Program Manager, Tennessee Thrive: Social Work Research & Public Services - UTK

This position provides overall program management for Tennessee Families Thrive (TFT) and ensures continuous quality improvement across program operations and service delivery. The Program Manager leads and supports, coordinates and sustains local partnerships, and provides supervision and guidance to Family Coaches and a Child and Family Specialist. Guided by the EPIC Practice Model—Empowerment, Partnership, Integration, and Coaching, the Program Manager reports directly to the SWORPS Field Based Services Director and ensures that coordinated, community-based services are delivered through individualized Family Action Plans that build on each family’s strengths and address their unique needs. The position supports alignment with the Families First Community Grant’s TANF purpose by promoting household stability, increasing economic opportunity, and strengthening family relationships so children can be safely cared for in stable, nurturing environments. The Program Manager works collaboratively with funders, community partners, and internal SWORPS staff to support effective implementation of core program components, maintain contract compliance, and ensure high-quality services that advance family financial stability and economic mobility. The schedule is flexible to meet staff needs, with an average of 40 hours a week. Candidate must be willing and able to flex schedule as needed. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant. 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!