Administrative Associate, Department of Engineering Management and Technology, College of Engineering and Computer Science - UT Chattanooga

The Administrative Associate is a key member of the Engineering Management & Technology Department, providing comprehensive administrative, budgetary, accounting, payroll, purchasing, and human resources support for departmental operations. This position serves as a central resource for faculty, staff, students, and external partners while supporting academic programs, accreditation activities, hiring processes, and student services.

Responsibilities

Budget, Accounting, Payroll, and Purchasing Administration

• Maintains and reconciles departmental budgets and financial records
• Processes payroll transactions, funding changes, summer school payroll, adjunct payments, and effort certifications
• Coordinates purchasing activities, vendor payments, procurement card reconciliation, reimbursements, and invoice processing
• Administers travel arrangements and expense reporting for faculty, staff, students, and candidates
• Supports grant and contract administration, expenditure tracking, reporting, and closeout activities
• Assists with audits, compliance activities, and implementation of fiscal policies and procedures
• Maintains knowledge of university financial systems, purchasing requirements, and contract management processes

Administrative and Department Operations Support

• Serves as a primary point of contact for faculty, staff, students, visitors, and community partners
• Coordinates departmental communications, meetings, schedules, and office operations
• Maintains departmental records, personnel files, and administrative documentation
• Assists with course scheduling processes, class overrides, petitions, and academic records support
• Coordinates textbook orders, key requests, facility work orders, event logistics, and visitor accommodations
• Supports faculty activities, departmental committees, and special initiatives
• Supervises and provides work direction to student workers and student assistants

Hiring, Human Resources, and Faculty Support

• Assists with ABET accreditation preparation, assessment reporting, and documentation management
• Maintains course files, assessment records, and accreditation materials
• Supports undergraduate and graduate student processes, academic petitions, and advising operations
• Coordinates graduate program documentation and serves as a liaison with the Graduate School
• Assists with orientation, student engagement activities, advisory board support, and outreach efforts
• Provides administrative support for faculty searches, academic events, conferences, and community engagement initiatives

Projects and Process Improvement

• Participates in departmental, college, and university initiatives
• Identifies opportunities to improve administrative processes and operational efficiency
• Maintains compliance with university policies and best practices
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of departmental goals

The ideal candidate will possess the following (KSAs):

• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, payroll, purchasing, and business operations practices
• Knowledge of university administrative systems and software applications
• Ability to interpret and apply university policies, procedures, and regulations
• Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and discretion
• Skill in preparing reports, maintaining records, and analyzing information with a high degree of accuracy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders
• Ability to train, assist, and provide guidance to others on policies and administrative processes
• Strong customer service and problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately

Application Review

Application review will begin October 9, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration may be given to applicants who submit complete application materials by the initial review date.

Qualifications

Minimum

• High school diploma or GED
• 2 years of office-related administrative experience

Preferred

• Associate’s degree

• 2 years of budget/accounting experience in an academic or governmental setting

Work Location

• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
• This is a fully on-site position.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT Market Range: MR06
• Anticipated hiring salary: $21.63 - $23.08/hr

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure

• Find more information on UT Benefits

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.