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.

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.

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.