Assistant Executive Director

Tennessee Bar Association; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennessee Bar Association in Nashville seeks an experienced Assistant Executive Director to lead day-to-day operations, staff management, and the execution of strategic priorities in partnership with the Executive Director.

You will oversee departments across administration, programs, communications, finance, technology, and governance; supervise staff, shape policies, manage budgets, and advance member services for the legal community while upholding the association’s mission.

Qualifications

• Significant progressive management and organizational leadership experience.
• Experience in nonprofit organizations or professional associations is desirable.
• Familiarity with governance, technology implementation, and cross-functional leadership is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day operational leadership and prioritizes work across departments.
• Supervises directors and staff; coaches managers and supports professional development.
• Oversees hiring, onboarding, compensation administration, employee relations, and personnel decisions.
• Develops and maintains employee handbook provisions, procedures, and internal controls.
• Oversees budgets, financial reporting, and long-range planning.
• Leads planning and implementation of technology, systems, and security across the organization.

Skills

Organizational leadership

Staff supervision

Budget oversight

Strategic planning

Technology leadership

Communication

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Title:Assistant Executive Director

Reports To:Executive Director

Supervises:Directors and designated staff in Communications, Programs, Young Lawyers Division and Law Student Engagement, and Access to Justice and Strategic Initiatives; other staff as assigned

FLSA Status:Exempt

Date:October 2026

I. Summary:

Serves as the senior operations executive of the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA), working closely with the Executive Director to lead day-to-day operations, staff management, organizational systems, and execution of strategic priorities. Oversees assigned departments and coordinates administrative, financial, technology, facilities, and operational functions across TBA and its affiliated charitable foundation, The Tennessee Legal Community Foundation (TLCF). Supports effective governance, sound stewardship of resources, and high-quality services to members and the legal community.

II. Essential Job Duties

A.Manages Staff and Organizational Operations

• 1.Provides day-to-day operational leadership, establishes priorities, coordinates work across departments, and promotes accountability and collaboration.
• 2.Supervises assigned directors and staff; coaches managers, develops staff capacity, and ensures effective delegation, performance evaluation, and professional development.
• 3.In coordination with the Executive Director, oversees hiring, onboarding, compensation administration, employee relations, corrective action, and personnel decisions.
• 4.Develops, implements, and maintains employee handbook provisions, personnel procedures, internal controls, and organizational operating policies.
• 5.Assesses staffing structure, workflows, and resource allocation; recommends changes to improve service, efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.

B.Oversees Programs, Communications, and Member Services

• 1.Provides executive oversight of continuing legal education, conferences, meetings, member programs, and related service delivery.
• 2.Oversees communications, publications, marketing, digital content, website strategy, and member-facing information channels through responsible staff.
• 3.Supports the Young Lawyers Division, law student engagement, access to justice, and strategic initiatives through supervision of responsible departments.
• 4.Works with department leaders to evaluate member needs, program outcomes, budgets, and opportunities for improvement.
• 5.Promotes coordination among membership, education, communications, sections, committees, and other organizational functions.

C.Provides Financial and Administrative Oversight

• 1.Partners with the Executive Director and finance leadership on operating budgets, financial monitoring, resource planning, and fiscal stewardship for TBA and TLCF.
• 2.Reviews departmental budgets, expenditures, contracts, and operational performance; supports financial reporting and long-range planning.
• 3.Coordinates administrative systems, purchasing, vendor relationships, insurance, records management, and other shared organizational services.
• 4.Supports implementation of financial and administrative controls and works with external professional service providers as appropriate.

D.Oversees Technology, Information Systems, and Security

• 1.Leads planning, selection, implementation, and ongoing improvement of organizational technology, including member management, learning platforms, communications, collaboration tools, and business systems.
• 2.Oversees IT vendors, contracts, service performance, cybersecurity practices, data protection, access controls, and technology-related policies.
• 3.Coordinates systems integration, process automation, data quality, staff training, and technology adoption to improve effectiveness.
• 4.Assesses emerging technology needs and recommends expenditures consistent with organizational priorities and resources.

E.Oversees Facilities and Major Projects

• 1.Oversees facilities operations, maintenance, space utilization, workplace safety, and relationships with building-related vendors and contractors.
• 2.Plans and coordinates capital improvements, renovations, relocations, and other significant operational projects, including scope, budgets, schedules, and stakeholder communication.
• 3.Manages cross-functional special projects assigned by the Executive Director or arising from organizational priorities.

F.Contributes to Executive Leadership, Governance, and Strategic Planning

• 1.Serves as a key management partner to the Executive Director in setting organizational priorities and translating Board direction into operational plans.
• 2.Participates in strategic planning, implementation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement across TBA and TLCF.
• 3.Prepares and presents operational information and recommendations to the Board of Governors, foundation leadership, committees, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• 4.Collaborates with volunteer leaders, members, staff, and community partners to advance the organizations’ missions.
• 5.Represents the Association professionally in external relationships and association management networks.

III. Other Job Duties

Performs other job duties as assigned, including participation in professional associations, special initiatives, and activities necessary to support TBA and TLCF operations.

IV. Critical Competencies

Proficiency in the following competencies is important for successful performance in this position:

• 1.Organizational leadership, judgment, and operational management
• 2.Staff supervision, coaching, performance management, and organizational development
• 3.Budget oversight, financial literacy, and resource stewardship
• 4.Strategic planning, project management, and change management
• 5.Technology leadership, cybersecurity awareness, and process improvement
• 6.Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• 7.Collaboration with boards, volunteer leaders, members, and external partners
• 8.Ability to manage competing priorities with discretion, integrity, and sound judgment

V. Equipment Operated

Computer, smartphone, video conferencing and virtual collaboration systems, standard office equipment, and other technology as organizational needs evolve.

VI. Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• 1.Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment with hybrid work arrangements as authorized by the Association.
• 2.Requires regular use of computers and virtual meeting platforms, occasional evening or weekend commitments, and periodic overnight travel.
• 3.Must be able to lift and transport materials and equipment (up to 25 lbs) and to operate office equipment listed above.
• 4.Valid drivers' license required.

VII. Qualifications

Education and Experience: Significant progressive management and organizational leadership experience, including staff supervision, operational administration, and budget responsibility. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is preferred; an equivalent combination of education, professional experience, and demonstrated accomplishments will be considered. Experience in nonprofit organizations, professional associations, or other mission-driven organizations is desirable. Familiarity with governance, technology implementation, and cross-functional leadership is strongly preferred.

The Tennessee Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with federal and state disability laws making reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Sheree Wright at [e-mail].