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County Executive Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Executive Director

Tracy City, TN · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Executive Opportunity The South Cumberland Partnership, Inc. (SCP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, seeks a ... Candidate must live in, or relocate to, a location within daily commuting distance of Grundy County ...

New

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Executive Director

Tracy City, TN · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Executive Opportunity The South Cumberland Partnership, Inc. (SCP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, seeks a ... Candidate must live in, or relocate to, a location within daily commuting distance of Grundy County ...

New

Partner, Finance

Nashville, TN · On-site

$125K - $350K/yr

This is a performance-driven role for a finance executive who thrives in growth environments and is ... This opportunity is open to candidates residing in or actively serving the Orange County, CA;

Partner, Finance

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

$125K - $350K/yr

This is a performance-driven role for a finance executive who thrives in growth environments and is ... This opportunity is open to candidates residing in or actively serving the Orange County, CA;

Client Executive

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$100 - $122/hr

The Client Account Manager/Executive is the strategic face of Payment Services to the client ... Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act as well as the San ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

... hiring an Executive Chef to join their growing team A Senior Living community supporting our ... Obtain/hold any local, state and/or county required food handling/sanitation licenses and/or ...

Executive Chef - Ole Red Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, TN · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

As an Executive Chef, you'll lead the execution of the culinary experience for the restaurant, bar ... Ensure understanding of and compliance with all federal, state, county and municipal regulations ...

Showing results 21-40

County Executive information

See Tennessee salary details

$24.1K

$84.9K

$167K

How much do county executive jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for county executive in Tennessee is $84,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,600.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a county executive?

County Executives are the chief elected or appointed officials responsible for overseeing the administration of county government. Their duties typically include managing county departments, preparing budgets, implementing policies set by the county legislature, and representing the county in intergovernmental affairs. County Executives play a key role in ensuring efficient delivery of public services, such as law enforcement, public health, and public works. The specific powers and responsibilities of a County Executive can vary depending on local laws and the county's charter.

What are some typical challenges a county executive may face when balancing stakeholder interests within local government?

County Executives often encounter the challenge of balancing diverse interests among residents, elected officials, and department leaders. Navigating differing priorities—such as budget constraints, public service needs, and policy initiatives—requires strong negotiation and communication skills. Additionally, County Executives must remain adaptable as unexpected issues, like emergencies or legislative changes, can quickly shift priorities. Building consensus and maintaining transparency are key to effectively leading county operations while addressing varied stakeholder concerns.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county executive, and why are they important?

To thrive as a County Executive, you need a strong background in public administration, budget management, and policy development, often supported by a relevant degree and significant leadership experience. Familiarity with government financial software, public sector regulations, and strategic planning tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills help in building consensus and leading diverse teams. These competencies are vital for ensuring effective county operations, fiscal responsibility, and responsive governance.

What is the difference between County Executive vs County Commissioner?

AspectCounty ExecutiveCounty Commissioner
CredentialsTypically requires experience in public administration or politics, sometimes a degree in public policy or related fieldsOften requires local government experience; educational requirements vary
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership, policy implementation, administrative oversightLegislative role, policy approval, local governance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in counties with a strong executive system, often in larger or more urban countiesCommon in counties with a commission-based government structure

The main difference is that the County Executive acts as the chief executive officer, overseeing daily operations and implementing policies, while the County Commissioner serves as part of the legislative body, making laws and policies for the county. The roles vary depending on the county's government structure, with the County Executive typically holding more administrative authority.

Are county government jobs hard to get?

County executive positions are competitive and typically require extensive experience in public administration, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of local government operations. Candidates often need a background in politics, management, or related fields, and the hiring process can involve multiple interviews and evaluations. Overall, securing such a role can be challenging due to the high level of responsibility and limited openings.

What are the most commonly searched types of County jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of County jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for County Executive jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most County Executive job openings:

Infographic showing various County Executive job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,910 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Executive Director

South Cumberland Partnership

Tracy City, TN • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

South Cumberland Partnership invites applications for the position of Executive Director.

Please read the full job description and organization background before applying at https://www.southcumberlandpartnership.org/jobs/executive-director

Applications MUST be submitted at: https://www.southcumberlandpartnership.org/jobs/executive-director

Rolling review of applications will begin on September 9; if you are advanced in the process you will hear from SCP by September 30th.

Executive Opportunity

The South Cumberland Partnership, Inc. (SCP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, seeks a candidate to serve as its Executive Director—the organization’s chief executive—responsible for providing top-level leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to ensure that SCP achieves its mission and goals, working collaboratively with its Board, staff, and external resources, both at the governmental and philanthropic levels, as well as community stakeholders. SCP is at an exciting junction, with a fresh strategic direction, established base funding, and incoming grants. Candidates are invited to learn more and apply online at https://www.southcumberlandpartnership.org/jobs/executive-director.

Characteristics of our Ideal Candidate

Essentials

  • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, marketing, economic development, business administration or related areas and a minimum of three years’ experience in economic development and/or destination marketing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Effective leader of staff, board, committees and community stakeholders
  • Strong advocate for the organization, its mission and goals
  • Authentic and emotionally mature; able to inspire trust
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong operational management skills
  • Strategic, long-range thinker
  • Demonstrated experience in economic development, destination marketing, destination management, or rural tourism development/management
  • Strong networking skills, public speaking skills, and local government negotiation skills (for annual budget)


Administrative details

  • Anticipated schedule is 40 hrs/weekly, with a hybrid schedule (70% office in Tracy City, TN / 30% remote) permitted. 
  • Occasional evening or weekend work is anticipated. 
  • Flexible schedule is permitted, with a focus on in-person presence for community events, community outreach, meetings with local government officials, funders, and partners, and coordination with SCP Board. 
  • Position will include travel within Tennessee, principally to Nashville or Chattanooga to meet with funders and government officials. 
  • Valid Driver’s License required.


Compensation Package

  • Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate with education and experience.
  • Candidate must live in, or relocate to, a location within daily commuting distance of Grundy County, TN (which includes Nashville and Chattanooga, TN; and Huntsville, AL)
  • PTO: 15 days annually (as accrued, in years one and two), to include vacation, illness, bereavement, etc.
  • Compensation will initially include 15 days of annual PTO (this could be vacation, sick leave, bereavement, or any combination), which may increase with time.
  • 12 paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, two days at Thanksgiving, two days at Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and 3 floating holidays.
  • Flexible scheduling may be used in limited increments for minimal time out-of-office
  • Additional benefits negotiable