Economic Development Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE CHAMBER

The Greater Memphis Chamber is the primary business and economic development organization for the tri‑state Greater Memphis region, serving as a platform for private‑sector leadership, public partnership, and regional strategy. Through the Prosper Memphis 2030 strategic plan, the Chamber is focused on translating Memphis’ distinctive assets, including global logistics, advanced manufacturing strength, emerging AI and data infrastructure momentum, a diverse workforce, and major civic and educational institutions, into measurable gains in investment, quality jobs, talent development, and inclusive economic opportunity. The organization advances this work through the leadership of its investors, a professional staff, strategic partnerships, and a unified voice for the Memphis business community.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President/Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all functions of the Greater Memphis Chamber required to meet the Chamber’s mission and annual operating plan. In addition, the CEO serves as the primary strategist for the Greater Memphis region’s leading Economic Development Organization responsible for driving measurable economic growth across the Greater Memphis region, including job creation, capital investment, wage growth, and talent development.

This includes coordination of the program agenda; advances investor engagement and capital campaigns; staff selection and direction; development and implementation of operating policies and procedures; recruitment and motivation of volunteers; financial management; membership and investor development; and long‑term strategic planning aligned with regional economic competitiveness and inclusive growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Organizational Leadership

• With the Board of Directors, set the vision, mission, and climate for the Chamber, building on previous successful initiatives while introducing innovative strategies to ensure the Chamber is a proactive, high‑impact economic leader.
• Build a data‑driven, results‑oriented organization where employees are committed to achieving defined economic and organizational objectives by ensuring all team members clearly understand their role in executing and delivering the measurable outcomes established in the Chamber’s strategic plan, Prosper Memphis 2030.
• Through effective fundraising, alliance building, and resource utilization, ensure the Chamber has the capacity to execute regional economic development priorities.
• Become deeply engaged in the community and region through active participation with private, public, and educational sectors to influence direction and align stakeholders around shared growth goals.
• Work with the Board to ensure that organizational structure aligns with strategic priorities, including economic development, workforce, and investor engagement.
• Lead the senior management team to ensure:
  • Talent development and performance management systems support strategic goals
  • Continuous organizational improvement
  • A strong, data‑driven focus on stakeholder (“customer”) needs

Management Duties

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership to senior management team and ensure effective systems, policies, and procedures are in place to develop and implement programs that address identified community and economic needs; measure and report outcomes using defined KPIs
• Administer Chamber operations within budget and ensure strong financial oversight, reporting, and annual audits
• Develop and propose to the Board an operating budget aligned with strategic priorities and economic development goals
• Work with Board of Directors committees, i.e., Compensation Committee and Governance Committee (and other committees as needed)
• Coordinate with Board leadership on positions related to public policy and economic priorities
• Ensure effective volunteer engagement to support Chamber priorities
• Maintain facilities and operations that reflect a professional and welcoming environment
• Expand and diversify non‑membership revenue streams, including major investor campaigns

Economic Development & Regional Growth Leadership

• Lead and execute a comprehensive regional economic development strategy (Digital Delta)
• Drive the team to success in business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts
• Develop and maintain relationships with site selectors, corporate executives, and investors
• Oversee major project development and public‑private partnership execution
• Advance targeted industry clusters, including logistics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare/life sciences, AI‑related industry, and emerging sectors
• Position Memphis competitively among peer regions

Workforce & Talent Development

• Work collaboratively on a regional workforce and talent strategy aligned with current and future employer needs
• Partner with K‑12, higher education, and workforce organizations to strengthen the talent pipeline

Inclusive Economic Growth

• Ensure economic growth strategies expand opportunities across all communities through Chamber‑related efforts
• Promote minority‑owned and small business participation in economic development
• Support initiatives that improve economic mobility and access to jobs and capital
• Build partnerships that align inclusive growth with overall economic competitiveness

Public Policy & Advocacy

• Provide strategic direction on the Chamber’s pro‑business public policy agenda
• Work closely with local, state, and federal officials to advance economic priorities
• Build coalitions to influence policy outcomes that support growth, workforce development, and competitiveness
• In working with the senior management team and Government Affairs Committee, clearly communicate policy positions and their economic impact to stakeholders and the public

External Relations & Market Positioning

This is a highly visible executive role that requires regular engagement with business, civic, public‑sector, and community stakeholders, including occasional early morning, evening, event‑related commitments.

• Serve as the Chamber’s primary spokesperson and ambassador for the Greater Memphis region
• Lead and support organizational efforts to strengthen Memphis’ national and global brand as a place to do business
• Build relationships with media, investors, and site selectors and other key stakeholders
• Partner with the Chamber’s communications, economic development and membership teams to advance regional positioning and investor engagement

Investor & Member Engagement

• Provide executive leadership for membership and investor development and retention
• Build strong, trusted relationships with CEOs and business leaders
• Demonstrate clear value and ROI to Chamber members and investors
• Lead fundraising and capital campaigns to support organizational sustainability

Data‑Driven Strategy & Performance

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators tied to economic and organizational outcomes
• Utilize data and market intelligence to guide decisions and strategy
• Provide regular reporting on performance to the Board and stakeholders

Regional Collaboration & Partnerships

• Lead collaboration across the broader Memphis region, including surrounding counties and states
• Partner with key institutions including logistics, transportation, education, and economic development, and AI‑related industries
• Align stakeholders around a unified regional growth strategy

Crisis Leadership

• Provide leadership during economic disruptions or community challenges
• Manage high‑profile issues affecting the business climate
• Protect and strengthen the Chamber’s reputation and credibility

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure compliance with all federal and state employment regulations
• Oversee compensation, benefits, and employment practices aligned with organizational goals

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in business, economic development, or related field
• Demonstrated success in achieving measurable economic or organizational outcomes
• Proven ability to lead complex organizations and high‑performing teams
• Strong experience in:
  • Economic development strategy or business growth
  • Public‑private partnerships
  • Fundraising and investor relations
• Solid understanding of regional and national economic trends
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead organizations that deliver measurable results
• Integrity: High moral character and trustworthiness
• Strategic Thinker: Balances long‑term vision with execution
• Decision Maker: Makes informed, timely decisions in complex environments
• Communicator: Effective with media, stakeholders, and public audiences
• Relationship Builder: Builds trust across business, government, and community groups
• Change Agent: Drives innovation and continuous improvement
• Results‑Oriented: Focused on outcomes, accountability, and impact
• Inclusive Leader: Able to unite diverse perspectives toward shared goals

Image

The CEO projects a professional image and serves as a strong representative of the Chamber and the Memphis region, recognized by business and community stakeholders as a credible, knowledgeable leader.