Chief of Staff: Center for Transportation Research - UTK

The Chief of Staff / Project Manager serves as a key advisor and operational partner responsible for guiding human resources functions, organizational development initiatives, and administrative processes across assigned programs.

The position also manages complex and high-visibility projects involving state agency partnerships, research initiatives, and large-scale public programs. The role coordinates stakeholders across the university, government agencies, and external partners to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and in compliance with university, state, and federal requirements.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Supporting strategic planning and center-wide initiatives

• Providing leadership and oversight for human resources activities, including staffing strategy, performance management, hiring, onboarding, and employee relations

• Establishing and improving operational procedures to enhance efficiency and accountability

• Representing the center in meetings and collaborative efforts with university partners and external organizations

The position will also manage the full lifecycle of assigned projects, including scope development, scheduling, budget monitoring, stakeholder coordination, and reporting. Responsibilities include: 

• Producing required reports for sponsors 

• Ensuring compliance with funding agency requirements

• Coordinating research deliverables

• Supporting large multi-institutional initiatives involving state agencies and external partners

The position may oversee staff involved in major CTR programs and will contribute to developing project management processes and tools that strengthen the center’s operational effectiveness.

Required Qualifications 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Business, Public Administration, Human Resources, Engineering, or a related field

Experience:

• Five years of progressively responsible work in operations, human resources, project management, or a related administrative field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organizational and project management skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

• Sound judgment and confidentiality when addressing sensitive matters. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar productivity software

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 visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree (such as an MPA, MBA, or a related field)

Experience:

• Eight or more years of relevant experience

• Experience working in a university, research center, public agency, or transportation-related environment

• Experience managing federally funded or research-related projects and familiarity working with state agencies such as the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership ability

• Experience facilitating cross-organizational initiatives

• Skills in process improvement, data analysis, and strategic planning

Work Location 

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR 14  

• Anticipated hiring range: $80,000 - $90,000

• 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

About The Department

The Center for Transportation Research 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