GIS Project Manager - IPS

University of Tennessee • Nashville, TN

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

In this new position, the GIS Project Manager will lead geospatial initiatives in support of the University of Tennessee’s Center for Local Planning (CLP) and its mission to assist Tennessee’s Cities, Counties, and Development Districts with community planning, growth management, and rural preservation. The position will exercise supervisory duties for assigned staff and will serve as a technical leader for stakeholders across the State of Tennessee. This position is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for the design, development, testing, maintenance, and administration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects related to zoning, land use, growth plans, infrastructure, and other spatial data needs. The GIS Project Manager will manage project lifecycles from concept to completion, ensuring high-quality, accurate, and timely deliverables that create solutions to problems identified by university stakeholders, including coworkers, local governments, and regional partners. The position will be hybrid in accordance with the University of Tennessee’s Hybrid and Remote Work Policy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Geospatial Science, Urban/Regional Planning, Environmental Science, or related field
• Minimum five (5) years of GIS experience including at least two (2) years managing GIS projects and assigned staff.
• Demonstrated experience with the Esri ArcGIS platform (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise).
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with public agencies and community stakeholders.
• Certification as a GIS Professional (GISP), or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire is required.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) principles, practices, and applications, including spatial analysis, geodatabase design, and cartography.
• Knowledge of urban and regional planning concepts, including zoning, land use, and growth management processes within local government contexts.
• Knowledge of Esri software products, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Enterprise, as well as related geospatial and data management tools.
• Knowledge of web-based GIS applications, dashboards, and interactive mapping tools used for public engagement and decision support.
• Knowledge of database management systems (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL/PostGIS) and scripting tools (e.g., Python, ModelBuilder) for GIS automation and analysis.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent GIS and planning projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to non-technical audiences, including local officials and community partners.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for interpreting spatial data and supporting data-driven planning decisions.
• Skill in mentoring, training, and supporting staff, students, and local government personnel in GIS technologies and applications.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, technologies, and stakeholder needs in a dynamic planning environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including state and local government officials, regional agencies, and university staff.
• Ability to travel and present outside normal business hours.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in Geography, Geospatial Science, Urban/Regional Planning, Environmental Science, or related field
• Previous experience working in a planning and/or local government context preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience working within Tennessee’s local government planning framework, including relevant statutes, growth plan requirements, and City, County, and Development District planning activities.

Responsibilities

• Project Management and Coordination Lead agency wide GIS project planning, scheduling, and execution in alignment with CLP goals and established budgets.
• Develop and manage project scopes, deliverables, and timelines for multiple concurrent projects based on user needs, often managing competing priorities among groups.
• Ensure subordinates’ quality of work, and timely completion of assigned tasks Works independently works in a complex environment successfully implementing agency’s strategic goals related to implementation of statewide Geographic Information Systems
• Enforces and ensures financial compliance within assigned budgetary restrictions.
• Lead collaborative efforts with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure project success and quality outcomes
• Prepare progress reports, presentations, and documentation for the Executive Director and partner organizations.
• Evaluate new GIS technologies and recommend cost effective solutions that enhance planning and decision-making capacity
• Coordinate with OIT staff to maintain licensing and configuration for state of the art GIS related products and services; Report project progress to Executive Director, colleagues, and external partners as appropriate; Attend internal and external meetings, assessing project needs and providing recommendations for technical solutions. Interacts with external vendors and contractors to develop solutions.
• Develop and provide relevant training and oversight to supporting staff, students, and local government personnel in the implementation and use of GIS technologies and applications, often acting in a supervisory capacity with regard to field of expertise.
• Collaboration with Local, Regional and State Partners Work closely with Tennessee Development Districts, city and county governments, and regional planning organizations
• Provide GIS support and consultation for zoning maps, growth plans, future land use plans, and comprehensive planning projects
• Facilitate data sharing and collaboration among local governments, ensuring consistent and standardized mapping practices
• Serve as a technical expert between UT CLP and local planning agencies, helping them adopt and maintain effective GIS systems and to create the staffing structure to ensure long term sustainability
• Provide training and technical support to local government users on GIS software and best practices Technical Oversight and Data Management
• Oversee the collection, organization, analysis, and visualization of geospatial data
• Maintain and enhance GIS databases, ensuring accuracy, security, and accessibility
• Develop and deploy GIS applications and tools (e.g., ArcGIS Online, Story Maps, dashboards) to support local planning efforts
• Ensure adherence to GIS standards, metadata protocols, and Tennessee state mapping guidelines
• Configure and maintain web mapping applications and visualizations
• Develop and oversee design/delivery of web-based applications and decision support tools including data visualizations, web-based mapping tools, remote sensing and modeling tools, citizen data, and others Management & Administration
• Marshals and deploys limited resources to achieve mutually agreed upon goals Assists Executive Director in coordinating with IPS agencies and staff; 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
• Supervises, directs, trains, and evaluates assigned staff; assists with hiring recommendations Other Duties
• Attend 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

Benefits

• The Institute for Public Service (IPS) supports a formal Alternative Work Arrangement program currently in place.
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

What This Job Offers

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