Contracts Management & Financial Associate Division of Global Engagement UTK

This position supports business operations for Global Engagement with primary responsibility for contract management and financial administration. The role oversees a complex portfolio of programs with varied financial models and compliance requirements. This role will work collaboratively with Global Engagement stakeholders university administrators across central offices and domestic and international vendors. This position ensures effective coordination fiscal stewardship and operational addition to its core business functions the role provides cross-functional support to Global Engagement initiatives as needed.

• Serve as the primary liaison between and main point of contact for PAO GRIP and UTK Contracts Office.

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert on university and state contract policy and policy compliance proactively identifying risks in international agreements. May also train faculty and staff on submitting contracts and vendor information/requirements.

• Lead thecomprehensive preparation and preprocessing of contractsand contract requirementsfor both foreign and domestic vendors.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders regarding contracts workflowsandvarious systems aiding their developmentenhancementrefinement and and resolve process related issues and bottlenecks.

• Gather and confirm the requirementsand credentialsof contracts/vendors prior to submission.

• Submit contracts intoContract ManagementSystem including but not limited to Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) goods and services as well as purchase orders for experiential education programs.

• Monitor contract submissions and their statuses in Excel Smartsheet or comparable platforms as utilized by department. Provide reports to leadership regarding contract statuses and process related issues/optimization. Proactivelyidentify highlight and manage contracts nearing expiration.

• Review and pay vendor invoicesand other paymentsinUTs administrative system (DASH) paying close attention to special payment instructions such as wire transfersand foreign currency conversions.

• Assist Financial Associate with program rectifications coordinating with other departments as needed.

• Facilitate student billing and interdepartmental transfers.

• Assistwith approval of travel expense report approvals by comparing to program budget.

• Serve as backup for Financial Associate during absences.

• Provide input and collaborative support to streamline operations automate processes formalize procedures enhance customer service andfacilitatedepartmental goals.

• Stay abreast of Federal StateInternationaland Universitypolicies andregulations related to contract issues/managementby researching materials and attending conferences among other methods to advance knowledge and understanding of complex compliance risk-assessment and mitigation.

• Collect auditand file Certificatesof Insurance(COI)documents of vendors necessary for contract procedureand compliance purposes.

• Participate in and assist with internal and external audit related processes and issues.

• Maintains a variety of complex and/or confidential records and files.

• Develop andmaintaincommunication with internal and external UTK stakeholders along with international partners.

• Oversee the security of records data equipment materials and facilities.

• Performs technical administrative work involving the exercise of independent judgement.

• Supportsthe Business Managerin the development and interpretation of policy and procedure for business operation functions.

• Facilitate vendor credentialing through Payment Works.

• Createclearprocess maps for procedures so that workflow can continue smoothly in absence.

• Managenumerousand competing deadlines.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or some college and specialized education or bachelors degree.

• Experience: Four-five years office experience with high school diploma some college and specialized education or one-two years office experience with bachelors degree.

• Knowledge Skills Abilities:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (with a strong working knowledge of Excel) knowledge of SAP products and ability to handle the demands of a deadline- driven work environment.

  • Skills in accounting principles and procedures.

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks organize work effectively conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.

  • Ability to integrate resources policies and information for the determination of procedures solutions and other outcomes.

  • Knowledge of business operations and methods and ability to provide administrative guidance.

  • Ability to apply policies and procedures consistently to maintain compliance.

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students faculty and staff along with external and international community members.

  • Ability to demonstrate attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in accounting business management or related field

• Experience: 5 years office experience with high school diploma some college and specialized education or 2 years office experience with bachelors degree.

• Knowledge Skills Abilities:

  • Skills in Oracle Banner Google Suite Products Argos and Terra Dotta and Smartsheet.

  • Excellent knowledge of University of Tennessee Fiscal and International Travel policy specifically contract processes.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville Tennessee

• Hybrid (mostly remote with some in-person meetings)

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range:MR06

• Anticipated hiring range:$50000 - $55000

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere

• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

Application Instructions

To express interest please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before May 8 2026.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Three reference contacts

About The College/Department/Division

The Center for Global Engagement provides leadership to strengthen the universitys global reach and impact foster international and intercultural awareness and understanding assist faculty to internationalize their teaching and scholarship and prepare students to become globally engaged citizens.