Employee Engagement & Recognition Consultant - Office of Human Resources - UTK

In partnership with the Employee Success team, the Employee Engagement & Recognition Consultant serves as a strategic builder and lead consultant for university-wide recognition and engagement efforts.

This role leads the strategic coordination, delivery, and continuous enhancement of scalable recognition initiatives that foster connection, appreciation, and community among employees at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The consultant contributes to broader Employee Success Center initiatives and signature events that strengthen university culture, belonging, and climate.

 This position requires a high level of strategic thinking, initiative, and consultation. The consultant must be able to translate broad employee experience goals into actionable programs, influence stakeholders across a complex organization, and build sustainable approaches that extend beyond one-time events or transactional recognition efforts.

In addition to leading key recognition initiatives, this role helps shape the broader employee experience by using feedback, data, and institutional insight to recommend and implement high-impact solutions.

Strategic Program Development and Leadership. 

• Lead the strategy, development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of university-wide employee engagement and recognition efforts.
• Evaluate and continuously enhance existing recognition programs to increase employee connection and visibility. 
• Lead and manage university-wide recognition and engagement programs, including Service Awards, VOLgrams, Employee Appreciation Day, and Staff Appreciation Week.
• Oversee long-range program planning, implementation timelines, communications strategy, and cross-campus coordination.
• Partner with HR Communications to develop messaging and storytelling that elevate recognition efforts and promote consistent university-wide participation.
• Ensure programs move beyond event-based activity to support broader employee experience, culture, and retention goals. Design and maintain recognition tools and resources to ensure clarity, accessibility, and effective use across colleges and units.

Consultation & Partnership 

• Serve as the primary HR consultant for recognition and engagement initiatives.
•  Partner with campus leaders, departments, and stakeholders to assess needs, recommend solutions, and increase the effectiveness of local and university-wide recognition efforts. Assess existing recognition practices and identify opportunities for enhancement, alignment, or additional support.
• Collaborate with institutional stakeholders, including HR Communications, OIT, HR Data, campus leaders, and system partners, to deliver coordinated and seamless recognition experiences.
• Provide presentations, consultations, and training to support effective engagement strategies.
• Represent the Employee Success Center on councils, committees, and cross-functional initiatives related to culture, climate, and belonging.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement 

• Develop and administer surveys, feedback tools, and evaluation measures to assess program reach and impact.
• Analyze engagement and participation data to identify trends, strengths, and opportunities.
• Provide data-informed recommendations to HR and Employee Success leadership to strengthen employee connection, recognition visibility, and retention alignment.

Mentoring & Departmental Initiatives 

• Support the university’s mentoring program in partnership with Career Consultants.
• Coordinate engagement touchpoints that foster connection throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Contribute to Employee Success Center programs, events, and cross-functional initiatives that advance employee experience and community-building.

Required Qualifications
 

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 2 years of relevant experience - OR - an Associates degree with 3 years of relevant experience - OR - in lieu of degree, 5 or more years of relevant experience.

• Experience:. Experience leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs, initiatives, or services with broad stakeholder impact.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of HR principles, employee engagement and recognition best practices.

  •  Demonstrated ability to think strategically, identify needs, and translate broad goals into effective programs or initiatives.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships across stakeholder groups.

  • Ability to design and deliver presentations that inform, inspire and engage diverse audiences.

  • Ability to analyze feedback and data to make recommendations for improvement.

  •  Ability to balance strategy and execution, moving initiatives from concept to implementation.

  • Knowledge of higher education or large public-sector environments.

  • Knowledge of employee engagement and recognition best practices, including methodologies for measuring program effectiveness and impact.

  • Ability to work independently, navigate ambiguity, build structure where processes or programs are still evolving, prioritize multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications
 

• Experience: Experience in Higher Education or HR consulting roles.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Experience in recognition and engagement programs.

Work Location 

• Fully on-site for an initial training period with the option to work 1-2 remote days per week after training, depending on departmental needs. 
•   Knoxville, TN 

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR09

• Anticipated hiring range: $55,000 - $60,000

• 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. 

• Resume

• Cover Letter