Overview
There are two processes available to a hiring decision-maker to fill an open exempt staff position. The first process is to conduct a normal search. The second process is to request an exemption from the normal search process in order to fill the position either temporarily or permanently.
A normal search is open to the public, conducted by a committee, and generally concluded by the hiring decision-maker making an offer to a candidate recommended by the committee. Search committees perform a critical role in the search process by ensuring that the search is conducted according to University policies and procedures and by identifying qualified candidates for employment. Whereas, exemptions from the normal process to permanently fill an open or newly created position generally fall within three categories: 1) a request for an internal search open only to UT System employees; 2) a promotion in place/reclassification; 3) unique qualifications and/or situations that make a search counterproductive. An exemption from the normal search process may be requested to temporarily fill an open or newly created position in order to make an acting/interim appointment for no more than a year.
Additionally, a Limited Duration Appointment (LDA) may be used to fill a new position. However, if a decision is made to make the LDA a permanent position, the permanent position should be filled by a normal exempt staff search. Although, an LDA may be filled with a search that utilizes the normal exempt staff search process, the pools of applicants attracted to a limited duration appointment versus a permanent full-time position may vary significantly.
Hiring Decision-Maker Considerations
Search Committee Roles and Responsibilities
The search committee is to recruit, review, and recommend to fill open positions.
Exempt Search Process
This webpage provides policies, procedures, guidelines, and best practices for each stage of the exempt staff search process.
Virtual Interview Guidance
Forms & Resources
For more information please see Forms & Resources and click on the Exempt Staff Searches tab
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.
Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building – 2450 E J. Chapman Drive, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.