Commission Director Implementation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Service
HISTORICAL COMMISSION DIRECTOR
Department of Environment and Conservation
Tennessee Historical Commission
Nashville, TN
Annual Salary: $89,496.00 - $143,220.00
Closing date: 06/23/2026
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/executive-service/00008620_exc_dir_thc_tdec-job-opp_es_ua.pdf
Who we are and what we do:
The mission of the Tennessee Historical Commission is to encourage the inclusive diverse study of Tennessee's history for the benefit of future generations; to protect, preserve, interpret, operate, maintain, and administer historic sites; to mark important locations, persons, and events in Tennessee history; to assist in worthy publication projects; to review, comment on and identify projects that will potentially impact state-owned and non-state-owned historic properties; to locate, identify, record and nominate to the National Register of Historic Places all properties which meet National Register criteria, and to implement other programs of the national Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended. The Department of Environment and Conservation exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment. Our Department is committed to providing a cleaner, safer environment that goes hand-in-hand with economic prosperity and increased quality of life in Tennessee.
We deliver on our mission through managing regulatory programs that maintain standards for air, water and soil quality while providing assistance to businesses and communities in areas ranging from recreation to waste management. We manage the state park system and programs to inventory, interpret and protect Tennessee's rich natural, historical, and archaeological heritage.
How you make a difference in this role:
The Executive Director (ED) oversees statewide historic site management, preservation and compliance programs, external partnerships, and long-range strategic planning. The ED provides leadership to the Tennessee Historical Commission, an independent agency that is administratively attached to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). The ED reports directly to and is accountable to the Commission's board members. Subject to appointment by the Governor, the ED may also serve as SHPO, leading the state's compliance with federal preservation requirements.
Job Overview:
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of the Tennessee Historical Commission (THC), providing strategic, administrative, and programmatic leadership in furtherance of the Commission's statutory mission. The agency's mission is to protect, preserve, interpret, maintain, and administer historic places; to encourage the inclusive diverse study of Tennessee's history for the benefit of future generations; to mark important locations, persons, and events in Tennessee history; to assist in worthy publication projects; to review, comment on, and identify projects that will potentially impact historic properties; to locate, identify, record, and nominate to the National Register of Historic Places all properties which meet National Register criteria; and to implement other programs of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead day-to-day operations of the Commission, including leading a team of 19 employees and 17 state historic sites.
2. Develop and implement strategic plans to preserve, interpret, and promote Tennessee's historic resources.
3. Manage the agency's budget, grants, and state and federal funding; engage with state leadership and legislators as needed.
4. Oversee major programs, including the Tennessee Wars Commission, Monuments and Markers Program, and Historic Cemetery Preservation Program.
5. Serve as the primary public representative of the Commission, including media engagement and stakeholder relations.
6. Build and maintain partnerships with governmental, nonprofit, and community organizations across the state.
7. Ensure compliance with state and federal preservation laws and administrative regulations.
8. Supervise staff and foster a collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture.
9. Support and coordinate the work of the Commission board, including meetings, policy development, and commissioner orientation.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's degree in historic preservation or a bachelor's degree in historic preservation and two years of experience.
Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.