Be part of a creative team in a dynamic & diverse region!

Who We Seek:

Centralina Regional Council seeks an experienced and dynamic local government leader for the position of Director of Government Affairs & Engagement.  The Director will provide leadership of the department and direct its core functions: local government services, inter-governmental relations, communications and board administration. The candidate must understand the importance of building positive relationships within the region and exhibit strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Our Organization:

Centralina Regional Council is an innovative regional planning agency located in Charlotte, NC with a membership that includes 66 local governments throughout the Greater Charlotte Region. Centralina works with individual communities and leads major projects that transcend local and regional boundaries. Our mission is to lead regional collaboration and spark local action to expand opportunity and improve quality of life.

The Centralina Team:

Centralina strives to provide an inclusive, creative and supportive work environment for its employees. Centralina’s staff of 50+ individuals serve as subject-matter experts to ensure our organization is able to meet critical business needs and is responsive to the needs of those that need our help the most. Centralina’s staff of friendly, talented and professional individuals helps ensure Centralina remains a trusted source of data and analysis that informs decision makers and calls attention to important trends. Centralina is a great place to work, learn and grow in your career.

Centralina offers its employees an excellent benefits package including membership in the NC Local Government Retirement System, 401k, medical, dental, vision and flexible benefits programs.

Description of the Work:

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Staff development and supervision. Supervising, coaching, motivating and evaluating department staff to successfully execute department responsibilities; and establishing and coordinating the implementation of the department’s annual workplan in support of organizational goals.

Program Management. Leading the development and execution of programs, services and information related to local government services, including technical assistance (TA) projects, professional development and peer learning networks and thematic regional stakeholder meetings.

Advocacy and Engagement. Collaborating with the Executive Director and Board to prepare and implement Centralina’s state and federal advocacy agenda and engagement activities; leading relationship building activities, legislation monitoring and coordination with contracted lobbyists.  

Board and Stakeholder Engagement. Providing strategic leadership to guide the implementation of Centralina’s organization-wide communications, public information and board administration activities; working closely with leadership team on strategy development and supervising staff execution.

Strategic Development. Developing and implementing strategies to enhance the effectiveness and impact of the department including developing and seeking funding for new programs and activities; actively cultivating effective and cooperative internal and external working relationships; and implementing process changes to enhance effectiveness and impact.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities include but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices and current trends of public administration and management.
• Strong knowledge of public policy issues at the national, state, regional and local levels.
• Comprehensive ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and promote coordination with federal, state, regional, and local government officials and administrators.
• Comprehensive ability to execute technical assistance services for local governments in one or more of the following areas: meeting facilitation, strategic planning, public administration services, HR and recruitment services, communications and marketing services.
• Comprehensive skills in team leadership, management and employee supervision.
• Comprehensive skills in budget development and proposal development 
• Comprehensive skills in project management and leading or implementing tasks through delivery of successful deliverables and close out.
• Knowledge of principles, practices and current trends related to communications, marketing, public information. 
• Knowledge of state and federal agency grants and foundation funding opportunities, grant writing, compliance and reporting, especially for federal grants. 
• Ability to exercise political sensitivity and display tact and discretion in public communications.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively through verbal, written and graphic means.
• Ability to represent Centralina to the press and a wide range of public, private and non-profit stakeholders. 

Minimum Experience at a Glance:

Graduate Degree in public administration, political science, business, or related field and 9+ years’ experience in local, state or federal government with prior supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Hiring salary depends on experience and qualifications; salary range for the position is $102,203 – $129,797.

Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license and have the ability to physically perform the basic life operation functions of standing, walking, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions, the ability to lift 10 pounds of force occasionally and possess the visual acuity to prepare data, proof work, and do extensive reading.

How to Apply:

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a résumé and cover letter when applying to admin@centralina.org. Deadline: Open until filled with rolling interviews. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. EOE.