Executive Director, Tennessee Manufacturers Association

Job Title:

Executive Director, Tennessee Manufacturers Association Position Summary

The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry is seeking a strategic, highly engaged leader to serve as Executive Director of the Tennessee Manufacturers Association (TMA). This role will lead and coordinate all manufacturing-related initiatives of the Chamber, including policy development, member engagement, and public affairs strategy related to the manufacturing sector.

The Executive Director will promote collaboration between Tennessee’s manufacturing community and key stakeholders, including state and federal policymakers, economic development partners, educational institutions, and national manufacturing organizations. This role plays a critical role in advancing a competitive, innovative, and resilient manufacturing environment across the state and will position the Tennessee Chamber and Tennessee Manufacturers Association as a central hub and connection point for manufacturing intelligence, collaboration, and problem-solving.

This position reports to Josh Brown, President & CEO, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce.

• Lead and coordinate all manufacturing-related initiatives, programs, and strategic priorities of the Tennessee Chamber.
• Serve as the Chamber’s senior manufacturing lead, representing the interests of manufacturers across all regions and subsectors of Tennessee’s economy.
• Oversee the Tennessee Manufacturers Association and ensure alignment with the Chamber’s broader mission and policy goals.
• Oversee Chamber's Manufacturing Excellence Council, the Chamber's overall coordinating group made up of Chamber manufacturing members; develop and lead sector-specific committees (i.e., automotive manufacturing) that focus on areas with high concentration in Tennessee.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive, statewide view of Tennessee’s manufacturing ecosystem by mapping manufacturers, subsectors, supply chains, and capabilities across the state.
• Identify gaps, opportunities, and emerging trends within Tennessee’s manufacturing base to inform Chamber strategy, policy priorities, and member programming.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers across the state through regular outreach, engagement, and recruitment.
• Partner with Chamber membership staff to grow manufacturing membership and enhance member value.
• Serve as a trusted resource to manufacturing members on policy, workforce, and regulatory issues.
• Collaborate closely with the Chamber’s government relations team to develop and advance manufacturing-focused policy priorities and engage with state policymakers, executive branch agencies, and members and staff of Tennessee’s congressional delegation.
• Track legislation, rules and regulations affecting the manufacturing industry, seeking feedback from manufacturing members.
• Coordinate with national manufacturing organizations and coalitions to align state and federal advocacy efforts.

• Promote the importance of manufacturing in Tennessee through events, media engagement, and public-facing initiatives.
• Partner with the Chamber’s marketing and communications team to drive manufacturing-focused messaging, newsletter and blog content, and media opportunities.
• Promote the importance of manufacturing in Tennessee through regular events and collaboration with key stakeholders, including state and federal officials, colleges and universities, and leading manufacturers.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing, economic development, public policy, government relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience engaging senior‑level executives, policymakers, and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing policy, workforce, regulatory, and economic development issues.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of and passion for Tennessee’s manufacturing landscape.

The Tennessee Chamber offers a competitive salary commiserate with experience and benefits package. The preferred start date is March
1. Candidates must be willing and able to work in‑person in downtown Nashville. Some statewide travel will also be required (less than 40%).

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to sarah.burnett with the subject line "Executive Director Application." The Final date to receive applications is January 28th.