UTSI Director of Infrastructure & Facilities

The Director of Infrastructure & Facilities is the principal executive at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) responsible for all space, infrastructure, and facilities-related matters across the campus. This includes oversight of more than 10 primary buildings, specialized research laboratories, a 300+ acre campus, and select off-site locations. The position leads campus-wide strategic planning for infrastructure development, space utilization, capital projects, and utility service improvements in direct support of UTSI’s academic and research mission.

This role provides leadership and executive oversight for UTSI’s infrastructure and facilities, including long-term master planning, space allocation, capital projects, renovations, utilities, and technical systems. The Director supervises facilities staff, coordinates with UT System offices, external contractors, and architects, and represents UTSI in all infrastructure-related planning and project discussions. The position ensures compliance with safety and environmental standards, supports research and academic space needs, and manages multiple budgets associated with infrastructure and capital projects.

• Infrastructure & Space Planning (30%)
  • Lead master planning and space utilization processes in alignment with UTK and UT System plans.
  • Project future infrastructure and space needs to support research and academic growth.
  • Serve as UTSI’s lead contact for master planning and capital project prioritization.
• Infrastructure & Facilities Management (20%)
  • Evaluate departmental infrastructure requests and recommend allocations.
  • Lead incident response (e.g., outages, leaks) and coordinate repairs.
  • Oversee departmental budgets and capital project funding.
• Capital Projects, Renovations & Technical Oversight (30%)
  • Direct planning, design review, and oversight of renovations and new construction.
  • Oversee utilities, mechanical, electrical, and research-specific infrastructure.
  • Coordinate with UT Capital Projects, contractors, and system offices.
• Personnel Leadership & Supervision (15%)
  • Manage UTSI’s infrastructure and facilities team, including managers and staff.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and guide professional development.
  • Ensure coordination across facilities, custodial, grounds, and research support.
• Emergency Management & Compliance (5%)
  • Serve on the Emergency Management Response Team.
  • Maintain permits (boiler, wastewater, environmental) and ensure regulatory compliance.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Technical Design, Building/Construction Management, or related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in infrastructure, space management, building maintenance, construction/renovation management, or technical infrastructure operations.
  • At least 5 years in a leadership role.
  • Demonstrated experience in capital project planning, facilities operations, and technical oversight.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Strong leadership and administrative skills.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of infrastructure systems and facilities operations.
  • Project and budget management skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
  • Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, DOT, building codes, and safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in a related field.
• Experience:
  • More than 8 years in higher education or research-intensive environments.
  • Leadership experience in strategic infrastructure planning and space optimization.

Work Location

• Location: Tullahoma, Tennessee
• Onsite Requirement: This position is located at the UT Space Institute campus.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT Market Range: MR17
• Anticipated Hiring Range: $117,356.53-$136,915.96, based on qualifications and experience.
• UT Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit the following materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of three professional references

About the Department

The UTSI Physical Plant is responsible for the planning, development, maintenance, and sustainment of campus infrastructure and facilities. The department ensures that the Institute’s academic and research objectives are supported by safe, efficient, and innovative infrastructure solutions.

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 multidisciplinary 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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

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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