Associate Director of Graduate Programs and Executive Education
Reporting to the Director of Executive Education & Non-JD Programs at the Winston College of Law, the Associate Director of Graduate Programs and Executive Education is vital to support the growth, visibility and overall student experience of Winston Law’s graduate and executive programs. The Associate Director plays a critical role in graduate student services, financial aid, program administration, course scheduling, and data collection for all non-JD programs. Additionally, the role includes management of important graduate admissions responsibilities for the Winston College of Law’s Master of Legal Studies and Graduate Certificate Programs (MLS/GCP), including but not limited to: recruitment; enrollment; student support, and compliance with university policies and procedures. Further, the Associate Director will work with the Director to create, manage, and maintain executive education programming for practicing attorneys and non-lawyers at the Winston College of Law.
Application Process: For best consideration applicants should submit the materials listed below before November 1, 2025. We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.
For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a cover letter, resume or CV, and names and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately. All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position.
Responsibilities
Graduate Recruitment, Admissions & Enrollment
- With guidance from the Director, oversee and manage the implementation of recruitment strategies for the MLS/GCP.
- Manage various aspects of the admissions process to ensure timely and effective evaluation of applications by the Director and/or Executive Education & Non-JD Programs Committee.
- Advise prospective and admitted MLS/GCP students on program options, application procedures, admission and program requirements, and financial aid processes.
- Work to ensure the efficient execution of admissions policies and practices, with a view towards advancing the Winston College of Law’s MLS/GCP enrollment growth objectives.
- Monitor application and enrollment trends, preparing data-driven reports to inform strategic marketing, recruitment, and enrollment planning.
- Assist the Director in maintaining student records in connection with recruitment, enrollment, and admission updates to the Winston College of Law leadership and administration, as well as for necessary university reporting.
Graduate Student Services and Academic Affairs
- Oversee assessment and identification of academic support needs for MLS/GCP students.
- Participate in new MLS/GCP student orientation, oversees the production of various analytical student surveys, and assists in developing individualized curriculum plans.
- Assist Director with MLS/GCP graduate exit interviews and alumni surveys, including but not limited to, coordination & logistics and the data collection for analysis and evaluation.
- Assist in management and planning of commencement ceremonies and other graduation-related activities in collaboration with the Director and the Winston College of Law Office of Records & Student Affairs.
- Monitor retention and progression, implementing proactive strategies to support student success.
- Manage and maintain all data pertaining to student leave of absence requests.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Act as the non-JD program’s liaison with University of Tennessee Knoxville One-Stop Student Services Office.
- Coordinate with One-Stop Student Services on billing, disbursement of funds, financial aid packages, and payment plan options, and imperative dates for the financial aid processes.
- Advise current and prospective students on UTK’s financial aid processes, including FAFSA, federal aid eligibility, alternative/private loan options, assistantships, and scholarship opportunities.
- Coordinate with the Bursar’s Office on student accounts, processing and late fees, and overseeing financial refunds and repayments.
- Track and analyze financial aid trends and ensure compliance with federal, state, and university financial aid regulations.
Program Administration & Collaboration
- Collaborate with the Director to set enrollment targets, analyze data, and identify growth opportunities, including gathering data on competitors, their tuitions, enrollments and methods of marketing.
- Assist the Director in course scheduling, faculty support (especially adjunct faculty), and resource allocation.
- At the direction of the Director, coordinate with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and directors of academic centers to identify cross-campus collaboration opportunities.
- Support the Director in reporting to the Winston College of Law faculty and administration, the UKT Graduate School, the ABA (where relevant), and other accrediting or oversight bodies.
Program Communications & Outreach
- Maintain effective and regular communication with prospective students, current students, faculty, adjunct, and staff.
- Represent the Winston College of Law and the non-JD programs in professional organizations and at conferences.
- Maintain and regularly update the Vols MLS/GCP Homeroom Canvas page, student listserv and adjunct listserv, ensuring students and professors have access to relevant information and deadlines.
- Contribute to newsletters, digital & marketing campaigns, and alumni engagement strategies, as requested by the Director of the Program.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree
- Experience: At least three years of progressively responsible administrative, and/or student affairs experience.
- Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Superior written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, confidently and concisely.
- Exhibit a student-centered approach and commitment to graduate student success. Must be able to empathetically and patiently work with students in stressful situations.
- Exhibit sound judgment and properly protect and manage communication of confidential and sensitive information.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to interpret and communicate financial aid regulations clearly.
- Ability to work well within a team of professionals and variety of students and other stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work demands calmly and effectively.
- Requires the ability to work well with minimal supervision.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Knowledge of database and spreadsheet applications. Specifically, Microsoft Applications and Adobe Suite.
Preferred Qualifications
- Education: Master's Degree
- Experience: Oracle experience; higher education experience; supervisory experience.
- Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Familiarity with UT Systems such as Banner (student records), Argos (student services and reporting), Canvas (academic affairs), and SLATE (admissions).
Work Location: Onsite at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Winston College of Law
Compensation and Benefits
