Chief Operating Officer: Tickle College of Engineering - UTK

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Knoxville, TN, USA

Posted on Jul 1, 2026
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The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a member of the Tickle College of Engineering Dean’s senior leadership team. This role provides strategic expertise and guidance to include managing internal operations and special projects, assessing performance and giving feedback, coordinating communication between internal units, managing process improvement across the TCE, managing relationships with internal and external partners, giving strategic advice to the Dean, and acting as a surrogate for the Dean when unavailable. The COO provides direct oversight of TCE Operations Leadership Team (OLT) of directors/senior directors for the college departments of Marketing and Communications(MARCOM), Special Programs, IT, Services/Facilities, Data Analytics, Corporate Partnerships, and leads the development of consistent processes and procedures, cross-functional solutions, and the subsequent execution across all mission areas, while constantly monitoring for continuous improvement and collaboration opportunities.

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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

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!
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a member of the Tickle College of Engineering Dean’s senior leadership team. This role provides strategic expertise and guidance to include managing internal operations and special projects, assessing performance and giving feedback, coordinating communication between internal units, managing process improvement across the TCE, managing relationships with internal and external partners, giving strategic advice to the Dean, and acting as a surrogate for the Dean when unavailable.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, business, economics, or related field.

  • Experience:

    • Minimum 8 years in office/business management or academic administration, including at least 2 years supervising staff

    • Experience managing budgets, advising senior leaders, and leading complex organizations

  • Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Ability to lead teams, analyze complex issues, manage multiple priorities, understand strategic planning, collaborate effectively, exercise sound judgment, interpret data, and quickly learn UT administrative processes.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Education: Master's degree in political science, public policy, business, economics, or related field.

  • Experience:

    • 8+ years in higher education or public policy

    • Experience in a multi-campus organization

    • Demonstrated success collaborating across constituencies

    • Knowledge of TCE operations, higher education regulations, and Lean Six Sigma/project management

Work Location

  • Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT Market Range: MR18

  • Anticipated Hiring Range: $200-$220k

  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To receive full consideration, submit:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

About the College

The Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) is one of the nation's leading public engineering colleges, advancing education, research, innovation, and industry partnerships while preparing future engineering leaders. Since 1838, the Tickle College of Engineering has proven its commitment to excellence in scientific research and the training of engineering professionals. Programs spanning most major engineering fields are offered, with several nationally ranked among the top 30 of all public institutions. Many of our graduates have risen to top positions in industry, government, and academia, including nine astronauts who have literally risen, spending a collective 1,000 days (and counting!) in space. You can read more about TCE here.

Administrative Leadership (50%):

  • Provides strategic and operational leadership for the college by serving as the Dean's chief advisor on operational matters.
  • Leads cross-functional initiatives, drives process improvement, oversees operational planning aligned with the college's strategic priorities, and serves as the Dean's designee when needed.
  • Ensures effective communication, data-informed decision-making, leadership development, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization while fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.

Strategic Projects & Relationship Management (30%):

  • Provides strategic leadership on complex, high-impact initiatives by managing critical projects, advising senior leadership, representing the Dean, and fostering collaboration across the college and external partners.
  • Applies sound judgment, innovation, and systems thinking to resolve complex issues, advance strategic priorities, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and support the development, execution, and continuous assessment of the college's strategic plan.

Operational Responsibilities & Consultation (20%):

  • Provides executive oversight of college operations by coordinating resolution of complex operational issues, leading cross-functional initiatives, monitoring strategic progress, ensuring policy compliance and internal controls, and serving as a trusted advisor to the Dean.
  • Represents the college on institutional committees while keeping leadership informed of sensitive issues, risks, and opportunities requiring executive attention.
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