Business Operations Jobs at University of Tennessee with Visa Sponsorship
University of Tennessee hires Business Operations professionals across finance, procurement, compliance, and administrative strategy to keep a large public research university running. For international candidates, UT has a clear track record of sponsoring work visas for this function, making it a strong target if you're pursuing employer-supported immigration.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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 efficiency. In addition to its core business functions, the role provides cross-functional support to Global Engagement initiatives as needed.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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 the comprehensive preparation and preprocessing of contracts and contract requirements for both foreign and domestic vendors.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders regarding contracts, workflows, and various systems, aiding their development, enhancement, refinement, and upkeep. Recognize and resolve process related issues and bottlenecks.
- Gather and confirm the requirements and credentials of contracts/vendors prior to submission.
- Submit contracts into Contract Management System, 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. Proactively identify, highlight, and manage contracts nearing expiration.
- Review and pay vendor invoices and other payments in UT’s administrative system (DASH), paying close attention to special payment instructions such as wire transfers and foreign currency conversions.
- Assist Financial Associate with program rectifications, coordinating with other departments as needed.
- Facilitate student billing and interdepartmental transfers.
- Assist with 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, and facilitate departmental goals.
- Stay abreast of Federal, State, International, and University policies and regulations related to contract issues/management by researching materials and attending conferences, among other methods, to advance knowledge and understanding of complex compliance risk-assessment and mitigation.
- Collect, audit, and file Certificates of Insurance (COI) documents of vendors necessary for contract procedure and 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 and maintain communication 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.
- Supports the Business Manager in the development and interpretation of policy and procedure for business operation functions.
- Facilitate vendor credentialing through Payment Works.
- Create clear process maps for procedures so that workflow can continue smoothly in absence.
- Manage numerous and competing deadlines.
- Other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education: High school diploma or some college and specialized education or bachelor's degree.
Experience: Four-five years office experience with high school diploma, some college and specialized education or one-two years office experience with bachelor's 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: Bachelor’s 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 bachelor's 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.
LOCATION
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Hybrid (mostly remote with some in-person meetings)
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
UT market range: MR06
Anticipated hiring range: $50,000 - $55,000
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 university’s 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.
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!
INTRODUCTION
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 efficiency. In addition to its core business functions, the role provides cross-functional support to Global Engagement initiatives as needed.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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 the comprehensive preparation and preprocessing of contracts and contract requirements for both foreign and domestic vendors.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders regarding contracts, workflows, and various systems, aiding their development, enhancement, refinement, and upkeep. Recognize and resolve process related issues and bottlenecks.
- Gather and confirm the requirements and credentials of contracts/vendors prior to submission.
- Submit contracts into Contract Management System, 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. Proactively identify, highlight, and manage contracts nearing expiration.
- Review and pay vendor invoices and other payments in UT’s administrative system (DASH), paying close attention to special payment instructions such as wire transfers and foreign currency conversions.
- Assist Financial Associate with program rectifications, coordinating with other departments as needed.
- Facilitate student billing and interdepartmental transfers.
- Assist with 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, and facilitate departmental goals.
- Stay abreast of Federal, State, International, and University policies and regulations related to contract issues/management by researching materials and attending conferences, among other methods, to advance knowledge and understanding of complex compliance risk-assessment and mitigation.
- Collect, audit, and file Certificates of Insurance (COI) documents of vendors necessary for contract procedure and 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 and maintain communication 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.
- Supports the Business Manager in the development and interpretation of policy and procedure for business operation functions.
- Facilitate vendor credentialing through Payment Works.
- Create clear process maps for procedures so that workflow can continue smoothly in absence.
- Manage numerous and competing deadlines.
- Other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education: High school diploma or some college and specialized education or bachelor's degree.
Experience: Four-five years office experience with high school diploma, some college and specialized education or one-two years office experience with bachelor's 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: Bachelor’s 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 bachelor's 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.
LOCATION
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Hybrid (mostly remote with some in-person meetings)
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
UT market range: MR06
Anticipated hiring range: $50,000 - $55,000
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 university’s 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.
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!
See all 6+ Business Operations at University of Tennessee jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Business Operations Jobs at University of Tennessee Jobs
Align your credentials to higher education operations
Universities evaluate Business Operations candidates on experience with public-sector compliance, budget administration, or institutional procurement. Framing your background around higher education workflows, not just corporate operations, signals you understand UT's regulatory environment from day one.
Target UT's procurement and finance departments directly
Business Operations roles at UT often sit within specific units like financial services, sponsored programs, or auxiliary services. Apply to the department most aligned with your specialty rather than searching broadly, since hiring decisions at large universities frequently happen at the departmental level.
Confirm H-1B sponsorship before advancing in interviews
UT sponsors H-1B visas for Business Operations roles, but individual hiring units control the process. Ask the recruiter during your first screening whether the specific position has budget allocated for H-1B filing, since not every open role automatically includes sponsorship approval from central HR.
Prepare your specialty occupation documentation early
USCIS requires Business Operations H-1B petitions to demonstrate the role requires a specific bachelor's degree, not a general one. Gather degree transcripts, job description evidence, and any professional certifications before your offer stage so your employer's immigration counsel can build the petition quickly.
Understand UT's PERM timeline if you're targeting permanent residence
Public universities like UT can sponsor EB-2 or EB-3 Green Cards through PERM, but DOL's labor market test adds 12 to 18 months to the process. Start that conversation with your hiring manager before accepting an offer if long-term status is part of your plan.
Use Migrate Mate to find open roles that include sponsorship
Not every Business Operations listing at UT specifies visa sponsorship in the job post. Use Migrate Mate to filter and identify which open positions at University of Tennessee are actively seeking international candidates, so you spend time on applications where sponsorship is already on the table.
Business Operations at University of Tennessee jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Business Operations at University of Tennessee JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does University of Tennessee sponsor H-1B visas for Business Operations?
Yes, University of Tennessee sponsors H-1B visas for Business Operations roles. As a large public research university, UT has an established immigration process through its central HR and legal offices. Sponsorship availability can vary by department and role, so confirm with the recruiter early in the process whether the specific position includes H-1B support.
How do I apply for Business Operations jobs at University of Tennessee?
You can apply through UT's official careers portal or use Migrate Mate to browse Business Operations openings at University of Tennessee that are open to visa sponsorship. Tailor your application to the specific unit, whether that's financial services, procurement, or compliance, since each department has its own operational focus and hiring criteria.
Which visa types does University of Tennessee commonly use for Business Operations roles?
University of Tennessee primarily sponsors H-1B visas for Business Operations professionals, which allows up to six years of work authorization in two- or three-year increments. For candidates seeking permanent residence, UT can pursue EB-2 or EB-3 Green Card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process with the Department of Labor, though that pathway involves a longer timeline.
What qualifications does University of Tennessee expect for Business Operations candidates?
UT typically looks for candidates with a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a closely related field. Experience in public-sector budgeting, sponsored research compliance, or institutional procurement is a strong differentiator. For H-1B eligibility, USCIS requires the role to be a specialty occupation, so having a degree directly tied to the job function strengthens your petition significantly.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take after receiving an offer from University of Tennessee?
If you're filing an H-1B cap-subject petition, USCIS opens registration each March for an October 1 start date, so timing your offer relative to that window matters. For cap-exempt H-1B transfers from another university or research institution, processing can happen year-round and typically takes two to five months. Premium processing through USCIS is available and reduces adjudication to roughly 15 business days.
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