Regional Center Director (On Site)

Wake County; Wake Forest (NC); On-site; USD 89,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County Department of Social Services seeks a Regional Center Director to oversee planning, coordination, and delivery of services at the Northern Regional Center in Wake Forest, NC. You will build partnerships with county departments, organizations, and residents to maximize resources and access to services.

The role leads a 10-person staff, drives accountability and continuous improvement, and acts as the Face of Wake County in the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; five years of management experience.
• Equivalent education and experience accepted.
• Strong commitment to customer service and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, coordination, and delivery of services at the Northern Regional Center.
• Develop and implement long-term business plans and policies.
• Represent the agency with local chambers, government, and non-profits.

Skills

Customer service

Collaboration

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Masters in Public Admin or related field

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

The Regional Center Director position oversees the planning, coordination, and delivery of services at the Northern Regional Center to ensure the needs of residents are met. Although most clients seek Economic and Public Health Services, a total of 15 programs are provided in the building. The role builds and maintains partnerships with county departments, community organizations, municipalities, and residents to maximize resources and improve access to services. Responsibilities include managing center operations including a staff of 10 people, engaging the community, overseeing fiscal planning and compliance, to ensure high-quality, coordinated, and customer-focused service delivery. The Regional Center Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for their region, working collaboratively with the other Directors to ensure alignment with Wake County’s mission and core values. They are the face of Wake County in their area. In addition to managing operations, the Director plays a key role in fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. They promote community awareness and ensure that services are responsive to the needs of residents. **This is an in-office role**

Essential Functions:

• Assures coordination and successful delivery of services at the Regional Center
• Establishes Center policies and procedures to assure uniform administration and delivery of services
• Develops, recommends, and implements current and longer-term business plans
• Represents the agency in the community in work with local Chambers of Commerce, town government, and civic & non-profit organizations
• Engages the community to ensure residents within the region have access to a broad range of high services and that meet their needs
• Analyzes qualitative and quantitative data to determine needs and trends
• Collaborates with community leaders and citizens to ensure local needs are addressed
• Invites citizen participation in the development of strategies
• Works in partnership with professional agencies, health providers and other organizations within the region
• Coordinates fiscal management functions a the Regional Center
• Provides direct supervision of operational staff in the Regional Center
• Partners in the management and oversight of staff from Social Services and Public Health Departments who are assigned to the Regional Center Collaborates in the recruitment of staff

*IMPORTANT* In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours

About Our Team

The Wake County Department of Social Services team is grounded in a deep commitment to connection, compassion, and community. We bring together experienced professionals who collaborate to support individuals and families through complex challenges, connect them with critical resources, and promote long-term stability. We value insight, innovation, and a solutions-focused approach, and we welcome those who are ready to contribute their expertise to meaningful, community-centered work. Join us in making a lasting difference!

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree
• Five years of job-related management experience
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Masters in Public Admin or related field
• Demonstrated experience working with community partners

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Demonstrated commitment to superior customer service, integrity, collaboration, and forward-thinking operational efficiency
• Ability to exercise sound judgment while working independently and collaboratively to achieve organizational outcomes
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain favorable public relations and positive working relationships across all levels of the organization
• Ability to foster open, timely, and high-quality information sharing across internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to make thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions based on available data and situational awareness
• Ability to lead collaboratively, support staff success, and drive team performance toward shared objectives
• Ability to establish and maintain respectful, productive relationships that support organizational effectiveness
• Ability to act with honesty, transparency, and adherence to laws, policies, and professional standards
• Sets high standards, measures results, and holds self and others responsible for outcomes
• Encourages open dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperative problem-solving
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to community impact and consistently delivers high-quality, respectful service

About This Position

Location: Northrn Regional CenterWake Forest, NC 27587

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:15 pm

Hiring Range: 88,537 - 123,948 - Commensurate with Experience

Market Range: 88,537.00 - 159,359.00

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 11/16/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at-large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that mayinclude: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on jobrequirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you fromconsideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected.Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, duringand after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.