Executive Director, Centralina Regional Council

Developmental Associates • Charlotte, NC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Centralina Regional Council is seeking its next Executive Director to guide its high-performing team into a dynamic new era. Headquartered in the vibrant metropolis of Charlotte, North Carolina, Centralina unites 70 communities across nine counties to tackle complex challenges, spark economic opportunity, and enhance the quality of life for 2.25 million residents. 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. Centralina's mission is to lead regional collaboration and spark local action to expand opportunity and improve quality of life. Guided by a regularly updated Strategic Plan, leadership focuses on four overarching goals: Goal 1: Collaborate to prepare, plan and act on issues that respond to today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities. Goal 2: Strengthen capacity, efficiency and innovative practice to improve quality of life and enhance economic opportunity. Goal 3: Cultivate relationships to advance regional awareness, collaboration and impact. Goal 4: Invest in the talent and infrastructure needed to support Centralina as a high-performing, highly desirable place to work.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Deep understanding of regional planning, economic development, grant development, intergovernmental funding, transportation planning, workforce development, aging/human services, and county/municipal operations.

Nice To Haves

• Visionary, collaborative leader
• Excels at building trust-based relationships
• Excels at diversifying resources
• Excels at bringing diverse stakeholders together around shared goals
• Strategic & Visionary Leadership: Anticipates regional trends, navigates funding shifts, and positions the organization for sustainable growth.
• Relationship Building & Unification: Skilled at bringing together diverse rural, suburban, and urban stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Collaborative & Approachable Communication: Exceptional listener who maintains political neutrality, communicates Centralina's value clearly, and builds trust.
• Empowering Team Leadership: Promotes staff growth, values work-life balance, respects internal culture, and inspires continuous improvement.
• Champion for Local Autonomy: Respects local government authority while balancing broad regional goals.

Responsibilities

• Expand Regional Collaboration & Partnerships: Serve as a convener to address growth, infrastructure demands, housing affordability, and workforce development.
• Strengthen Organizational Sustainability & Fiscal Health: Diversify revenue streams and ensure long-term operational resilience.
• Secure External Funding & Grants: Proactively identify and capture federal, state, and philanthropic grant opportunities.
• Strengthen Member Engagement & Relationships: Deepen trust and engagement with member local governments, elected officials, and regional delegates.
• Support Local Government Capacity: Provide high-value technical assistance, training, and implementation support tailored to municipal and county needs.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Enrollment in the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (NC LGERS)
• 401(k)
• Flexible benefit programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive