Air Quality Program Director — Statewide Leadership

State of Tennessee; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 136,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Tennessee is seeking an Executive Service Environmental Program Administrator (Division Director) in Nashville to lead the Division of Air Pollution Control. You will oversee statewide programs, interact with regulators, industry, and the public, and guide policy and enforcement to protect air quality.

The role requires an advanced degree and 8–10 years of leadership experience, with emphasis on budgets, grants, and complex regulatory programs.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required (MS or higher) in environmental/physical sciences, ecology, sustainability, or law.
• 8–10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Experience managing budgets, grants, and complex programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience working with public agencies, boards, and legislative bodies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for statewide air permitting, compliance, enforcement, planning, modeling, monitoring and regulatory development.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams with effective communication and accountability.
• Manage the Division's financial performance to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Serve as Technical Secretary of the Air Pollution Control Board.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Education

MS or higher in environmental science, engineering, or law

Job description

State of Tennessee is seeking an Executive Service Environmental Program Administrator (Division Director) in Nashville to lead the Division of Air Pollution Control. You will oversee statewide programs, interact with regulators, industry, and the public, and guide policy and enforcement to protect air quality.

The role requires an advanced degree and 8–10 years of leadership experience, with emphasis on budgets, grants, and complex regulatory programs.