DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Executive Service Closing Date: 09/02/2026 Who We Are And What We Do The Business Development Division works with Tennessee producers and agricultural/forestry businesses to build rural economies and increase farm and forest-derived income. Development activities provide diverse growth opportunities, including industry- and producer-focused incentives, as well as promotions that reach consumers and the non-farming public through various methods. Executive Service DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Department of Agriculture Business Development Nashville, TN Annual Salary: $89,496.00 - $116,364.00 Closing Date: 09/02/2026 Who We Are And What We Do The Business Development Division works with Tennessee producers and agricultural and forestry businesses to increase farm- and forest-derived income. Through targeted incentives, industry partnerships, producer-focused support, and consumer-facing promotions, the Division creates diverse opportunities for growth while sharing the value of Tennessee agriculture and forestry with the public. How You Make a Difference In This Role The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is seeking a strategic, collaborative leader to serve as its Director of Business Development. This is an opportunity to help grow Tennessee's rural economies, expand markets for producers and agricultural and forestry businesses, and advance the industries that sustain communities across the state.The Business Development Division works with Tennessee producers and agricultural and forestry businesses to increase farm- and forest-derived income. Through targeted incentives, industry partnerships, producer-focused support, and consumer-facing promotions, the Division creates diverse opportunities for growth while sharing the value of Tennessee agriculture and forestry with the public. As Director of Business Development, you will lead a talented team and guide statewide initiatives that connect policy, programs, partnerships, and investment to meaningful economic outcomes. You will help position Tennessee producers and businesses to compete, grow, and succeed. Key Responsibilities Lead, train, supervise, and evaluate Business Development Division staff and their work. Direct the evaluation, planning, development, and delivery of business-development programs serving Tennessee producers and agricultural and forestry businesses. Ensure programs and services are delivered effectively, strategically, and without duplication across the state. Maintain strong connections with program staff, service-delivery partners, industry stakeholders, and producers to identify needs and strengthen outcomes. Study relevant federal and state policies and procedures; assess the impact of new or revised requirements; and recommend improvements to state policies and practices. Interpret policies, procedures, and program requirements for field staff and stakeholders. Help direct, administer, and review statewide policies and procedures related to business development, rural economic growth, producer support, and promotional initiatives. Serve as a key liaison to explain Division programs, respond to questions and concerns, and build productive relationships with producers, businesses, partners, and the public. Lead the preparation, submission, and administration of program operating budgets, while identifying opportunities to maximize available fiscal resources and investments. Provide recommendations to the Legislature regarding divisional priorities, emerging needs, proposed programs, and budget and fiscal plans. Perform other duties as assigned in support of Department priorities. Minimum Qualifications The Ideal Candidate: The successful candidate is an experienced leader with sound judgment, a strong understanding of economic and business development, and a genuine commitment to Tennessee agriculture and forestry. They communicate clearly, build trusted partnerships, translate policy into action, and bring an entrepreneurial mindset to public service. Join the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and lead work that helps producers, businesses, and rural communities build a stronger, more prosperous future. Preferred Qualification Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree and experience equivalent to five years of full-time professional work. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr