Associate Director -AIHC65034209

State of North Carolina

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, aquariums, and various cultural and natural programs. The Department's vision is to be a leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina, welcoming everyone. The DNCR American Indian Heritage Commission (AIHC) is seeking an Associate Director to provide operational leadership and program oversight. This position supports the execution of the AIHC’s strategic priorities by overseeing day-to-day implementation of initiatives, coordinating governance support, and managing project timelines, staff, and contractors. Working under the direction of the Director, the Associate Director ensures consistent, efficient operations and alignment with departmental goals while maintaining effective collaboration with tribal communities, Native-serving organizations, and agency partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three (3) years progressively responsible experience related to the area of assignment or An equivalent combination of training and experience.
Ability to maintain reliable transportation for frequent statewide travel.
Demonstrated ability to participate in evening and weekend meetings and events as necessary.
Demonstrated ability to represent the Commission at public events and community gatherings within delegated authority.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences in both office and field settings.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience executing and/or supporting multi-year strategic plans and tracking performance outcomes.
Demonstrated experience working within state government or comparable public sector institutions.
Demonstrated experience navigating cross-division or multi-agency collaboration.
Demonstrated experience with education initiatives, public history, cultural preservation, and/or community-based programming.
Demonstrated experience working with tribal communities, Native-serving organizations, and/or culturally grounded institutions.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day implementation of initiatives aligned with the AIHC Strategic Plan, including tracking projects, timelines, and deliverables.
Coordinate preparation of Commission materials and track action items to support effective governance and follow-through.
Supervise temporary staff and oversee contractor performance, deliverables, and timelines.
Manage assigned program portfolios, including education, public history, and community engagement initiatives.
Represent the Commission in meetings, events, and partnership engagements within delegated authority, including statewide travel.
Identify operational risks and escalate strategic, fiscal, or politically sensitive matters to the Director.