Special Assistant to the Director

Posting number: 27104E

Department: Waste Services

Division: NWS Administration

Job classification: Special Assistant to the Director

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Waste Management

As the Special Assistant to the Director, you will serve as a trusted advisor and administrative partner, helping drive meaningful departmental outcomes. The incumbent will work closely with the Director and leadership team on fiscal, personnel, operational, and strategic matters while representing the department to employees, Metro agencies, Council members, the media, and the public.

This is a highly visible role for a skilled communicator and problem-solver who enjoys variety in their work and wants the opportunity to make a measurable impact across city operations.

Waste Services is responsible for weekly curbside waste and every other week curbside recycling collection for over 151,000 customers in the urban services district as well as collection of over 200 public litter baskets in the downtown Nashville corridor. The division also operates four convenience centers where residents of Davidson County can bring waste, recycling, bulk items, food waste, household hazardous waste, and other items for recycling or disposal and eight recycling drop-off locations available to residents who do not qualify for curbside recycling collection.

Waste Services currently employs staff members working in collection, administration, customer service, education, landfill engineering, development review, and outreach.

• Provide high-level administrative and managerial support to the Department Director.
• Consult with the Director or designee on personnel, budget, fiscal, and operational matters.
• Serve as a liaison between the Director and staff, Metro agencies, elected officials, the press, and the community.
• Interpret and disseminate information on behalf of leadership.
• Prepare sensitive, complex, and analytical reports to support decision-making.
• Conduct special studies and present recommendations for improvements.
• Coordinate activities across divisions for more seamless operations.
• Investigate and resolve complaints, ensuring timely follow-up and effective solutions.
• Assist in the development and implementation of departmental rules, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in management or union meetings, including research for grievances and requests.
• Attend meetings and hearings on behalf of departmental leadership.
• Contribute to annual budget development and ongoing financial planning.

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of administrative experience.
• For this specific position, there will be no substitutionLICENSES REQUIRED
• Valid Driver License
• Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.
• Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

• Experience with a Metropolitan Government structure, operations, and budget process
• Experience leading small teams or project groups
• Ability to work with upper management and leadership teams

We are an equal opportunity employer. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Metro Nashville is committed to selecting the most qualified candidate for each of our roles.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.