Jobs
Executive Director, Tennessee Historical Commission
The Tennessee Historical Commission (THC) and The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is pleased to offer an opportunity to support the agency’s mission to protect, preserve, interpret, maintain, and administer historic sites. The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of the THC, providing strategic, administrative, and programmatic leadership in furtherance of the Commission’s statutory mission.
The 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 Description: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/environment/job-announcements-/executive-service/00008620_exc_dir_thc_tdec-job-opp_es_ua.pdf
To apply: https://stateoftn-careers.ttcportals.com/jobs/17656464-historical-commission-director-77145
Highlighted Responsibilities:
• Lead day-to-day operations of the Commission, including leading a team of 19 employees and 17 state historic sites.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to preserve, interpret, and promote Tennessee’s historic resources.
• Manage the agency’s budget, grants, and state and federal funding; engage with state leadership and legislators as needed.
• Oversee major programs, including the Tennessee Wars Commission, Monuments and Markers Program, and Historic Cemetery Preservation Program.
• Serve as the primary public representative of the Commission, including media engagement and stakeholder relations.
• Build and maintain partnerships with governmental, nonprofit, and community organizations across the state.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal preservation laws and administrative regulations.
• Supervise staff and foster a collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture.
• 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced degree (MA or higher) in history, public history, historic preservation, architectural history, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in preservation, nonprofit management, or public administration.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, grants, and complex programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience working with public agencies, boards, and legislative bodies.
• Knowledge of Tennessee history, historic resources, and preservation practices.
• Experience with federal preservation programs (e.g., SHPO, National Park Service).
• Familiarity with Tennessee state government processes.
• Background in public history, interpretation, or historic site management.
