Director of Strategic Initiatives

OVERVIEW

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee. The department is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the public through the operations of its four primary divisions: Tennessee Highway Patrol, Driver Services, Tennessee Highway Safety Office, and Office of Homeland Security. Headquartered in Nashville, the department maintains a presence statewide with approximately 2,200 employees working across the state. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Strategic Initiatives plays a crucial role in overseeing and ensuring the successful delivery of agency-wide strategic priorities. This position is responsible for driving the organization’s strategic planning process, working closely with the Commissioner, Chief of Staff, and other key agency leaders to shape, implement, and monitor the execution of the agency’s most critical goals and objectives. The Director will collaborate across departments, manage resources, and ensure alignment with the agency's mission and vision, helping to steer the agency toward achieving its long-term goals.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff, the Director of Strategic Initiatives will work to create a clear strategic roadmap, provide guidance and support to various teams, and track progress to ensure objectives are met on time and within scope. In addition to leading strategic initiatives, the Director will serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, offering insights and recommendations based on analysis of performance data and emerging trends.

While this role may offer eligibility for Alternative Workplace Solutions, the incumbent must be available to work onsite in Nashville, Tennessee, up to 4-5 days per week to facilitate collaboration and direct engagement with the leadership team and other stakeholders. The position will require occasional statewide travel for meetings, events, and site visits, and the ability to work after hours as needed to ensure the timely completion of high-priority initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and prioritize high-impact projects that align with and advance the organization’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Design and implement a comprehensive, organization-wide plan to successfully move projects from concept to completion.
• Create detailed implementation timelines, assign tasks to agency staff, and provide regular progress updates to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to define and establish both short-term and long-term milestones and strategic goals.
• Construct proposals for the development of programs for high-priority, high-visibility initiatives to ensure effective resource allocation.
• Cultivate strong relationships within the department and across state government to drive collaboration and achieve organizational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate should be independent, energetic, and self-aware, with the ability to work autonomously and make decisions. They must navigate organizational dynamics with political acumen, influence stakeholders, and communicate clearly with both internal teams and senior leadership. Strong project management skills are essential, as is the ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results on time and within budget.

The candidate should be a proactive problem solver with critical thinking skills to analyze situations and make data-driven decisions. Proficiency in the Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required. Finally, the candidate must demonstrate self-accountability, taking responsibility for their work and professional growth.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and experience in areas such as project management, strategic planning, data analysis, IT systems, organizational structures, and business planning. Equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience may be considered. 

BENEFITS

The State of Tennessee offers a comprehensive benefits program to include health, dental, life, vision, and disability insurance programs, paid state holidays, and generous leave benefits. In addition, State of Tennessee employees are eligible for participation in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS).

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Tennessee prohibits discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or any other category protected under federal or state law in recruitment, hiring, discharge, promotion, or any other aspect of employment.