Director of Academic Programs - UTSI

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking a Director of Academic Programs to lead and oversee the academic affairs, admissions, student recruiting, distance education, and external engagement at UTSI. This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective execution of academic programs, maintaining alignment with UTK academic leadership, and fostering the development of new educational initiatives.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Executive Director of UTSI, the Director of Academic Programs is a member of the UTSI senior leadership team. It provides strategic direction for the planning, execution, and coordination of academic functions. This individual will supervise multiple functional groups, collaborate with UTK leadership and faculty, and develop new academic content that supports UTSI’s mission.

This is a regular, full-time, exempt position with competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Program Execution (50%)

• Develop and lead the execution of UTSI’s academic programs strategy to support institutional strategic goals.
• Oversee resource allocation and supervision of personnel supporting the academic mission.
• Partner with faculty, UTK colleges, and external institutions to enhance recruitment, curriculum offerings, student affairs, and continuing education.
• Maintain strong relationships with academic department heads and the UTSI Director of Curriculum Planning & Coordination.
• Collaborate closely with the UTK Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to align academic programs with university objectives.

Development of New & Enhanced Academic Programs (25%)

• Lead the creation of UTSI-specific academic initiatives, ensuring consistency with UTK academic leadership.
• Develop partnerships with regional academic institutions to expand collaborative educational opportunities.
• Oversee the expansion of UTSI’s distance education capabilities, including online MS degree programs.

Supervision & Personnel Leadership (15%)

• Provide supervision, mentorship, and professional development to multiple functional groups reporting to this position.
• Conduct performance evaluations and guide career development for academic team leaders.
• Ensure appropriate mentoring, evaluations, and professional growth for all personnel under this role.

Institutional Representation & Community Engagement (10%)

• Represent UTSI and the Executive Director at university, industry, and community events.
• Serve as a liaison for external organizations, advancing UTSI’s academic reputation and partnerships.
• Act as the Executive Director’s representative in strategic meetings and academic collaborations.

Qualifications

Required:

• Doctoral degree in Engineering or a strongly related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in academia, including experience as an instructor and in a leadership position.
• Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills in an academic setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build institutional partnerships.
• Extensive knowledge of university policies, administrative structure, and operational procedures.
• Experience in engineering education and research.
• Commitment to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.

Preferred:

• 3+ years of experience leading a significant academic research center, department, or similar academic organization.
• Experience developing large-scale educational programs in higher education institutions.

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 possi