UTSI Group Director of Facilities

The Group Director of Facilities serves as the principal execution agent for the planning, development, and sustainment of facilities and infrastructure at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI). Reporting to the Director of Facilities & Infrastructure, this position oversees all utilities supporting critical campus operations and supervises personnel responsible for custodial, mechanical, electrical, building, grounds, motor pool, wastewater treatment, utilities, security services, and capital maintenance projects.

This position provides leadership for engineering analysis and planning of utilities, directs more than 20 staff members, and manages multiple budgets. The Group Director ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations, represents UTSI in external engagements, and leads long-term planning for infrastructure improvements that support the Institute’s research and educational mission.

• Oversee planning, coordination, and supervision of 20+ staff including supervisors, maintenance technicians, clerical staff, and custodians.
• Manage three budgets, prepare operating budget estimates, and provide forecasting for capital maintenance projects.
• Serve as principal engineer for planning and execution of large utility and infrastructure projects.
• Engage with researchers and leadership to provide guidance on complex laboratory infrastructure needs.
• Represent UTSI in negotiations with utility companies and vendors.
• Ensure campus security system maintenance, including keys, access, and surveillance.
• Serve on Campus Emergency Management Response Team and act as a Designated Campus Security Authority.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, wastewater, and permit requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related area.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of leadership/management experience in facilities services, including maintenance operations.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Ability to exercise initiative, judgment, and diplomacy.
  • Strong organizational and management skills.
  • Ability to prioritize and adapt to changing environments.
  • Effective oral, written, and presentation skills.
  • Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, DOT regulations.
  • Must complete mandatory Program for Minors training, background check, annual OSHA training, and maintain security clearance eligibility.
  • Valid driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience: At least 3 years as a lead engineer or equivalent in a large, complex laboratory or industrial facility.

Work Location

• Location: Tullahoma, Tennessee
• Onsite Requirement: This is an on-campus position located at UTSI.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT Market Range: MR14 
• Anticipated Hiring Range: $102,866.98-$132,257.55, based on qualifications and experience.
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit the following materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of three professional references

About the Department

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is a graduate education and research institution located in Tullahoma, TN. UTSI provides advanced graduate education in engineering and related fields and supports significant research in aerospace, energy, and advanced materials. Its facilities and infrastructure are central to its mission of supporting both students and world-class researchers.

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!