Deputy Secretary for External Affairs - SEC60035996

Agency

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division

OPS Deputy Secretary

Job Classification Title

Deputy Secretary/Commissioner I (NS)

Position Number

60035996

Grade

NC25

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Description of Work

The Deputy Secretary for External Affairs serves as one of four deputy secretaries and a key member of DNCR’s executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and advancing the agency’s external-facing priorities and statewide visibility. The role guides DNCR’s communication strategy and oversees communications, marketing, media relations, crisis communication, digital strategy, and public affairs for the agency. It also provides strategic leadership and oversight for DNCR’s externally focused African American Heritage Commission, American Indian Heritage Commission, North Carolina Arts Council, and Office of K–12 Education and Outreach. The Deputy Secretary leads agencywide coordination to ensure consistent, inclusive, and mission‑aligned messaging, public engagement, and stakeholder collaboration across programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level leadership and strategic direction as part of DNCR’s senior leadership team.
• Lead agencywide communication, marketing, media relations, crisis response, and digital strategy functions.
• Oversee Public Information Officers, marketing personnel, and communications staff across DNCR divisions.
• Provide executive oversight to DNCR’s African American Heritage Commission, American Indian Heritage Commission, Arts Council, and K–12 Education and Outreach.
• Ensure consistent and mission‑aligned messaging and engagement across the agency.
• Lead crisis communication strategy and coordinate response across divisions and partner agencies.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.

Recruitment Range: $89,596-$165,000

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Demonstrated experience leading large teams toward shared strategic goals.
• Demonstrated expertise in communications, public affairs, marketing, and/or external engagement at statewide or enterprise level.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated strong strategic thinking, messaging, and decision‑making abilities.
• Demonstrated experience developing and/or managing budgets.

Position/Physical Requirements

• Typical work schedule is Monday-Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm and other times as needed.

As per N.C.G.S. 126, this position is designated as Exempt Policymaking and as such is subject to the State Government Ethics Act.  The leading applicant(s) must complete a statement of economic interest, which must be filed and evaluated by the State's Ethics Commission, prior to the applicant being employed in this position.

This position is located at:

109 East Jones Street,

Raleigh, NC 27601

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree in business or economics or a related program (degrees in a wide range of disciplines are acceptable including but not limited to communications, public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, education, and/or political science) from an appropriately accredited institution

and

Five (5) years of progressive experience in Agency related industry/operations, including three (3) years of supervisory experience;

or

An equivalent combination of training and experience.

Click here to learn about employee perks and benefits.

Click here to see the Total Compensation Calculator.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.

We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

Application Process

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks.
• Be sure to complete the application in full. Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting. Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date.

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Employment Eligibility

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

CONTACT INFORMATION:

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division of Human Resources

109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Phone: 919-814-6670

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Devyn Kirksey

Email:

employment@dncr.nc.gov