Director of Governor’s Highway Safety Program

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 76,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

NC Department of Transportation seeks a Program Director I (NS) to provide strategic leadership for the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and to align statewide highway safety goals with clear priorities and actionable programs.

The role leads a multi-disciplinary team, maintains strong partnerships with law enforcement, local governments, and federal partners, and guides grant investments for statewide impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and three years of program experience in the area of assignment, including two years of managerial experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for GHSP and establish clear priorities aligned with statewide highway safety goals.
• Lead, develop and support the GHSP team with clear expectations and accountability.
• Serve as a primary ambassador for NCDOT's highway safety efforts and build coalitions with diverse partners.
• Provide executive oversight of state and federal highway safety programs and resources.

Skills

Team leadership

Data-informed strategies

Stakeholder relationships

Executive communication

Grant management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Agency

Dept of Transportation

Job Classification Title

Program Director I (NS)

Position Number

60015698

Grade

NC22

About Us

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

This position is Policymaking Exempt.

Anticipated vacancy

The Transportation Mobility and Safety Division improves the safety and operational efficiency of the North Carolina’s highway system by monitoring conditions, analyzing problems, and developing and strategic implementation across six technical units. These units support behavioral safety initiatives, traffic engineering and data analysis, signing standards, congestion management, ITS and signal operations, and permitting functions to ensure safe and reliable travel across North Carolina.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) promotes safe driving behavior and works to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities through these core functions:

• Administering grants to local communities, law enforcement, state agencies, nonprofits and others for behavioral safety projects
• Managing statewide public awareness campaigns such as the “Click It or Ticket” occupant protection campaign, The “Booze It & Lose It” impaired driving prevention campaign
• Advancing policy engagement through task forces, policy documents and partnerships.

Reporting to the Deputy State Traffic Engineer for Safety, the Director leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing and implementing statewide highway safety strategies; administering state and federal highway safety resources; building strong partnerships with law enforcement, local governments, state and federal agencies, community organizations and other safety stakeholders; and advancing public awareness and engagement around critical highway safety issues.

Strategic Leadership and Program Direction

Provide strategic leadership for GHSP and establish clear priorities aligned with statewide highway safety goals. Translate data, emerging safety challenges and leadership priorities into actionable strategies, programs and initiatives. Regularly evaluate program performance and identify opportunities to strengthen, modernize or redirect efforts to achieve greater impact.

Ensure GHSP’s programs, grants and public-facing initiatives operate as a cohesive statewide strategy rather than as individual activities or campaigns.

Team Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness

Lead, develop and support the GHSP team, establishing clear expectations, accountability and shared priorities. Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture that encourages initiative, communication and continuous improvement.

Assess organizational needs, clarify roles and responsibilities, develop staff capabilities and ensure resources are aligned with the program's highest priorities.

External Partnerships and Engagement

Serve as a primary ambassador for NCDOT's highway safety efforts and develop strong working relationships with law enforcement agencies, local governments, federal partners, community organizations, researchers, public health and safety organizations, and other stakeholders.

Represent NCDOT and GHSP before external organizations, committees, conferences and public audiences. Build coalitions around shared highway safety priorities and identify opportunities for partners to extend the reach and effectiveness of statewide safety efforts.

Work closely with NCDOT communications professionals and external partners to support effective public education, outreach and behavior-change campaigns.

Program and Grant Oversight

Provide executive oversight of state and federal highway safety programs and resources, ensuring investments are aligned with statewide priorities, applicable requirements and measurable outcomes.

Oversee development and implementation of the state's highway safety program and associated grant investments. Ensure appropriate financial management, program evaluation and compliance with state and federal requirements, working closely with GHSP staff who provide specialized technical and grants-management expertise.

Use performance data and program evaluations to assess effectiveness and inform future funding and program decisions.

Departmental and Statewide Coordination

Work closely with the State Traffic Engineer, NCDOT leadership and programs across the department to align behavioral highway safety strategies with broader statewide safety efforts.

Coordinate with state agencies and other partners to develop comprehensive approaches to emerging highway safety challenges and identify policy, legislative, programmatic or communications opportunities that can reduce fatalities and serious injuries.

Respond to emerging issues and undertake strategic initiatives at the direction of NCDOT leadership.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC22 $75,925 - $148,054

Management prefers applicants with the following:

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a high‑performing team, including establishing expectations, strengthening accountability, and managing organizational change.
• Experience developing and implementing data‑informed organizational or program strategies, including translating statewide safety priorities into measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain productive relationships and coalitions with diverse partners such as government agencies, law enforcement, community organizations and public‑sector stakeholders.
• Strong executive-level communication skills, including experience representing an organization to senior leaders, public officials, external partners and public audiences.
• Experience overseeing complex programs or grant portfolios involving multiple partners, significant public resources, and compliance with state and federal requirements.

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 from an appropriately accredited institution and three (3) years of program experience in the area of assignment, including two years of managerial experience in the public or private sectors involving significant decision-making authority in the planning, organizing and directing of operations in the areas of the assigned program(s); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application.

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.