UTSI - Senior Director of Campus Operations
Apply NowCompany: The University of Tennessee System
Location: Tullahoma, TN 37388
Description:
Job Description
The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking a Senior Director of Campus Operations to lead and oversee the Institute's infrastructure management, planning, and daily operations. This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Executive Director, and is responsible for guiding the strategic and operational use of UTSI's buildings, grounds, IT systems, safety, and custodial services across a 300+ acre research and academic campus.
The Senior Director provides broad leadership for UTSI's physical infrastructure, including the management of over 10 buildings, coordination of multi-functional teams, and strategic planning aligned with the UTSI Campus Master Plan. This position ensures that all operations and support systems function efficiently and support the Institute's research, education, and growth objectives.
This role requires strong collaboration with UT Knoxville (UTK) and Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) infrastructure leadership, as well as UTSI's internal research and academic stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Campus Operations & Infrastructure Leadership (50%)
Strategic Infrastructure Planning (25%)
Personnel Management & Development (20%)
Institutional Representation (5%)
Qualifications
Qualifications
Required:
Preferred:
Why Join UTSI?
This is a regular, full-time exempt position with competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience.
Apply today and lead the operational excellence of UTSI's world-class research and education environment!
About Us
With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state's flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative 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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!
Ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates", "One of America's Best Large Employers", "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking a Senior Director of Campus Operations to lead and oversee the Institute's infrastructure management, planning, and daily operations. This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Executive Director, and is responsible for guiding the strategic and operational use of UTSI's buildings, grounds, IT systems, safety, and custodial services across a 300+ acre research and academic campus.
The Senior Director provides broad leadership for UTSI's physical infrastructure, including the management of over 10 buildings, coordination of multi-functional teams, and strategic planning aligned with the UTSI Campus Master Plan. This position ensures that all operations and support systems function efficiently and support the Institute's research, education, and growth objectives.
This role requires strong collaboration with UT Knoxville (UTK) and Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) infrastructure leadership, as well as UTSI's internal research and academic stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Campus Operations & Infrastructure Leadership (50%)
- Lead and execute UTSI's infrastructure utilization strategy, aligned with institutional goals.
- Manage institutional planning and resource allocation for campus operations, including IT, facilities, safety, and custodial services.
- Supervise personnel from multiple operational units.
- Oversee compliance with state, federal, and UT policies, and ensure strong coordination with UTK and TCE.
- Work in collaboration with other senior leaders to accomplish strategic goals.
Strategic Infrastructure Planning (25%)
- Serve as principal owner of the UTSI Campus Master Plan.
- Track, assess, and develop plans for future infrastructure growth and utilization.
- Lead efforts to improve operational efficiency and align physical resources with research and faculty expansion.
- Coordinate with UTSI's Senior Director of Research to support growth in scientific and technical capabilities.
Personnel Management & Development (20%)
- Supervise and support managers and staff across multiple campus functions.
- Conduct performance evaluations and guide career development for team leaders.
- Promote mentorship and professional growth across all assigned personnel.
Institutional Representation (5%)
- Represent UTSI and the Executive Director in community settings, with partners, and at designated events.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Required:
- Master's degree in Engineering or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in the operation and/or development of complex technical infrastructure.
- At least 3 years of experience in a leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of campus operations, technical systems, and compliance standards.
- Demonstrated ability to lead diverse functional teams and support large-scale strategic planning.
Preferred:
- 3+ years as a facilities manager or operations director for a technology-focused organization (e.g., university, industrial site, or DoD installation).
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or complex technical research environments.
Why Join UTSI?
- Lead strategic operations at a premier UT research institute.
- Shape the future of campus infrastructure, research capacity, and institutional growth.
- Collaborate with leaders in academia, research, and engineering innovation.
- Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package in a scenic, mission-driven academic setting.
This is a regular, full-time exempt position with competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience.
Apply today and lead the operational excellence of UTSI's world-class research and education environment!
About Us
With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state's flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative 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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!
Ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates", "One of America's Best Large Employers", "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.