Associate Division Planner - IPS

In this new position, the Associate Division Planner is responsible for performing complex and highly responsible professional planning activities for the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Public Service, Center for Local Planning. Work will occur in cooperation with local partners in a specific Grand Division of the State. The position carries out technical assignments including project management, research, data analysis, oral presentations, and development of policy and plan recommendations. The role requires professionalism, tact, and diplomacy in working with a wide range of stakeholders. Reports to the Senior Division Planner.

NOTE: This announcement is for a total of three (3) Associate Division Planner positions. Each position will be located in one of the three (3) Grand Divisions of the State of Tennessee (West, Middle, or East). Applicants should state their preferred geographic location within their application/cover letter. The positions will be hybrid in accordance with the University of Tennessee’s Hybrid and Remote Work Policy.

Technical Assistance

• Provides technical assistance and impartial advice to local governments on matters related to planning, growth, and development;
• Attends and presents at meetings of local elected bodies, Planning Commissions, Boards of Zoning Appeals, and other groups;
• Prepares policies, plans, and educational materials;
• Coordinates multiple projects simultaneously across jurisdictions;
• Serves as subject matter expert for a wide variety of stakeholders;
• Prepares reports, presentations, maps, and graphics for local officials; presents complex information in a clear manner appropriate to the audience at hand.

Relationships:

• Cultivates and builds upon relationships with stakeholders, including local Development Districts, local elected and appointed officials, and their professional staff.
• Maintains positive working relationships with various agencies of state government and staff at sister IPS agencies.
• Builds reputation as a reliable and impartial source of expertise and information; demonstrates competence, thoughtfulness, and restraint in all professional interactions.
• Keeps supervisor informed of local concerns and opportunities;

Management & Administration

• Assists in grant writing and administration;
• Ensures that all forms established and required by the Agency, Institute, or University are completely and correctly completed, and that all applicable policies are followed;

Other

• Attends professional development meetings, conferences, seminars, training classes, and administrative committees and task forces as assigned (may be internal to IPS or the University)
• Travel as required

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required in Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Geography, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum four (4) years of professional planning experience at the City, County, Regional, State or consultant level. Applicants must possess significant practical experience with the legal, political, and administrative aspects of Land Use Planning and Zoning.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of principles, best practices, and techniques of rural, urban, and regional planning.
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies governing land use planning and development in the State of Tennessee.
  • Skill in project management, data analysis, and preparation of technical reports.
  • Skill in effective oral and written communication tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Skilled in planning for growth, redevelopment, and infrastructure investment
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local officials, staff, and stakeholders.
  • Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend sound solutions.
  • Ability to use GIS, mapping, and data visualization tools to support decision making.
  • Knowledge of personal computer applications and digital literacy
  • Ability to meet deadlines and keep commitments to various stakeholders.
  • Ability to travel and present outside normal business hours.
    

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Geography, or related field is preferred.
• Experience: Membership in good standing with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) strongly preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Demonstrated practical knowledge of the legal, political, and administrative aspects of Land Use Planning and Zoning.
  Knowledge of state statutes, County/municipal governance, infrastructure, and intergovernmental frameworks in Tennessee.
  
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Work Location:

The position will be located in one of the three (3) Grand Divisions of the State of Tennessee (West, Middle, or East). Applicants should state their preferred geographic location within their application/cover letter. The Institute for Public Service (IPS) supports a formal Alternative Work Arrangement program currently in place. More information can be provided if candidate progresses through the recruitment process.

Benefits:

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before April 17, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
List of 3 Professional References

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About The College/Department/Division

The UT Institute for Public Service provides outreach and assistance to all of Tennessee. Through our agencies and initiatives, we offer technical assistance, training, and consulting on a wide variety of services, including government operations, language services, law enforcement excellence, leadership training, manufacturing excellence, opioid abatement and much more.