Job Details

Associate Director-Center for Learning, Education and Employment- UTK

Position Number: 6101843
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Adult and Continuing Education Programs

Associate Director-Center for Learning, Education and Employment- UTK
TN, United States

Job Identification: 2271
Job Category: Administrative
Posting Date: 03/25/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (Remote)

Job Description
The Associate Director plays a pivotal role in advancing statewide preschool improvement initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and other funding agencies. This role directly supports TDOE's P-AALN, which is dedicated to increasing inclusive, least restrictive environment opportunities for children ages 3 to 5 (not in kindergarten), expanding access to developmentally appropriate environments, and ensuring high-quality instruction for all students. In line with CLEE's mission of facilitating continuous improvement and equitable access in education, the Associate Director will work to build capacity and forge partnerships that transform visions into reality through systems change and strategic support.

This leadership position demands a blend of visionary planning, financial stewardship, and team management to enhance early childhood education across Tennessee. The Associate Director will help foster inclusive learning environments and equitable access to quality preschool education, closely aligned with CLEE's vision to empower every individual with limitless opportunities to thrive throughout all stages of life. The role also involves upholding and advancing CLEE's core values, ensuring alignment with its strategic priorities and initiatives. These values include empowerment, inclusion, growth, excellence, and relationships, all of which are central to the work the Associate Director will lead.

Additionally, the Associate Director will be responsible for spearheading the development and execution of project strategies that comply with state and federal education priorities. This includes overseeing fiscal operations such as budgeting, funding allocations, and financial reporting to ensure responsible financial management. In alignment with CLEE's commitment to excellence, the Associate Director will lead the recruitment, training, and performance evaluations of staff, fostering a high-performing team that embodies CLEE's value of growth and adaptability. They will also be responsible for supporting the expansion of the project and actively working to extend the contract's duration through strategic planning, relationship management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Strengthening partnerships with state agencies, school districts, and educational organizations will be integral to this role, ensuring that CLEE's commitment to inclusion is reflected in collaborative efforts to create a culture of belonging in all educational environments. Furthermore, the Associate Director will assess project outcomes, implement continuous improvement measures to maximize program effectiveness, and actively represent the Center in professional forums while remaining engaged in educational policy advancements. In doing so, they will help reinforce CLEE's dedication to building relationships that are at the heart of the organization's success.

Responsibilities
Program Planning, Implementation, and Management

Oversee program goals, scope of services, and alignment with the funding agency's objectives.
Develop long-term planning strategies aligning with the Center and TDOE mission.
Collaborate with TDOE and school districts to design services addressing federal and state education priorities.
Maintain ongoing communication with TDOE leadership to assess needs, evaluate progress, and meet contract requirements.
Represent the project and the Center in professional interactions with local and state organizations.

Financial and Budgeting Accountability

Serve as Principal Investigator (PI), overseeing financial accountability for assigned projects.
Lead contract statement of work and budget proposal negotiations in collaboration with University and state leadership.
Manage approved contract budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with University policies.
Identify and pursue new funding opportunities in collaboration with the Director and the Center Management Team.

Staff and Personnel Leadership

Supervise and provide leadership to contract staff located across Tennessee.
Conduct team meetings, provide ongoing support, technical assistance, and training.
Evaluate job performance, conduct reviews, and facilitate merit-based decisions.
Recruit and hire staff in collaboration with the UT Office of Human Resource Management.
Engage in Center-wide strategic planning and contribute to the development of policies and procedures.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required, master's or doctoral degree preferred in education or a related field.
Experience: At least 5 years of experience in education. A minimum of 2 years of experience leading/managing a team. A minimum of 2 years of experience working with grant-funded projects.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Ability to develop and secure funding.
Skills in planning, setting goals and implementing programs.
Skills in managing budgets and maintaining fiscal accountability.
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with funding sources and stakeholders.
Knowledge of national trends and best practices in education, including special education.
Proven ability to lead team to meet project goals and further the mission of the Center.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Advanced degree
Experience: Experience in raising funds through networking and writing proposals. Experience with University fiscal procedures, especially those related to budgeting and monitoring funds; experience with collaborative projects with state and/or national stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of resources available to students with disabilities and their teachers.
Knowledge of state resources and organizations that support the work of this contract.
Knowledge of University financial/HR systems. Knowledge of grant submission process.

Work Location:

Remote

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR14
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials

Cover Letter
CV or Resume
List of 3 References

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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

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!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/2271/?mode=location