TDEC REGIONAL DIRECTOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS - 71831

Executive Service

Employees may work in alternative workspaces from home or in an assigned office, but it is expected that this employee will live in the region they serve.

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/executive-service/00068087_regional_dir_oea_kefo_tdec-job-opp_es.pdf

Who we are and what we do:

Who we are: 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. We foster a work environment that's inclusive as well as diverse, where our people can be themselves. Every idea and perspective is valued so that our culture reflects the people we serve. 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. About the Division of Stakeholder Engagement: The Division of Stakeholder Engagement engages and empowers stakeholders through clear communication with a focus on customers, sustainability, resourceful problem-solving, and leading by example.

How you make a difference in this role:

A Regional Director in the Office of External Affairs (OEA) is an outstanding TDEC leadership position that serves as a public outreach arm for the Commissioner's Office and as a primary point of contact for the general public; businesses; non-governmental organizations; state and local government officials; and other key external stakeholders in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union counties. If you are interested in an exciting opportunity to collaborate with all divisions within TDEC and promote environmental stewardship in East Tennessee, this opportunity could be an outstanding career move.

Job Overview:

We seek a candidate with a bachelor's degree in environmental science, communications, journalism, public affairs, education, or related fields; strong communication and organization skills; and successful experiences working with a diverse customer base. The preferred candidate will demonstrate skills needed to develop strong external stakeholder relationships that benefit the department and to navigate various levels of TDEC management. The position is based at TDEC's Knoxville Environmental Field Office and serves the surrounding counties listed above. Employees may work in alternative workspaces from home or in an assigned office, but it is expected that this employee will live in the region they serve.

Highlighted Competencies of the Preferred Candidate: * Focuses on providing excellent customer service to a diverse customer base while being sensitive to environmental and political issues. * Understands and effectively communicates complex or controversial topics to stakeholders internally and externally. * Demonstrates integrity and is trusted with confidential information. * Master's degree preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and facilitate TDEC's formal public hearings, informal public meetings, stakeholder roundtables, and other outreach efforts.
• Develop strong relationships and clear communication channels with key stakeholders such as local elected officials, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations,
• Provide weekly reports to the Director of Stakeholder Engagement to highlight developing issues of interest to the department.
• Work closely with the Communications and Legislative offices to ensure consistent communications with all external stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, communications, journalism, public affairs, education, or related fields.

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.