LDA - UTIA HR Operations Coordinator

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) is looking for a resourceful, service-minded HR Operations Coordinator who can turn complex work into clear, dependable processes. In this limited-duration role, you will connect UTIA Human Resources, HR Partners across the state, and UT Knoxville Human Resources to help personnel actions move forward accurately and on time.

This is an opportunity to make a visible difference in how HR services are delivered across a large, complex university environment. You will combine hands-on HR operations work with problem solving, cross-unit coordination, reporting, and process improvement. The successful candidate will enjoy bringing order to high-volume work, spotting issues before they become problems, and creating practical tools that help colleagues serve employees more effectively.

Transaction Analysis, Triage, and Coordinated Resolution: 

• Review HR transactions and service requests, resolve routine issues, and identify matters that need additional consultation.

• Coordinate assigned personnel actions in DASH, including new hires, assignment changes, employment record updates, and position-related actions.

• Keep time-sensitive work moving by monitoring queues and shared channels, following up on stalled items, and escalating issues with compliance, payroll, or operational implications.

HR Partner and Central Operations Coordination: 

• Build strong working connections among UTIA HR, statewide HR Partners, and UT Knoxville Human Resources.

• Help colleagues navigate documentation, process steps, system requirements, and routing expectations.

• Coordinate key annual activities, including faculty promotion and tenure, College of Veterinary Medicine resident and intern onboarding, and the college’s career path cycle.

• Manage competing requests and deadlines with clear communication, accurate status information, and reliable follow-through.

Workflow Management, Reporting, and Operational Tools: 

• Create and maintain intake forms, trackers, dashboards, and other tools that make work easier to organize and follow.

• Turn DASH, Excel, Smartsheet, and other data into useful operational reporting.

• Spot workload trends, recurring errors, delays, and exceptions so the team can address problems early.

Process Analysis, Continuous Improvement, and Implementation: 

• Look across HR workflows and handoffs to identify unnecessary delay, duplication, error, or rework.

• Recommend practical improvements to intake, routing, documentation, reporting, communication, quality control, and follow-up.

• Help put approved changes into practice through updated procedures, job aids, workflow tools, and training materials.

Required Qualifications: 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience: 

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in HR operations, personnel transactions, workflow coordination, or a closely related area. 
• Relevant experience must include managing concurrent assignments, evaluating process requirements, coordinating issue resolution, and maintaining accurate follow-through across deadlines and stakeholders.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A working knowledge of HR principles, employment processes, transaction controls, and service delivery.

• Strong attention to detail and the judgment to recognize missing, conflicting, or nonstandard requirements.

• The ability to organize a high volume of work, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and keep others informed.

• Clear, professional communication and a collaborative approach to customer service and cross-unit coordination.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, and experience with Smartsheet or comparable reporting and workflow tools.

• Discretion with confidential information and the ability to apply established policies, work independently, and escalate matters appropriately.

• The ability to translate complex processes into clear workflows, reports, procedures, job aids, checklists, and training materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience: 

• Experience in higher education or another large, complex organization.
• Experience with Oracle HCM, DASH, or a comparable HRIS.
• Experience with high-volume HR operations, operational reporting, workflow improvement, or process implementation.

Additional experience that would be valuable:

• Familiarity with University of Tennessee HR policies and procedures.

• Experience with DASH (Oracle HCM) transactions and workflow approvals.

• Experience improving processes or optimizing workflows.

• Experience creating Smartsheet forms, trackers, dashboards, job aids, user instructions, or training materials.

• Experience supporting HR operations in higher education or another large, complex organization.

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee 

• Work arrangement: Hybrid, with on-campus coverage required three or more days per week

• Schedule: First shift; occasional evening or weekend work may be required

Compensation and Benefits: 

• UT market range: 07

• Anticipated hiring range: $48,000 - $53,000

The University of Tennessee offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, financial well-being, and professional growth. Final compensation will be based on the approved classification, qualifications, experience, and applicable university guidelines.

Application Instructions:

Apply online with a resume and cover letter. For full consideration, please submit a completed application by October 26, 2026.

About the UT Institute of Agriculture:

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture advances the university’s land-grant mission through teaching, research, and outreach. UTIA Human Resources supports a diverse, statewide organization and partners with leaders and HR professionals to deliver responsive, consistent, and effective HR services.