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 govern