Executive Director

NC Real Estate Commission; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 182,915 - 219,498; Full time

Job summary

The NC Real Estate Commission in Raleigh is looking for an Executive Director to lead the agency in maintaining regulatory excellence and consumer protection. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and at least five years of executive experience. Responsibilities include overseeing licensing processes, managing a budget, and serving as a liaison with legislative bodies. The starting salary is between $182,915 and $219,498, negotiable based on experience, with excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of executive-level managerial experience.
• Experience managing significant budgets and strategic initiatives.
• Knowledge of North Carolina real estate statutes and administrative code.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
• Oversee the agency's education, licensing, and regulatory processes.
• Serve as the primary liaison with state officials and industry stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

Personnel management

Diplomacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in business management or public administration

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) is seeking a visionary and principled leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This is a premier opportunity for a strategic executive to lead one of the state’s most influential regulatory bodies, ensuring the integrity of the real estate profession while safeguarding the interests of residents across North Carolina. The ideal candidate will step into a role that demands a balance of high-level administrative expertise and a commitment to public service, working within a stable, professional environment to modernize systems and uphold the highest standards of real estate education, licensing, and regulation.

As the Chief Executive Officer for the Commission, the Executive Director provides leadership and direction to a comprehensive state agency. The Director is responsible for the oversight of all Commission activities, including the education and licensing and renewal process for thousands of professionals, regulatory investigations, and disciplinary actions. This role involves significant budget accountability and the management of a high-performing team. The Executive Director oversees personnel management through a group of division directors, ensuring that the agency’s administrative infrastructure—from HR and finance to office operations—is efficient and responsive to the needs of both the Commission and the public.

Reporting directly to the nine-member Commission, The Executive Director serves at the direction of the Commission and is accountable for implementing the policies, strategic priorities, and regulatory objectives established by the Commission. The Executive Director serves as the primary liaison between the agency and the North Carolina General Assembly, state officials, and industry stakeholders. This collaborative leader is responsible for formulating draft rules, monitoring proposed legislation, and ensuring the agency remains in strict conformance with North Carolina General Statutes and the Administrative Code.

Success in this position is measured by the Executive Director’s ability to weave strategic planning into the daily fabric of the organization. Key priorities include the successful implementation of long-term strategic initiatives, the effective management of pending regulatory cases, and the maintenance of a transparent, inclusive workplace culture. By providing sound recommendations to the Commission and fostering strong relationships with regional and state partners, the Executive Director ensures that the North Carolina Real Estate Commission continues to be a national leader in regulatory excellence and consumer protection.

Qualification

Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business management, public administration, or a closely related field and at least five years of progressively responsible executive-level managerial and administrative experience. Candidates must demonstrate success in directing the activities of a complex organization, supervising professional staff through division directors, and managing significant budgets and strategic planning initiatives.

Preferred qualifications include a Juris Doctorate (JD) and a licensed background in law or real estate brokerage. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of North Carolina real estate statutes and the administrative code, along with a working understanding of the state’s legislative and rule‑making processes. Experience implementing modern technological solutions or artificial intelligence within a regulatory environment and a history of active engagement with national regulatory organizations, such as ARELLO, are also highly desirable. Given the high‑profile nature of the position, the successful candidate should have a proven track record of maintaining high ethical standards while managing sensitive and controversial situations with diplomacy and independence.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary range is $182,915-$219,498, based on education and experience, and it is negotiable with an excellent benefits package.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until May 15, 2026.