Executive Assistant to the Vice Provost & Dean - Graduate School - UTK

Executive Administrative Assistant

This position is a highly skilled, detail-oriented, and customer-focused Executive Administrative Assistant who provides senior-level support to the Vice Provost and Dean. This position is critical to the effective operation of the Dean's office and requires exceptional judgment, discretion, organizational ability, and professionalism. The successful candidate will be a proactive problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment and excels at presenting a strong, competent, and welcoming front for the Graduate School.

Responsibilities

Executive Support and Strategic Coordination:

• Provides executive-level administrative support to the Vice Provost & Dean, including independently resolving issues, anticipating needs, proactively solving problems, and advising on sensitive or complex matters.
• Serves as a trusted partner to the Dean, ensuring priorities are managed efficiently and effectively.
• Manages the Dean's email account and calendar with a high degree of discretion, responsiveness, and attention to detail; prepares concise briefings and background materials for meetings as needed.
• Coordinates itineraries and develops agendas for the Vice Provost and Dean.
• Schedules, coordinates, and supports high-level meetings, including preparing materials, recording minutes, and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Serves as secretary for the Associate Deans of Graduate Studies group, including agenda preparation, minute-taking, and distribution of documentation.

Communication & Representation:

• Communicates strategically and professionally on behalf of the Dean with campus leaders, faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Drafts high-level correspondence, reports, and communications that reflect the Dean's voice and the Graduate School's mission.
• Serves as an expert resource across campus on Graduate School-related matters, interpreting and applying policies in alignment with institutional practices and principles.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelors degree and 5 years of administrative assistant or office experience, to include at least 1 year providing high level support to an executive. Or in lieu of a Bachelor's degree 5 years of executive assistant experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to interact professionally and courteously with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft high-level correspondence.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

• 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

• Experience: Experience in higher education.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Familiarity with university policies, governance structures, and administrative processes.
• Proven success supporting senior leadership and coordinating high-visibility events and initiatives.
• Experience providing executive-level administrative support in a higher education or complex organizational setting.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote - Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT Market Range: 08
• Anticipated hiring range: $55-58K
• 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
• 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division:

The Graduate School at the University of Tennessee Knoxville is a dynamic office that provides a wide range of services to students and academic units from recruitment to graduation. While prospective students are exploring graduate education, we are here to provide insight into the programs available and the process for applying. Once a student has decided to submit an application, we manage the admissions process in coordination with the academic units. During the time a student is enrolled at UTK, the Graduate School monitors student progress and provides support for student success. As students approach graduation, we evaluate records and verify the awarding of all degrees.

Graduate education is one of the components that makes UT a great university. The Graduate School is a full partner in supporting the university's mission, vision, and the values embodied in the Volunteer Spirit.

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!

Job Info

• Job Identification 8277
• Job Category Administrative
• Posting Date 05/29/2026, 01:05 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 1331 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US