The VolBooks Assistant Director is responsible for leading and managing the university’s comprehensive digital course materials operation, including UT’s flagship flat-rate access programs, Total Access and Course Access. This position oversees all aspects of course material procurement, inventory management, and vendor relations with publishers and EdTech partners. A key part of the role is monitoring digital platforms such as VitalSource to ensure timely faculty adoptions, strong student participation, and accurate system integration.

The Assistant Director provides direct leadership to digital buyers, sales floor staff, and student employees—setting goals, hiring, training, and ensuring consistent performance. The position establishes the strategic direction for the department, identifies emerging technologies, and evaluates new digital, EdTech, and AI-driven course material solutions.

Financial responsibilities include budgeting, forecasting, margin management, reconciliation of access program charges, inventory cycle counts, and analysis of departmental sales performance. The role ensures compliance with HEOA regulations and oversees accurate data entry across ERP systems, digital management software, and the website.

Campus outreach is essential. The Assistant Director builds strong relationships with faculty, departments, and administrators to promote affordability, accessibility, and on-time adoptions. The position regularly prepares presentations, collaborates on marketing efforts, and represents VolBooks and the VolShop at campus meetings and industry conferences.

Overall, the VolBooks Assistant Director plays a pivotal leadership role in future-proofing course materials at UT, elevating academic support through innovative digital solutions, and contributing to the success of students, faculty, and the broader campus community.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or ten years of management experience in higher education course materials.

Experience

• 10 years of supervisory or managerial experience in course materials with a digital Access Program.

• 10 years of course materials buying experience.

• 10 years of college bookstore experience serving a student population of over 20,000.

About University of Tennessee VolShop

The VolShop is the University of Tennessee self-operated, innovative campus retailer, dedicated to strengthening Volunteer spirit and supporting students with high-quality products at competitive prices. With multiple locations and online shopping, it offers everything from apparel and gifts to course materials, technology, and licensed merchandise. Constantly evolving its services and programs, the VolShop serves as a vital resource for the university community and a trusted partner in campus life. 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 multidisciplin...ary 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.

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Connections working at University of Tennessee VolShop