Staff Associate Architect / Engineer, Capital Projects - UT System Administration (West Tennessee))

This West Tennessee based position is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of capital improvement projects across the University of Tennessee System, with a primary focus on facilities and initiatives located in West Tennessee. The Project Manager oversees projects from initial scope development through design, construction, and closeout, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with the University’s strategic objectives.

The role requires ensuring all projects adhere to institutional goals, design and construction standards, applicable building codes, and State Building Commission (SBC) policies. The Project Manager serves as a key liaison between the University and external partners, engaging with design professionals, contractors, campus stakeholders, and system leadership to foster effective communication and collaboration.

By focusing on projects that serve the University’s campuses and institutes in West Tennessee, this position plays a critical role in supporting the long-term growth, functionality, and sustainability of UT facilities in the region, ultimately enhancing the educational and research environment for students, faculty, and staff.

 

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Capital Project Management

• Manage assigned capital projects through all phases including planning, programming, design, procurement, construction, and project closeout.
• Assist in the development of project scopes, budgets, and schedules in collaboration with campus partners and university leadership.
• Review design documents at each phase for quality, alignment with user needs, budget adherence, and constructability. 
• Coordinate the procurement process for design and construction services, including preparation of bid documents and evaluation of proposals.
• Monitor construction progress through site visits, inspections, project meetings, and ongoing communication with contractors and consultants.
• Administer project contracts, including processing RFIs, change orders, submittals, pay applications, invoices and state required documents.
• Maintain accurate and thorough project documentation, ensuring records are up to date and compliant with University and State requirements.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned projects, communicating regularly with campus stakeholders to ensure alignment and clarity.
• Collaborate with Campus Facilities Services, User-groups, IT, and other departments to coordinate technical requirements.
• Support campus move-in coordination, operations handoff, and warranty period oversight following project completion.

Quality Assurance & Closeout

• Oversee the punch list process and ensure all items are resolved prior to project close.
• Ensure proper delivery of final project documentation including as-built drawings, warranties, operationsmanuals, and training materials.
• Participate in post-occupancy evaluations to capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement.

Bachelors degree and a minimum of 5 years' experience as a registered professional (architect or engineer) is required.

Additional skills, experiences, and qualifications include:

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret technical documents and communicate effectively with both technical andnon-technical audiences.
• Collaborative and service-oriented approach to supporting campus partners and institutional objectives.

Preferred

• Experience in a professional design firm.
• Experience in Facilities associated with higher education.
• Experience working within higher education or a public institutional setting.
• Familiarity with State Building Commission policies and Tennessee public procurement procedures
• Application Process 
• For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Benefits 
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/ 

The University of Tennessee System is the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. The UT System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service. With a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties and through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations and residents statewide.