The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Real Estate Strategy and Development is a newly elevated executive leadership opportunity responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive real estate strategy that advances the university's mission and supports long-term institutional growth.
This role serves as UT Knoxville's lead representative for real estate opportunities, acquisitions, dispositions, leasing activities, development projects, and strategic partnerships. The position will guide complex transactions and initiatives while working closely with university leadership, state and local government officials, developers, consultants, and community stakeholders.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence the future growth of the university through strategic land acquisition, redevelopment planning, public-private partnerships, and innovative real estate solutions that support academic, research, student life, and economic development objectives.
Areas of Leadership and Impact
Strategic Real Estate Planning, Acquisitions & Development
The Assistant Vice Chancellor will lead the university's comprehensive real estate strategy, establishing long-range priorities that align with the campus master plan and future institutional needs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing strategic real estate initiatives that support university growth and mission advancement.
- Identifying, evaluating, and advancing acquisition and development opportunities.
- Leading financial analysis, valuation, feasibility assessments, and due diligence efforts.
- Managing acquisitions, dispositions, and redevelopment initiatives.
- Advising senior leadership on market opportunities, risks, and investment strategies.
- Supporting long-term planning for campus growth, transition zones, and adjacent development.
Market Engagement, Relationship Development & Strategic Partnerships
Success in this role requires the ability to cultivate trusted relationships and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
The Assistant Vice Chancellor will:
- Serve as the university's primary point of contact for campus-adjacent acquisition opportunities.
- Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, economic development organizations, developers, brokers, and community leaders.
- Strengthen partnerships with organizations such as Cherokee Farm Development Corporation, University of Tennessee Foundation, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, UT Medical Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and local government partners.
- Monitor market trends and identify opportunities that support university objectives.
- Advance collaborative efforts that contribute to compatible development and neighborhood enhancement around campus.
Public-Private Partnerships, Transactions & Project Leadership
The Assistant Vice Chancellor will lead the evaluation, structuring, and execution of public-private partnerships and other innovative development models.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing real estate delivery and financing strategies that balance institutional objectives and risk management.
- Leading negotiations involving acquisitions, leases, development agreements, easements, and related transactions.
- Evaluating ownership models, financing approaches, and governance structures.
- Coordinating and managing legal, financial, brokerage, appraisal, and consulting partners.
- Collaborating with university departments and system stakeholders on project planning and execution.
- Supporting long-term asset management strategies that maximize institutional value.
Governance, Communication & Institutional Coordination
The Assistant Vice Chancellor will work in close partnership with the University of Tennessee System Department of Capital Projects & Real Estate to advance institutional priorities and support coordinated decision-making across the UT enterprise. The successful candidate will be responsible for strengthening this collaborative relationship, ensuring that UT Knoxville's strategic objectives are effectively represented and advanced through real estate and development initiatives. The UT System office manages real property transactions across the university system, collaborates on capital projects and development activities, and serves as UT's liaison to state approval and regulatory bodies.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing executive-level analyses, recommendations, and presentations.
- Supporting decision-making processes involving campus leadership, the UT System, the Board of Trustees, and state regulatory bodies.
- Developing policies, procedures, governance frameworks, and portfolio management tools.
- Leading cross-functional project teams and facilitating stakeholder engagement.
- Ensuring effective communication and coordination among university departments, consultants, government entities, and external partners.
- Serve as UT Knoxville's primary liaison with the University of Tennessee System Department of Capital Projects & Real Estate, ensuring alignment of campus priorities with system-wide real estate strategies, transaction processes, capital project planning, and state approval requirements.
Required Qualifications
The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, experienced negotiator, and trusted advisor capable of translating complex real estate opportunities into actionable institutional strategies.
They will bring:
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Accounting, Public Administration, Construction Management, Real Estate, or a related field.
- Significant experience, typically demonstrated by 10 year’s of experience, in commercial, institutional, public-sector, healthcare, higher education, or economic development real estate.
- Expertise in acquisitions, development, leasing, valuation, financing, and public-private partnerships.
- Strong financial and analytical capabilities, including feasibility analysis and investment modeling.
- Demonstrated success leading complex transactions and development initiatives.
- Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience advising senior executives, governing boards, and public officials.
- The ability to balance vision, strategy, risk management, and execution within a large and complex organization.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Business, Finance, Real Estate Development, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Juris Doctor degree with emphasis in real estate, contracts, or development law.
- Professional certifications such as PMP or licensed real estate broker credentials.
- Leadership experience in higher education, healthcare, government, or institutional real estate environments.
- Knowledge of higher education governance, capital planning, public finance, and regulatory processes.
- Experience leading large-scale development initiatives and complex public-private partnerships.
Join Us
The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Real Estate Strategy and Development has a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Tennessee's flagship university. Through visionary planning, strategic partnerships, and innovative development solutions, this leader will play a central role in advancing UT Knoxville's long-term growth, strengthening its physical footprint, and supporting the university's mission for generations to come.
To express interest, please apply via the University's application portal and include a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without the candidate's explicit permission.
To receive full consideration, completed applications should include all requested materials should be submitted prior to Sunday, November 29, 2026.
Confidential inquiries or nominations may be sent to Brooke M. Swart, Executive Search Manager, bswart@utk.edu.