Vice President, Administrative Affairs

Number of Positions: 1

About Pellissippi State Community College

Pellissippi State Community College, the largest community college in Tennessee, is one of 40 institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). Established in 1974 as the State Technical Institute at Knoxville, Pellissippi State now serves more than 9,000 for-credit students across four campus locations in Knox and Blount counties. The College offers 27 career programs and 54 Tennessee Transfer Pathways, creating clear avenues for student success.

Pellissippi State has earned national recognition for excellence in higher education. The College was named an Achieve the Dream (ATD) Leader College for 2025, a distinction that highlights sustained institutional improvement and student success. Pellissippi State has also been recognized for its supportive workplace culture, commitment to mental health and well-being, and innovative, student-centered practices, earning accolades at both the state and national levels.

The College consistently ranks among the top five community colleges in the nation for study abroad participation, and dual enrollment continues to thrive with more than 2,000 high school students enrolled. Through our partnership with Knox County Schools' Career Magnet Academy at the Strawberry Plains campus, 28 students earned associate degrees ahead of their high school graduations in May 2025.

Pellissippi State employs more than 1,000 faculty and staff, all dedicated to fostering student success, innovation, and community engagement. Students benefit from a wide range of support services, including free counseling and tutoring, a Student Opportunity Fund to assist those facing financial crises, a career closet, and a food pantry. The College is also home to a competitive, award-winning athletics program, where the Pellissippi State Panthers compete across six men's and six women's teams with pride and passion.

Workforce and Community Development delivered nearly 77,000 training hours to the community in 2023-24, spanning leadership, project management, electrical, and pneumatics programs. The College also hosts the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, which served 380 clients in 2024, assisted in the creation of 28 new businesses and 91 new jobs, and supported over $24 million in capital formation.

Learn more about the College's mission and vision here: https://www.pstcc.edu/about/mission/

Pellissippi State offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous retirement programs, and paid time off for annual and sick leave, among many other benefits.

Administrative Affairs

Administrative Affairs provides essential operational support to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of Pellissippi State Community College. This division manages key areas such as budget and finance, human resources, facilities management, information technology, and campus safety. Administrative Affairs is committed to responsible stewardship of college resources and the creation of a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The division supports the college's mission by implementing best practices in operational management and fostering a culture of service. Through innovation and leadership, Administrative Affairs enables the college to achieve its strategic goals.

Knoxville Culture and Community

Knoxville is a vibrant, forward-thinking city where literary legends like James Agee, Cormac McCarthy, and Nikki Giovanni got their start, and where public art celebrates its heritage - including a striking 13-foot bronze statue of Alex Haley in the Haley Heritage Square. The newly opened Covenant Health Park, a state-of-the-art stadium, is home to the Knoxville Smokies baseball team and One Knoxville soccer and features seven bronze statues honoring African American baseball pioneers. Knoxville's creative legacy also includes renowned artists Beauford and Joseph Delany, musical icons like Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Chris Blue, the Everly Brothers, and RB Morris, and suffragist Lizzie Crozier French. The lasting influence of these artists and activists leaves the Knoxville area as a welcoming place to live and work.

With its iconic Sunsphere, lively Market Square, and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers a unique blend of history, culture, and opportunity that invites further exploration. More about the area and support groups can be found at Visit Knoxville https://www.visitknoxville.com, the Beck Cultural Exchange Center https://www.beckcenter.net, the Knoxville Urban League https://thekaul.org, Knoxville City https://knoxvilletn.gov, Knox County https://knoxcounty.org, My Knox Village http://myknoxvillage.com/business-directory/wpbdp_category/special-needsdisability-services/, Knox Pride https://knoxpride.com/equality, Centro Hispano de East TN https://www.centrohispanotn.org, and the Knoxville Chamber https://www.knoxvillechamber.com

Position Summary: The Vice President, Administrative Affairs serves as the college's chief business and administrative officer, providing strategic vision, leadership, and oversight of administrative functions that support the institution's mission, vision, values and operational excellence. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President leads a diverse portfolio including financial operations, human resources, campus safety, facilities management, and information technology. This executive role ensures the integration and effectiveness of core support services, drives institutional sustainability through fiscal stewardship, and fosters a high-performing, efficient, service-oriented administrative division.

Essential Functions:

30% Strategic and Executive Leadership: Serves as chief advisor to the President, President's Cabinet, and college leadership on strategic matters related to finance, budget, personnel, information technology, and facilities issues. This involves developing long-term operational strategies that must anticipate future needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and create action plans to enhance overall institutional effectiveness.

• Serves as a liaison between the President and all segments of the college regarding the requirements and procedures governing the administrative service areas of the college; and to the Tennessee Board of Regents and external stakeholders regarding financial, operational, and compliance matters.
• Serves as a key member of the executive leadership team contributing to college-wide strategy, planning, and decision making through and providing authoritative business advice for use in making decisions and establishing the priorities, goals, and objectives.
• Establishes the objectives, scope of service, structure, staffing, work methods, and performance standards for departments within administrative affairs, and monitors effectiveness and operational efficiency, and internal control compliance.
• Assesses the impact of proposed policies, procedures, legislation, and organizational changes affecting the ability of the College to effectively and efficiently provide administrative services and makes appropriate recommendations.

