SENIOR REGIONAL CONSULTANT - 75978

Executive Service

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 a variety of methods.

How you make a difference in this role:

The Senior Consultant serves as the Departments primary regional representative and key liaison to TDA executive leadership. This position maintains strong relationships with county officials, producers, agribusinesses, and partner agencies while representing the Department at trade shows, fairs, and industry events. The consultant ensures timely coordination of meetings, resolution of regional issues, and connection of stakeholders to appropriate departmental programs, services, and grant opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as TDAs Primary Regional Representative -Act as the designated East Tennessee representative and principal point of contact for the TDA executive leadership team.
• Provide on-the-ground intelligence, identify emerging regional issues, and proactively communicate opportunities or challenges impacting the agricultural community.
• Respond rapidly to leadership requests, including coordinating meetings, resolving constituent concerns, and representing the Department in priority counties as needed. Regional Relationship & Stakeholder Management
• Serve as the primary departmental liaison for counties within the assigned region.
• Build and maintain strategic working relationships with county officials, producers, agribusiness leaders, development districts, chambers of commerce, and partner agencies.
• Connect stakeholders to appropriate TDA divisions and staff to ensure timely access to services, regulatory guidance, and grant opportunities. Field Operations & Event Representation
• Coordinate and manage TDAs presence at regional trade shows, expos, fairs, and industry events.
• Oversee booth setup, materials, and messaging to ensure consistent, professional representation of the Department.
• Promote departmental programs, funding opportunities, and key initiatives directly to producers, agribusinesses, and community partners. Strategic Partnership Development
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with state and federal partners including TDEC, TNECD, TDDT, TWRA, USDA Rural Development, USDA Farm Service Agency, and other relevant entities.
• Identify opportunities for interagency collaboration that support Tennessee agriculture and forestry businesses. Community & Economic Engagement
• Support agricultural economic development efforts by connecting producers and rural businesses with relevant departmental resources and partner programs.
• Promote initiatives such as AEF, AgTrack, TAEP, Pick Tennessee Products, and other departmental priorities.
• Strengthen participation in local food systems, farmers markets, and farm-to-consumer initiatives. Youth & Industry Development
• Engage with FFA, 4-H, and educational institutions to support agricultural workforce development and industry awareness.
• Represent TDA at career days, farm education events, and collegiate outreach activities. Other duties as assigned.

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.