Centralina is Hiring: Executive Director

Lead Regional Progress. Empower Local Action.

Applicants should apply by September 26, 2026

Are you a visionary, collaborative leader ready to shape the future of one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation? Centralina Regional Council is seeking its next Executive Director to guide its high-performing team into a dynamic new era.

Centralina, located in Charlotte, NC, unites 70 communities across nine counties to tackle complex challenges, spark economic opportunity, and enhance the quality of life for 2.25 million residents. If you excel at building trust-based relationships, diversifying resources, and bringing diverse stakeholders together around shared goals, this is your opportunity to make a lasting regional impact.

About the Organization and the Position

Established in 1968, Centralina Regional Council is one of 16 regional councils in NC authorized by the General Assembly-(Region F). Governance is anchored by a Board of Delegates representing member local governments and overseen by an 18-member Executive Board who are elected officials within the nine-county service area.

The Executive Director serves as Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the Board of Delegates and Executive Board. The Executive Director is responsible for leading operational initiatives and generating financial opportunities.

Qualifications

  • Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in public administration, urban and regional planning, business administration, urban studies, political science, or a closely related field required.
  • Experience:
    • Ten or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience in local government or regional council operations.
    • Five or more years in executive leadership or senior management in a public, nonprofit, or regional organization.
    • Proven track record working directly with a Board of Directors and intergovernmental relations.
    • Demonstrated background and substantial knowledge in team leadership, financial management, budgeting, grants, pass-through and braided funding.

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary: Starting salary is competitive and dependent on qualifications, experience, and market considerations.
  • Benefits Package: Learn more about their benefits here.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit the Developmental Associates Application Portal and select Executive Director – Centralina Regional Council. If accessing through the portal, click the green “Apply” button in the upper-right corner.

Note: All application materials (including cover letter and resume) must be submitted via the Developmental Associates portal—not through Centralina’s direct site or third-party job boards.

  • Application Deadline: September 26, 2026
  • Virtual Skill Assessments & Interviews: October 29-30, 2026 (Semi-finalists are asked to reserve these dates)
  • Direct Inquiries: hiring@developmentalassociates.com

To learn more about the selection process, visit Developmental Associates Client Openings and scroll to “Important Information for Applicants.”

Centralina Regional Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Recruitment and selection are managed by Developmental Associates, LLC.

Federal funds are commonly passed through state agencies in North Carolina before being awarded to local governments, which can make the original funding source less obvious. Before proceeding with a procurement, local governments should verify whether an award originates from a federal source. This determination affects compliance obligations, including procurement standards, reporting, and audit requirements.

When a construction or repair contract over $300,000 involves a building, the procurement and contract are subject to additional requirements under N.C.G.S. 143-128. Therefore, this question must be answered to determine whether the additional statutory requirements apply to this procurement scenario.

The micro-purchase threshold is a federal procurement threshold under which competitive procurement is not required. The default micro-purchase threshold is $15,000, but local governments may increase the micro-purchase threshold up to $50,000. An explanation of increasing the micro-purchase threshold and a template for the required annual self-certification is available here.