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

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.