Chief of Staff: Center for Transportation Research - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

6d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Business, Public Administration, Human Resources, Engineering, or a related field
• Five years of progressively responsible work in operations, human resources, project management, or a related administrative field
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree (such as an MPA, MBA, or a related field)
• 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)
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Experience facilitating cross-organizational initiatives
• Skills in process improvement, data analysis, and strategic planning

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• Developing project management processes and tools that strengthen the center’s operational effectiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level