30% Leadership and Management of Administrative Affairs Division:

• Provides supervision/leadership and management for Facilities Management, Information Technology, Human Resources, Auxiliary Services, Risk Management and Safety, Fiscal Reporting and Operations, Campus Police, and Sustainability Initiatives.
• Budget development, fiscal planning, administration, accounting and fiscal operations, financial reporting and compliance, and resource allocation for operational programs.
• Ensure financial integrity, internal controls, and transparency in the management of institutional funds.
• Lead efforts to optimize resource allocation and identify efficiencies across the college.
• Ensure operational continuity, safety, and innovation in support services.
• Oversight of college facilities, including maintenance, renovations, and construction projects.
• Supervision of auxiliary services such as bookstore, dining services, and campus events.
• Responsibility for campus security, security operations, and emergency preparedness.
• Leadership in sustainability initiative and environmental management across campus operations.
• Oversight of procurement processes and vendor relationships.
• Oversight of human resources functions to champion engagement employee success throughout the college including but not limited to recruitment, retention, and employee relations.

20% Policy, Compliance, and Risk Management:

• Ensuring that all operational aspects of the college comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and TBR and PSCC policies.
• Support risk management practices and lead business continuity.
• Recommend and implement administrative policies and procedures that promote effective and compliant operations.

10% Stakeholder Collaboration and Community Partnerships: Foster strong, collaborative relationship across the college.

• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to promote understanding and transparency of administrative functions.
• Represent the college in negotiations, audits, and policy discussions as needed with industry, organizations, and individuals in the college community. Facilitate business transactions of the college and enhance the accessibility of community resources to students.
• Collaborate with External Affairs and other relevant stakeholders to solicit funds to support special interest programs and services of the college from industry, organizations, and individuals within the college community.
• Work in partnership with Student Affairs/Enrollment Services to assess enrollment patterns and prepare budget forecasts that align with the College's financial planning and strategic goals.
• Key partner with Academic Affairs in all budgetary matters related to instructional programs, and ensuring that financial planning, resource allocation, and administrative support align with academic goals and institutional priorities.
• Represents the college at a variety of meetings, committees, and conferences addressing operating programs and overall management of the college.

5% Participates in grievances, disciplinary meetings, and other employment related activities as needed.

5% Assumes the duties, obligations, and responsibilities of the President, as assigned, during their absence. May perform other duties as assigned.

Note: The College reserves the right to change or reassign job duties, or combine positions at any time.

Job Requirements:

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Accounting, Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Doctorate preferred.
• 8+ years in progressive leadership experience in higher education, finance, or administrative management with demonstrated success in strategic planning, budget oversight, and/or organizational leadership.

Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% credit of full-time work experience.

Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated success in operational management and process improvement.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise systems, financial reporting standards, and human resource best practices.
• Strong understanding of higher education trends and challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and navigate change with integrity and vision.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and team-building skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability in strategic planning, policy development, and implementation at an organizational level.
• Expertise in risk management practices, internal controls, and compliance with regulatory requirements related to finance and administration.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage teams effectively.
• Familiarity with the operation and regulatory environment specific to community colleges, including knowledge of accreditation standards, state and federal funding mechanisms, and educational policies.
• Comfort with technology and information systems relevant to financial management and administrative operation (e.g., budgeting software).
• Ability to engage in the College's mission and values.

Budgetary: This position holds extensive budgetary responsibilities, overseeing the college's entire budget, which often amounts to tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. This role is pivotal in developing, maintaining, and allocating a balanced annual budget across various departments while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. The position carries significant signing authority for contracts and expenditures, often up to a specified threshold (e.g., $75,000), with larger amounts requiring additional approval. Key responsibilities include long-term financial planning, implementing cost control strategies, tracking expenditures, reporting on budget variances, and identifying alternative revenue streams. The VP's influence extends to the entire college budget, directly impacting the college's fiscal health, operational efficiency, and ability to fulfill its educational mission.

Physical Demands: Position is physically demanding from the aspect of travel to and from numerous meetings or college events; however, the work is primarily sedentary - involving long periods of sitting at a desk or in meetings. Occasional travel may be necessary for conferences, meetings with external stakeholders, or visits to other campuses. Manual dexterity is mainly needed for computer work, writing, and handling documents. Visual acuity for reading financial reports, budgets, and other details documents on paper and computer screens is necessary. Hearing ability for participating in meetings, phone calls, and video conferences is necessary. Verbal communication skills for presenting information and interacting with various stakeholders is necessary.

Hazards: The job involves long periods of sitting at a desk, which can lead to health issues such as back pain, poor posture, and increased risk of other problems.

Extensive computer use may result in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or eye strain.

The high-pressure nature of the role, including managing budgets and personnel, can contribute to stress-related illnesses such as hypertension or anxiety.

Full-time Employment Benefits:

• Insurance Options: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short/Long-term Disability, FSA/HSA
• Wellness Incentive Program, if enrolled in health plan
• Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent discounts, Audit/Non-Credit, Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Options: Tennessee traditional pension plan option (TCRS), 401k with $100 company match, 457, 403b
• Employee Discount program with over 900+ companies
• 14 Paid Holidays/Year Includes paid days off the last week of December
• Sick Leave Bank
• Longevity Pay
• Many opportunities for professional development

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered for a position at Pellissippi State, you must create an on-line application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Work experience that is not listed on the application will not be considered towards compensation. Please note: attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. Please note: to scan, upload, or attach documents, a computer and scanner are available at the Hardin Valley Campus Educational Resources Center, if needed.

Pellissippi State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, disability, age (40+), status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies concerning all employment and education programs and activities. View the nondiscrimination policy. For questions or concerns, please contact George Underwood at gtunderwood@pstcc.edu or 865-539-7354.

If you have any problems or questions please contact Human Resources at Pellissippi State Community College's Human Resource Office at 865-694-6607 or by email at recruiting@pstcc.edu.

If you are interested in this position, click on Apply located below or Apply Now in the upper right-hand corner.

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