Job Details

Travel And Program Support Specialist - CGE - UTK

Position Number: 6336094
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: International Programs

Travel And Program Support Specialist - CGE - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 3685
Job Category: Administrative
Posting Date: 07/01/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1616 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
The Travel and Program Support Specialist is a key member of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's (UTK) Center for Global Engagement (CGE) and Office of Global Security, Risk, and Resilience (Global Risk). This role supports Global Risk's Assistant Director in overseeing and coordinating essential processes, with a primary focus on international travel approval and registration procedures.

The Travel Specialist serves as a knowledgeable resource on UTK and UT System travel policies, ensuring compliance and providing guidance to students, faculty, staff, and other university stakeholders as they navigate travel-related processes. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential, as the position frequently requires responding to evolving global safety and security conditions.

Additional responsibilities include developing and maintaining informational and learning materials-such as website content-and supporting data management, reporting, event coordination, and outreach efforts. The Specialist may lead information sessions, training, and contribute to special projects in collaboration with Global Risk, the Programs Abroad Office, and CGE.

Although based within Global Risk, this position also provides cross-functional support to the Center for Global Engagement (CGE), particularly in areas such as special events and activities, program coordination, petition and review processes, and engagement with students and program leaders preparing for international experiences. The Specialist plays an important role in fostering and maintaining strong collaborative relationships between and within Global Risk, CGE, the Programs Abroad Office, and other departments, schools, and colleges at UTK and within the UT System.

This position plays an integral role in advancing the university's commitment to safe, informed, and well-supported global engagement.

Responsibilities
Global Risk Management & International Travel Coordination

Lead the implementation and oversight of international travel risk management practices that align with higher education best practices and University of Tennessee policies.
Manage and review international travel requests and registrations for faculty, staff, students, and affiliated groups, ensuring compliance with UT policies, federal regulations, and international travel advisories.
Serve as the primary administrator for Terra Dotta (travel registry) and DASH (UT's travel authorization system); troubleshoot issues, develop solutions, implement process improvements, and educate the university community about these systems and processes.
Coordinate the review and approval processes for high-risk travel and serve as the point of contact for related advisory committees. Provide analysis and documentation to support decision-making for program development and exception requests.
Monitor global travel conditions and government-issued advisories; communicate timely updates and guidance to university travelers.
Serve as a central resource for university travelers, offering clear guidance, problem-solving, and excellent customer service.
Oversee travel related financial processes including international insurance, cost-recovery models, and billing mechanisms.
Facilitate campus-wide training, presentations, and communications related to international travel, insurance coverage, safety protocols, and registration processes.
Collaborate across campus with academic, risk management, finance, legal, and other units to support travelers and ensure an integrated approach to risk mitigation.
Provide risk management support for programs, including site assessments, emergency planning, health and safety protocols, and faculty leader preparation.
Guide faculty and campus partners through the development, approval, and ongoing evaluation of programs.
Support student preparation through safety education, pre-departure programming, and re-entry sessions.

Travel & Program Data Analysis and Reporting

Maintain accurate travel records and generate compliance, budget, and participation reports to inform institutional planning and oversight.
Coordinate the collection and analysis of data for annual reports, insurance renewals, Open Doors submissions, and partnership evaluations.
Design and implement evaluation frameworks for international risk management, emergency incidents, and overall program effectiveness.
Contribute to institutional insights and strategy through data-informed recommendations related to global travel and programming.

Emergency Response & Special Projects

Serve in a 24/7 on call rotation for international emergencies, supporting program leaders and students in crisis situations.
Contribute to budget tracking and reporting for Global Risk/CGE travel and programming operations.
Maintain up-to-date documentation of procedures and participate in strategic initiatives and special projects as assigned.
Remain active in professional organizations related to international education, risk management, and travel management to inform ongoing professional practice.
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education:
- A High School Diploma
Experience: At least three years of experience working in travel management, international education, student services, academic advising, international engagement/affairs, global learning, or a related field.
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 visa status.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Working knowledge of higher education global programs, standards, requirements, and practices.
Ability to make independent decisions regarding the completeness and accuracy of international travel registrations and travel requests or other program materials and follows up accordingly.
Ability to be diplomatic and professional when working with the university community and other stakeholders to explain processes and resolve issues.
Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities at once and manage time effectively.
Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and dynamic university environment and build and maintain effective relationships with individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Strong organizational, communication, and critical thinking skills, with a committed attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software and ability to quickly learn new computer skills/processes.
Ability to work periodic evening and weekend hours.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Ability to manage emergency situations involving students, faculty, and staff studying or working abroad.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:
- A Bachelor's degree.
- Experience with project management. Experience with global cross-cultural interactions and engagement, which might include living, working, or studying abroad.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Strong project management skills with the ability to streamline and map cross-unit processes.
- Proven ability to engage and lead stakeholders toward shared goals.
- Experience in cross-cultural settings, including international travel, study, or professional work abroad.
Experience:

Work Schedule

This is an on-campus position with some flexibility for working hybrid/remote schedule. The successful candidate must be willing to work occasionally on weekends evenings, and/or overnights while traveling.

Work Location

2309 Kingston Pike, Knoxville TN 37919
This is an on-campus position with some flexibility for working hybrid/remote schedule. The successful candidate must be willing to work occasionally on weekends evenings, and or overnights while traveling.

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR07
Anticipated hiring salary range: $$37,500 - $43,500
Regular Full Time Non-Exempt
Benefits include:
Generous paid leave, accruing up to 12 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days
Flexible work arrangements, offering a hybrid schedule to most team members
Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses
Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV or resume, names and contact information for three professional references.

About The College/Department/Division

The Center for Global Engagement, CGE is comprised of seven units (English Language Institute, the International House, International Student and Scholar Services, Programs Abroad, Communications, Global Security, Risk and Resilience, & Global Research, Innovation and Partnerships) that are responsible for working throughout campus, across Tennessee and around the world to provide enriching and diverse international learning and research experiences for faculty, students and scholars.

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/3685/?mode=location