TN FIREFIGHTING PERSONNEL STANDARDS & EDUCATION COMMISSION - 72620

Executive Service

Who we are and what we do:

The Commission on Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education is responsible for the certification of volunteer and paid firefighters in the State of Tennessee; administering the Educational Incentive Pay Program for paid fire fighters in Tennessee; and for approving training programs to meet the requirements of T.C.A. 4-24-112 (the Minimum Training Statute).

How you make a difference in this role:

Through dynamic leadership, the Executive Director will play a pivotal role in advancing the educational and operational standards for Tennessee's fire service.

Job Overview:

This key leadership position will spearhead initiatives designed to strengthen and improve the safety of Tennesseans, increase efficiency and professionalism for career firefighters and departments, attract dedicated volunteer firefighters who meet industry standards, streamline certification and testing processes, and foster collaborative partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Directs a team of 10 full-time employees responsible for ensuring compliance with state statutes, Firefighting Commission (FFC) rules, and relevant accreditation standards.
• Coordinates and facilitates commission meetings, ensuring they are scheduled, documented, and aligned with established protocols. Prepares and distributes meeting agendas, minutes, and essential materials to ensure all members are informed and engaged.
• Fosters strong relationships with FFC members to ensure effective communication and collaboration on key initiatives. Serves as a liaison between the commission and relevant departments to address concerns and advocate for the needs of career and volunteer firefighters.
• Oversees the career firefighter Educational Incentive Pay (EIP) and Volunteer Firefighter Incentive Pay (VEIP) programs. Ensures the timely processing of EIP and VEIP requests and conducts audits of departments receiving such payments.
• Engages with both career and volunteer fire departments utilizing the SFMO Education and Outreach and TDCI external affairs teams to raise awareness about EIP and VEIP.
• Oversees and directs an efficient certification process, including timely registration, grading of exams, and conferring of certifications. Ensures compliance with all required timelines and provides necessary resources and support to staff.
• Aligns the goals and objectives of the commission with the strategic priorities of the executive branch and the department. Monitors and reports on progress toward the achievement of commission goals, providing updates to the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) Leadership, commissioners, and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in fire science, public administration, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in fire service administration, education, or related areas.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and engage effectively with various stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of fire service certification processes and educational standards.

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.