Centralina is Hiring: Executive Director

CENTRALINA COUNCIL-GOVERNMENT; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Centralina Regional Council in Charlotte, NC, seeks an Executive Director to guide its regional organization into a dynamic new era. This role reports to the Board of Delegates and Executive Board, directing operations, finance, and external partnerships to drive opportunity for 70 communities and 2.25 million residents.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree (or equivalent) and 10+ years of senior public-sector leadership, with proven success in governance, budgeting, and funding strategies.

Qualifications

• 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+ years of progressively responsible administrative experience in local government or regional council operations.
• Five+ years in executive leadership or senior management in a public, nonprofit, or regional organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational initiatives and generate financial opportunities.
• Guide high-performing teams and build trust-based relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Oversee budgeting, grants, and braided/pass-through funding strategies.
• Report to and collaborate closely with the Board of Delegates and Executive Board.

Skills

Board relations

Executive leadership

Financial management

Budgeting

Grants

Pass-through funding

Braided funding

Team leadership

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Centralina is Hiring: Executive Director

September 8, 2026

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 .

• Application Deadline: September 26, 2026
• Virtual Skill Assessments & Interviews: October 29-30, 2026 (Semi-finalists are asked to reserve these dates)

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