Executive Director

Executive Director
University of Tennessee Space Institute

The Opportunity: The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) seeks a bold and inspirational leader with intellectual breadth, strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated expertise in research-driven programs and policies, experience developing and leveraging partnerships, and success leading diverse, complex teams and/or organizations. Experience with federal agencies especially the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, aerospace agencies and firms, as well as applied research for both public and private sectors is preferred. Under the guidance of the Dean of Tickle College of Engineering (TCE), the Executive Director will also have the title of Assistant or Associate Dean and shall provide leadership and supervision for the planning, organizing, and coordinating of UTSI while also achieving institutional goals and objectives. The successful candidate has responsibility for the management of the UT Space Institute and its programs; visionary leadership in the development and substantial growth of UTSI's current and future areas of expertise; and active engagement with community, state and national leaders, executives of partner agencies and organizations, alumni, donors, and other stakeholders.

About the University of Tennessee Space Institute:  The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is a graduate education and research institution located in Middle Tennessee adjacent to the U. S. Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Center. UTSI was established in 1964 as part of The University of Tennessee and has become an internationally recognized institution for graduate study and research in engineering, physics, mathematics, and aviation systems and has made remarkable contributions at the local, state, national, and global levels.  UTSI’s faculty, students, and alumni have played critical roles in the furthering of American technological superiority in aeronautics and space arenas. Currently, UTSI supports the development of modern hypersonic systems with multiple federally supported research activities in the area.  This research primarily focuses on experimental and computational aspects of high-speed aerothermodynamics, and makes use of the proximity of UTSI to aerospace entities in Huntsville, AL and AEDC.  Academic programs are available to students devoting full-time or part-time effort toward M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and those who wish to pursue post-doctoral research. UTSI offers degree programs in Industrial and Systems Engineering/ Engineering Management, Mechanical, Aerospace, Biomedical Engineering (MABE), and Physics.

How to Apply:  USTI has retained the services of the executive search firm Korn Ferry to conduct this important search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted to the e-mail address below.  Initial applications should consist of two documents.  First, a full-length curriculum vitae.  Second, a letter of interest describing why you are interested in both the role and UTSI, why you are a good fit for the position based on your experience. For priority consideration, please submit application materials in confidence by March 14, 2022.

UTSI-execdir@KornFerry.com

Paul Chou, and Greg Cary
Global Education Practice
Korn Ferry

The University of Tennessee Space Institute values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.