Tennessee Nuclear Network (TN²) Director / Program Director

ORAU•Oak Ridge, TN

2d•$95,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC) brings industry, academia, and government together to share information, foster collaboration, and advocate for federal missions that drive regional economic growth. Through weekly programs and signature events, ETEC convenes leaders and partners to strengthen East Tennessee’s economic competitiveness and innovation ecosystem. ETEC is a private, independent, regional, 501(c)(6) nonprofit membership organization founded in 1973. Today, ETEC represents more than 400 member organizations and manages a robust annual calendar of meetings, conferences, and special events across East Tennessee and beyond. About the Tennessee Nuclear Network (TN²) The Tennessee Nuclear Network (TN²) is a statewide initiative led by the East Tennessee Economic Council that brings together nuclear-focused and adjacent companies, government partners, academic institutions, and workforce organizations to support collaboration, innovation, and economic growth across Tennessee’s nuclear ecosystem. TN² builds on decades of leadership in the Oak Ridge Corridor while engaging partners statewide to advance workforce development, industry coordination, public engagement, and policy alignment. www.TNnuclear.org. Responsibilities The TN² Director is responsible for the coordination, and momentum of the Tennessee Nuclear Network. This role manages the initiative—its priorities, progress, and outcomes—while working collaboratively with ETEC staff who support execution across communications, operations, events, and membership. This is a hands-on leadership role in a small, highly collaborative team. The Director is expected to personally produce work, not simply coordinate or delegate it. Success in this role requires comfort operating in complexity, strong judgment, and the ability to move diverse stakeholders forward through influence rather than authority. Why This Role Matters This position offers the opportunity to lead a visible, high-impact statewide initiative at the intersection of industry, workforce, and economic development—while working in a collaborative environment where leadership is trusted and ideas turn into action.

Requirements

7+ years of senior level experience leading complex programs, initiatives, or partnerships
Experience working with multi-stakeholder groups (industry, government, academia, nonprofits)
Demonstrated ability to create structure, synthesize input, and move work forward
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Comfort operating in a small, fast-moving organization
Strong project management and organizational skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in economic development, energy, workforce development, policy, public–private partnerships, or a related field
Familiarity with Tennessee’s economic or workforce landscape
Experience reporting to boards or executive committees

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary internal leader and steward of the TN² initiative
Translate Executive Committee guidance into annual priorities, workplans, and measurable outcomes
Keep TN² aligned with ETEC’s mission and broader economic development goals
Regularly brief the President & CEO and both ETEC and TN² Executive Committee on progress, risks, and opportunities
Manage the TN² Executive Committee and other standing committees
Prepare agendas, discussion materials, and decision summaries
Track actions and follow up to ensure commitments lead to outcomes
Recruit and onboard committee members in coordination with ETEC leadership
Lead the planning and coordination of TN² programs, initiatives, and recurring meetings
Draft first versions of plans, frameworks, timelines, and proposals for new initiatives
Identify gaps, emerging needs, and opportunities across workforce, industry, policy, and public engagement
Serve as a primary point of contact for TN² member companies and partners
Build and maintain relationships with industry, government, academic, and workforce stakeholders
Represent TN² in meetings, briefings, and collaborative settings as appropriate
Be the public voice of the initiative to outside entities, could include some travel
Collect and submit progress reports to key stakeholders
Coordinate TN² work across the ETEC team, ensuring clarity of roles, timelines, and expectations
Work closely with communications staff on messaging, positioning, and visibility (content execution handled by ETEC staff)
Partner with operations and events staff to support logistics and member experience