The University of Tennessee SMART Initiative seeks applications for a Field Services Coordinator to provide consulting, technical assistance and coordination or services in tandem with their divisional substance use consultants across the state. This position will be a three-year limited appointment, though expected to continue beyond the initial three-year appointment. SMART is an initiative of the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service that provides technical assistance, consulting, training and research services for Tennessee towns and cities.

The SMART Initiative currently employs three divisional substance use consultants that provide technical assistance to local governments on a wide variety of issues related to overcoming the opioid crisis. Technical assistance includes providing support and guidance for the management and spending of opioid settlement funds, conducting needs assessments, and developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based programs. This position will coordinate the services provided by the three divisional consultants and lead state-wide activities to ensure standardization of services being provided. This includes but is not limited to planning and hosting workshops and education activities, holding office hours, planning webinars, tracking opioid settlement payments and projections, assisting with county and agency reporting, and supporting external funding applications. This position will also provide direct consulting services when other divisional consultants have scheduling conflicts or are on leave.

• Establish and maintain close relationships with state, county, and municipal leaders and other state professionals
• Communicate with divisional consultants at regular intervals to ensure standardization of services across the state
• Manage a database of all opioid settlement payments and projections for each county
• Provide guidance as needed to divisional consultants regarding abatement initiatives
• Identify educational needs across the designated grand division for various organizations and groups, including elected officials, law enforcement, criminal justice professionals, and youth educators
• Determine the most appropriate methodology for education delivery and develop and maintain presentations/materials to address the needs identified
• Deliver high quality presentations
• Plan and host summits, workshops, office hours, webinars, or conferences related to substance use
• Follow all branding guidelines set forth by the Institute’s director of communications
• Provide technical assistance primarily to state, county, and municipal officials in the designated grand division to conduct needs assessments, develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based substance use programs, and guide the spending and tracking of opioid settlement funds
• Assist county or municipal officials or designated community organizations with identification of state, federal, or other funding opportunities to use for developing and implementing evidence-based substance use programs
• Provide assistance to other community organizations, including coalitions, law enforcement, schools, or any other group with a need identified by city or county leadership
• Provide support/assistance/mentoring for program evaluation and/or community impact evaluation for programs implemented with the use of grant funds
• Attend team, agency, and institute meetings and institute conferences
• Maintain records of all activities, contacts, presentations, and visits to counties and municipalities
• Remain current on subject matter and emerging trends through attendance at professional meetings and conferences, seminars and trainings, and professional readings
• Supervise interns and student employees

Required Qualifications

• Education: B achelor’s degree in public health or related field
• Experience: A minimum of four years of experience in a position related to substance use or equivalent education or experience
• Knowledge of:
  • Computer software knowledge in Microsoft Office applications (MS Power Point, MS Excel, MS Word, etc.) is required.
  • The impact of the opioid crisis on rural and urban communities and knowledge of federal and state laws related to substance use.
  • How local government is structured and operates
• Skills:
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required.
• Abilities
  • Complete tasks independently with little supervision while working in the office or remotely.
  • Develop and deliver high quality presentations.
  • Apply for and manage state and federal grants for customers.
  • Work effectively with colleagues, county and city officials, subject matter professionals, and Institute staff.
  • Multi-task and prioritize activities when reacting to numerous requests for assistance from communities.
  • Travel daily or occasionally overnight within the state.

  • Think critically and analyze data.
    

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: Master’s degree in public health or related field.
  

Work Location:

• Knoxville, TN

The Institute for Public Service (IPS) supports a formal Alternative Work Arrangement program currently in place and more information can be provided if candidate progresses through the recruitment process.

Benefits

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 June 14, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
List of 3 Professional References

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About The College/Department/Division

The UT Institute for Public Service provides outreach and assistance to all of Tennessee. Through our agencies and initiatives, we offer technical assistance, training, and consulting on a wide variety of services, including government operations, language services, local planning, law enforcement excellence, leadership training, manufacturing excellence, opioid abatement and much more.