health interns and supervisors.
• Organizes and manages tuition payments for Project RAISE.

Budget Support

• Prepares ledgers and backup documents on a monthly basis for all Center grants/contracts totally over $3.7 million annually.
• Monitors incoming revenue and expenditures ensuring that all UT fiscal policies are followed.
• Provides scanned documentation for billing/auditing as requested- often on a monthly basis for some sponsors.
• Works with Business Manager and Director to process and document year-end close-out accounting for all projects.

Event Support

• Works with project staff to plan for events and prepare bids, invoices, etc. for events/facilities/caterers.
• Follows fiscal policy for processing of all program income including checks, purchase orders, and credit card payments.
• Makes recommendations to Center Management Team on internal processes that ensure adherence to University policy.

Administrative Support

• Solicits vendor & consultant forms and prepares necessary documentation for entry and tracking in DASH.
• Advises senior staff and works with vendors on the preparation, processing, and tracking of all contracts/subcontracts.
• Writes specifications and sole source justifications for taking bids for purchase orders and contracts.
• Tracks and bills UT internal invoices across all grants/contracts.
• Processes and monitors all incoming invoices from vendors and ensures timely payments.
• Maintains and updates equipment and space inventories.
• Stays up to date and informs center management of the latest fiscal and HR policies. Audits and processes procurement cards.
• Orders supplies, equipment and software for Center or project use.
• Troubleshoots financial and administrative issues.
• This position will also collaborate with the Project manager to manage internship stipend payments, contract development and management, relocation reimbursements, and mentor stipends for 5 cohorts of school mental health interns and supervisors.
• Organizes and manages tuition payments for Project RAISE.

Budget Support

• Prepares ledgers and backup documents on a monthly basis for all Center grants/contracts totally over $3.7 million annually.
• Monitors incoming revenue and expenditures ensuring that all UT fiscal policies are followed.
• Provides scanned documentation for billing/auditing as requested- often on a monthly basis for some sponsors.
• Works with Business Manager and Director to process and document year-end close-out accounting for all projects.

Event Support

• Works with project staff to plan for events and prepare bids, invoices, etc. for events/facilities/caterers.
• Follows fiscal policy for processing of all program income including checks, purchase orders, and credit card payments.
• Makes recommendations to Center Management Team on internal processes that ensure adherence to University policy.