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Division Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Division Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$48.1K

$135K

$185.6K

How much do division director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for division director in Tennessee is $135,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,900.00 and $164,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a division director?

Division Directors are senior-level managers responsible for overseeing a specific division or department within an organization. They set strategic direction, manage budgets, supervise managers and staff, and ensure that their division meets its goals and aligns with the broader organizational mission. Division Directors also play a key role in developing policies, allocating resources, and representing their division to upper management and external stakeholders.

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

To thrive as a Division Director, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, and organizational management skills, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and significant management experience. Familiarity with budgeting software, project management tools, and industry-specific compliance systems is often required. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and team-building abilities help a Division Director inspire others and drive results. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively guiding large teams, achieving organizational objectives, and adapting to evolving business challenges.

How does a division director typically collaborate with other departments to achieve organizational goals?

A Division Director often works closely with leaders of other divisions and departments to ensure alignment with the organization's strategic objectives. This collaboration may involve regular cross-functional meetings, joint project planning, and sharing resources or expertise to address company-wide challenges. Effective communication and relationship-building are key, as Division Directors are responsible for representing their team's needs while also balancing broader organizational priorities. Additionally, they may participate in executive leadership teams or committees to drive company-wide initiatives.

What is the difference between Division Director vs Department Manager?

AspectDivision DirectorDepartment Manager
CredentialsBachelor’s degree often required; advanced degrees preferredBachelor’s degree typically required; some roles may prefer advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments within a division, strategic planningManages a specific department, operational focus
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, government agencies, healthcareFound across various industries, including corporate, education, healthcare

Division Directors generally oversee multiple departments within a division, focusing on strategic leadership and coordination. Department Managers handle day-to-day operations within a single department. While both roles require leadership skills and relevant credentials, Division Directors operate at a higher strategic level across multiple units, whereas Department Managers focus on departmental management and execution.

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

The most popular types of Division jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Division Director jobs in Tennessee?

For Division Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Division Director jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Division Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Division Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,018 per year, or $64.9 per hour.

Division Director, Safeguards and Security Technology Division (SSTD)

Oak Ridge, TN


Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Scientific Research and Development Services • 5 - 10K employees

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Requisition Id 16926 

Overview:

The National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks applicants for the position of Division Director for the Safeguards and Security Technology Division (SSTD). Reporting to the NSSD Associate Laboratory Director (ALD), the Division Director is responsible for leading and managing the Division's science and technology (S&T) capabilities, ensuring excellence in current mission execution while establishing and implementing a strategic vision for increased impact for national security.

SSTD is comprised of multidisciplinary scientists, engineers, and mission-focused professionals who advance the scientific and technical foundations of nuclear safeguards and security. The Division develops innovative technologies and operational solutions that enable U.S. government agencies to strengthen the security and safeguards of nuclear and radiological materials in the U.S. and around the world, ultimately enhancing U.S. national security.

SSTD also develops and applies advanced software and digital capabilities to support nonproliferation and nuclear security missions, including information management systems, data collection and analysis platforms, nuclear material tracking systems, and modeling and simulation tools that inform operational decision-making and policy.

The Division collaborates extensively across ORNL and the broader DOE complex to advance technologies and approaches supporting nuclear safeguards, security, treaty verification spanning the nuclear fuel cycle and radiological operations. SSTD maintains internationally recognized expertise in safeguards and security technologies, implementation methodologies, and integrated safeguards concepts applicable across the full spectrum of nuclear fuel cycle activities.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership that focuses and integrates Division capabilities toward world-class S&T goals consistent with the programmatic missions of NSSD and the Laboratory
  • Collaborate with management peers to assist the ALD in defining and implementing strategic programmatic R&D missions for NSSD and the Laboratory
  • Represent ORNL before advisory committees
  • Emphasize the scientific productivity, impact, and reputation of SSTD and engagement of staff in professional organizations
  • Ensure the Division executes projects and delivers outcomes consistent with commitments on budget and schedule
  • Execute line management responsibilities including supervision of Division leadership, budget and business planning, salary planning, staff recruitment and development, employee relations, and performance management
  • Build Division capabilities by attracting a quality, diverse pool of top candidates, and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field
  • Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated
  • Serve as the Division work authority, striving to implement a culture within the workplace that is attentive to the identification of hazards and responsive to providing controls and processes to address the hazards

Basic Qualifications:

  • Qualified candidates will have a Ph.D. in engineering, the physical sciences, or related technical fields
  • At least 12 years of experience focused on nuclear nonproliferation within an R&D environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Strong leadership and business management skills with a proven track record of communication through technical publications, development and execution of an R&D vision and strategy

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills that can interact effectively with a broad spectrum of people and issues in a fast-paced environment that spans R&D
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
  • Focused delivery on the operational missions of nonproliferation sponsors

Special Requirements:

  • Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
  • Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing. 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.



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