University of Tennessee

The Executive Director of the Center for Local Planning provides leadership and broad management oversight for all program activities, including but not limited to (1) strategic planning and visioning to achieve internal and University goals, (2) ensuring the Center for Local Planning fulfills its mission and responsibilities to its stakeholders efficiently and in accordance with University policies, and (3) providing executive leadership and guidance to administrative and program personnel to meet University, sponsor, advisory board, and customer requirements.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation 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 possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree required in Planning, Urban Design, Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Business, Finance/Accounting, or related field. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) credential is also required.
• Experience: This position requires ten years of progressively responsible experience including leadership role and responsibility overseeing a local, regional, or state government organization with similar goals.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Required Skills:
• Knowledge of land use regulations, principles and concepts
• Skilled in written, oral, and other communication skills
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and digital literacy
• Ability to prioritize competing and/or conflicting work assignments
• Skilled in networking as applied to customers, partners, and other affiliated groups
• Ability to develop strategic goals, manage performance measures, and operate in an environment of uncertainty
• Ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve top performance
• Ability to meet deadlines and keep commitments to various stakeholders
• Ability to travel frequently both within and outside the state
• Knowledge of funding mechanisms, including grants, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and diversified revenue strategies in government, non-profit, or university settings
• Knowledge of state statutes, municipal governance, economic development, infrastructure, and intergovernmental frameworks in Tennessee
• Knowledge of fiscal management in public service agencies
• Skilled in planning for growth, redevelopment, and infrastructure investment

Behaviors: The Executive Director must be able to maintain respect and trust within the Institute. This position requires integrity, honesty and good ethics to successfully work with all levels of the University of Tennessee system.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Doctorate is preferred.
• Experience: Experience in managing staff in remote locations is helpful.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Preferred Skills:

Work Location:

• Location: The position can be located in Nashville, TN or Knoxville, TN and will require frequent statewide travel, including overnight travel.
• The Institute for Public Service (IPS) supports a formal Alternative Work Arrangement program currently in place and more information can be provided if candidate progresses through the recruitment process.
• Benefits
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

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 July 10, 2025.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

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.