Special Projects Manager - Center for Local Planning

In this new position, the Special Projects Manager provides high-level project management, coordination, and technical support for non-routine and strategic initiatives of the University of Tennessee's Center for Local Planning (CLP). The position leads efforts to identify and secure new funding opportunities for the Center for Local Planning and fulfills relevant reporting requirements; designs and implements a comprehensive training program for CLP's statewide stakeholders, including cities, counties, and development districts; and manages cross-cutting projects that advance the Center's mission. The position collaborates with sister agencies within the Institute for Public Service (IPS), provides technical assistance to CLP field staff, and cultivates productive relationships with local government partners across Tennessee. The position will be hybrid in accordance with the University of Tennessee's Hybrid and Remote Work Policy. Grant Development & Funding Acquisition • Research, identify, and analyze potential grant and contract opportunities from federal, state, and private-sector sources aligned with CLP's mission and strategic priorities. • Write and submit competitive grant proposals, including narratives, budgets, logic models, and all supporting documentation. • Create detailed budget proposals and perform financial analyses to assess projected expenditures against available funding. • Oversee the full lifecycle of awarded grants, including compliance monitoring, financial reporting, and deliverable tracking. • Prepare and submit timely progress reports, financial statements, and closeout documents to funders. • Interact with federal, state, and local agencies regarding program guidelines, accountability requirements, and funding opportunities. • Maintain a grants pipeline tracker and calendar of upcoming funding deadlines for the Executive Director. • Cultivate relationships with program officers at key funding agencies to stay informed of emerging opportunities. • Identify and recommend fee-for-service and earned-revenue opportunities that diversify CLP's funding base. Training Program Development & Delivery •Design, develop, and implement a comprehensive training program for CLP's statewide stakeholders (cities, counties, development districts, and regional partners). •Conduct needs assessments through surveys, interviews, and stakeholder feedback to identify priority training topics and knowledge gaps. •Develop training curricula, workshop agendas, instructional materials, and participant resources on topics such as land use planning, zoning administration, comprehensive planning, and regulatory compliance. • Coordinate logistics for in-person workshops, webinars, and hybrid training events across the state, including scheduling, venue/platform selection, registration, and materials distribution. • Establish and maintain an annual training calendar in coordination with field staff and the Executive Director. • Evaluate training effectiveness through participant feedback, pre/post assessments, and outcome tracking; use findings to refine programming. • Explore and recommend technology platforms (e.g., learning management systems, webinar tools) that can scale training delivery and improve accessibility. • Support the Executive Director in responding to research inquiries and technical assistance requests from state agencies, local governments, and other stakeholders. •Partner with IPS communications staff and sister agencies to promote training opportunities and share resources Strategic Project Management & Stakeholder Engagement • Assist the Executive Director with nonroutine, strategic, and cross-cutting projects that advance CLP's mission and statewide impact. • Develop and manage project scopes, deliverables, timelines, and budgets for multiple concurrent initiatives, balancing competing priorities. • Serve as a primary point of contact for designated projects with external stakeholders, including local elected officials, planning commissioners, and development district staff. • Build and maintain productive working relationships with cities, counties, development districts, state agencies, and other partners to understand their needs and strengthen CLP's relevance. • Oversee the development, formatting, finalization, and quality control of policy guides, planning documents, and regulatory materials produced by CLP. • Work closely with field staff to prepare comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and other regulatory documents on behalf of partner communities. • Coordinate with IPS staff to ensure consistency in branding, layout, and presentation across CLP publications. • Prepare progress reports, presentations, and briefing materials for the Executive Director and partner organizations. • Lead collaborative efforts with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure project success and quality outcomes. Management & Administration • Supervise, direct, train, and evaluate assigned staff; provide hiring recommendations and support professional development. • Ensure quality of work and timely completion of assigned tasks for subordinate employees; serve as a lead on cross-functional teams as needed. • Marshal and deploy limited resources to achieve mutually agreed-upon goals and project milestones. • Monitor and maintain project and program budgets; process transactions, reconcile accounts, and ensure financial compliance within assigned budgetary restrictions. • Assist the Executive Director in coordinating with IPS agencies and staff on administrative and operational matters. • Ensure that all forms established and required by the Agency, Institute, or University are correctly completed and that all applicable policies are followed. • Contribute to CLP's strategic planning efforts, including annual goal-setting, workload assessment, and performance reporting. • Maintain organized project files, grant records, and institutional knowledge systems to support continuity and accountability. Other Duties • Attend professional development meetings, conferences, seminars, training classes, and administrative committees and task forces as assigned (may be internal to IPS or the University). • Travel as required to support training delivery, stakeholder engagement, and project management across the state. • Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director. Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field Experience: Minimum seven (7) years related experience including at least two (2) years supervisory experience, preferably in a state or local government, development district, or university context. Previous experience managing grants and special projects required. Proven ability to work collaboratively with public agencies and community stakeholders. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, execute, and oversee multiple concurrent initiatives from inception to completion. Knowledge of grant funding mechanisms, proposal development processes, and post-award compliance requirements at the federal, state, and local levels. Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write competitive grant proposals and produce polished policy documents, training materials, and reports for diverse audiences. Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to non-technical audiences, including local officials and community partners. Knowledge of local government planning, zoning, or regulatory processes. Ability to design and deliver effective training programs, including familiarity with adult learning principles and instructional design concepts. Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and translate findings into actionable recommendations. Knowledge of basic accounting principles, budget development, and financial monitoring procedures. Ability to effectively supervise professional staff and coordinate interdisciplinary teams. Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and organizational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including state and local government officials, regional agencies, and university staff. Ability to work independently in complex and ambiguous situations, exercising sound judgment and initiative. Skills related to document formatting, publication workflows, and content management systems. Ability to work collaboratively across agencies and disciplines in a public service environment. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, technologies, and stakeholder needs in a dynamic environment. 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 Business, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field Experience: Experience related to land use or transportation planning in a local, state, or regional context preferred. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of and experience working within Tennessee’s local government planning framework, including relevant statutes, growth plan requirements, and City, County, and Development District planning activities. Work Location: Location: Nashville, Tennessee The Institute for Public Service (IPS) supports a formal Alternative Work Arrangement program currently in place. More information can be provided if candidate progresses through the recruitment process. Benefits: Find more information on UT Benefits here Application Instructions: To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before September 24, 2026. Resume Cover Letter List of 3 Professional References About The College/Department/Division The UT Institute for Public Service provides outreach and assistance to all of Tennessee. Through our agencies and initiatives, we offer technical assistance, training, and consulting on a wide variety of services, including government operations, language services, law enforcement excellence, leadership training, manufacturing excellence, opioid abatement and much more.