Basic Needs Coordinator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Basic Needs Resource Navigator provides support to the daily operations and administrative logistics in the Center for Basic Needs. The position serves as the front-line customer service representative for the center and supports professional and student staff to properly maintain facilities, source and sort food, and assist visitors of the Center for Basic Needs.

Operations Support:

• Assist with daily operations of the Big Orange Pantry and Pocket Pantries, Smokey's Closet, and Free Store
• Maintain proper storage of food, clothing, hygiene items, or other donated goods
• Provide support to Center's student director staff and volunteers

Administrative Support:

• Serve as the center's front-line contact for phone, email, or walk-in inquires
• Answer questions, make referrals, and appropriately route communications to staff or partners
• Provide administrative support to basic needs services and programs

Office & Logistic Coordination:

• Assist with general office coordination and staff coverage
• Help maintain efficient day-to-day operations

Required Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma

Experience: 1 year of front-line customer service experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Customer service skills
• Interpersonal and communication skills

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: Experience providing support to individuals or students

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Student/individual support

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR04
• Anticipated hiring range: $17 hourly
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

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 August 7, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

The Division of Student Life is comprised of an outstanding group of professionals who create student-centered opportunities that contribute to a transformative Volunteer Experience. These opportunities allow students to grow their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. From health and wellness to service and engagement, we provide opportunities where students exemplify the Volunteer Spirit, inspiring others to learn, lead, and serve.

Our departments provide essential services that support student success and future growth, fostering engagement, leadership, and wellness while enhancing belonging. Together, they create transformative experiences that help students achieve both academic and personal goals.

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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. 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!

• Job Identification 9275
• Job Category Services
• Locations 1502 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US