Program Administrator: Center for Transportation Research - UTK
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
Nashville, TN, USA
Posted on Feb 3, 2026
This full-time, exempt position is administered through the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and funded by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). The position will be located at TDOT’s headquarters in Nashville and will support the Planning Division.
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 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.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
This full-time, exempt position is administered through the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and funded by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). The position will be located at TDOT’s headquarters in Nashville and will support the Planning Division.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- Two to three years of progressively responsible experience in a local or state government administrative, program, financial, or project management environment are required
- Experience with contract or invoice management is preferred, with financial or accounting-related experience considered a plus
- Candidates must demonstrate strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects accurately
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office is required, along with strong organizational, time management, and basic project management skills
- Proven customer service skills are essential, as this position works closely with program staff and grantees across the State of Tennessee
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Finance is preferred, but another degree will be considered with related experience
- Knowledge/Proficiency in Edison
- Requires residency in the Nashville area since the TDOT office is located in downtown Nashville
Work Location
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Hybrid
Compensation and Benefits
- UT market range: MR 11
- Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
- Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:
- Resume
- List of 3 Professional References
About The Department
CTR is part of the Tickle College of Engineering at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. CTR researchers and staff members work with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, and many other partners to improve transportation and promote the safe and efficient transport of goods and people.
- Providing administrative and reporting support
- Developing, processing, and managing consultant and grantee contracts and amendments
- Reviewing and processing invoices
- Assisting with financial documentation and closeout activities
- Helping to oversee the development and implementation of planning-related software tools and systems
- Assisting with the oversight of federally funded transportation planning programs, including Part A of the State Planning & Research (SPR) Work Program and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
- The position will also provide general support to the Planning Division and other TDOT staff as needed