The Director will build a new Tennessee Center for Local Governance at the Baker School. With support from the Dean and Baker School faculty, the Director will set vision, strategic direction, and administrative and thought leadership to support the Center's mission: strengthening subnational government capacity by applying Baker School expertise to the needs of local and state governments and mission-aligned non-profits. The Director will work closely with Baker School faculty and public-sector leaders to design research partnerships, translate Baker faculty scholarships into practical tools, and create high-impact experiential learning opportunities for students. The position emphasizes relationship-building, research translation, evidence-based policy making and teaching and mentoring. The Director will both lead independent research and help structure research projects and relationships led by affiliated Baker faculty.
Required Qualifications
Education : Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field
Experience :
Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in local or state government, public administration, or a related field
Demonstrated success managing complex stakeholder environments and advancing strategic initiatives
Experience developing partnerships with public and nonprofit sector stakeholders
Experience managing budgets, projects, or externally funded initiatives
Experience teaching, facilitating executive education, or mentoring early-career professionals
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Strong knowledge of state and local governance structures
Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with public-sector and community partners
Ability to translate research and data into actionable tools and recommendations
Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey complex ideas clearly
Experience designing and executing applied research projects
Strong organizational and project management skills
Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines
Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, or coach students
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 : Ph.D. in Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field
Experience :
Experience working with Tennessee local governments
Demonstrated success in grant writing, fundraising, or contract management
Experience leading cross-sector or multi-jurisdictional collaborations
Experience leading student consulting teams or client-based learning environments
Teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Knowledge of government operations, policy processes, and administrative decision-making
Experience developing academic or externally funded research agendas
Advanced skills in research design, data analysis, or policy evaluation
Familiarity with research-practice partnerships
Work Location
Location: Knoxville, TN
Onsite
Compensation and Benefits
Application Instructions
To express interest, please apply with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials.
About the College
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the state’s flagship research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, it is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement with society.
The Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs was established in 2023 to honor the distinguished life and legacy of Howard H. Baker Jr., a former U.S. Senator, Senate Majority Leader, White House Chief of Staff, and Ambassador to Japan. Located in a 51,000-square-foot purpose-built facility, the Baker School evolved from the Baker Center, which for over twenty years has operated as a leading think tank producing research, public engagement programming, and student-focused initiatives.
Today, the Baker School is expanding its impact through new academic degree programs and the development of independent research centers, including the Tennessee Center for Local Governance. The School also houses the Institute of American Civics, which promotes civic knowledge and engagement among University of Tennessee students and communities across the state.
We are a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven team dedicated to advancing research, education, and public service that addresses real-world challenges at the local, state, national, and global levels. As a fast-growing and evolving organization, we value innovation, teamwork, and the contributions of each team member in moving the Baker School forward.
