The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking a Director of the Project Management Office (PMO) within the Office of Innovative Technology (OIT). This role will drive accountability and continuous improvement across the IT portfolio while collaborating with campus leadership and stakeholders to prioritize projects that support the university’s strategic goals. This position will accelerate the university’s ability to execute strategic IT efforts and demonstrate measurable business value across all technology investments.

This position is responsible for leading and evolving the enterprise IT project management function. This role ensures the consistent application of project and program management best practices across all IT initiatives. The Director collaborates with the UT System and UTK campus leadership, multi-departmental teams, and key stakeholders to identify opportunities, develop project proposals, and prioritize initiatives aligned with strategic goals.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in information technology, information science, or related field

Experience: 5+ years’ experience as a project manager leading enterprise-wide projects

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to align projects into portfolios that support the different goals of the organization

• Skill in translating business objectives into actionable project plans

• Deep knowledge in project and program management methodologies

• Ability to establish and maintain effective governance structures

• Skilled in building and developing a high performing and accountable PMO

• Skilled in conflict resolution, negotiation, and change management

• Ability to define, track, and report KPIs

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• PMP or other related project management certifications

• Lean Six Sigma certification

• ITIL certification

Work Location

This is an on-campus position in Knoxville, TN with some flexibility for remote work.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR16 (find more information on the UT Market Range structure here)

• Anticipated hiring range: $125,000 - $142,000

• Regular Full-Time Exempt

• Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days

• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses

• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

All applicants must upload the following attachments. The documents should directly address the required qualifications.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• List of 3 Professional References

• Establish and enforce project and program governance structures that support enterprise-level portfolio management

• Define and promote project and program management best practices across the organization

• Oversee enterprise portfolio-level reporting to provide visibility into initiative execution and outcomes

• Provide strategic direction ensuring alignment of all projects and program activities with organizational goals

• Direct a matrixed team of project managers to ensure successful delivery of IT initiatives within defined scope, quality, time, and budget parameters

• Coach and develop project leaders to enhance capability and performance

• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery methodologies and value realization

• Oversee project retrospectives and lessons-learned sessions to identify improvement opportunities and foster organizational learning

• Drive accountability and informed decision-making across the IT portfolio through clear performance metrics and transparent reporting on project performance, risk, and outcomes

• Maintain a keen interest in evolving project and change management techniques, tools, and technologies