Chief Operating Officer: Tickle College of Engineering - UTK

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic and operational leadership for the college by serving as the Dean's chief advisor on operational matters.
• Serves as the Dean's designee when needed.
• Leads cross-functional initiatives, drives process improvement, oversees operational planning aligned with the college's strategic priorities, and fosters a high-performing, collaborative culture.
• Manages critical projects, advises senior leadership, represents the Dean, and fosters 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.
• Covers complex operational issues, leads cross-functional initiatives, monitors strategic progress, ensures policy compliance and internal controls, and serves 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.

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.