Director of Operations and Administration, North Carolina City & County Management Association (NCCCMA)

Position Type:
SOG Services
Salary Range:
$100,000
Full-time, benefits earning position
Salary: $100,000
**Start Date: May 2026**
 
Position Summary
The Director of Operations and Administration of NCCCMA serves as the chief administrative officer for the Association, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and programmatic support to advance the mission of promoting excellence in local government management across North Carolina. This position is housed within the UNC School of Government and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners to support the professional development and engagement of city and county managers.
 
The Director of Operations and Administration is responsible for implementing the NCCCMA Strategic Plan, supporting the Executive Committee and various standing and ad hoc committees, managing day-to-day operations, and coordinating major events such as the Winter and Summer Seminars. The role also includes outreach to new and existing members, financial oversight, and partnership development.
This is a full-time, permanent position with an office in Chapel Hill, NC, a hybrid work schedule, and flexibility of location. 
The NCCCMA Director of Operations and Administration will exemplify the collaborative culture of the School of Government, working effectively as a team member with divisions, including Strategic Communications, Business and Finance, Programs, and IT as well as with the faculty.
 
The starting salary for this position is $100,000, with the potential for a performance-based annual bonus. The role also includes comprehensive health coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as ancillary benefits such as dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Additional perks include a 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match, a generous paid annual leave package, and opportunities for educational and professional development.
 
School of Government Services (SOG Services) assists faculty and staff at the UNC School of Government in carrying out its important mission: to improve the lives of North Carolinians by engaging in practical scholarship that helps public officials and citizens understand and improve state and local government. As a nonprofit organization and an official affiliated entity of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, SOG Services also contributes to advancing UNC-Chapel Hill’s broader mission of academic excellence, research, and public service. 
 
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
 
Strategic Leadership and Planning (25%)
  • Provide strategic, logistical, and administrative support to the Executive Committee and committees to implement the NCCCMA Strategic Plan and presidential initiatives.
  • Track progress on strategic goals and provide regular updates to leadership.
Conference Planning and Implementation (20%)
  • Lead planning and execution of Winter and Summer Seminars in collaboration with the Program and Sponsorship Committees.
  • Determine registration and sponsorship fees, negotiate contracts, and manage logistics including housing, materials, and IT support.
Organizational Management (20%)
  • Oversee day-to-day operations including financial management, membership records, communications, and website maintenance.
  • Work with the School of Government Business Office to ensure accurate financial reporting and dues calculation.
  • Administer and moderate the NCCCMA listserv in accordance with policy.
Committee Support (15%)
  • Provide direct administrative support to the Executive Committee, standing committees, and ad hoc committees.
  • Coordinate meeting logistics and ensure access to necessary resources and information.
Partnership and Outreach (10%)
  • Serve as liaison to external partners such as the NC League of Municipalities and NC Association of County Commissioners.
  • Support the Local Government Training Partnership with Western Carolina University.
  • Conduct outreach to new managers and promote membership growth.
School of Government Engagement (10%)
  • Participate in School of Government initiatives including the Center for Public Leadership & Governance.
  • Assist with development of programs such as ECG, EMG, and Essentials of Local Government Management.
 
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)
 
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a related field is required. A relevant undergraduate degree with a minimum of ten years’ professional experience may be considered.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, document preparation, and record-keeping.
  • Customer service orientation, with a professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft professional correspondence and reports.
  • Experience with calendar management, scheduling meetings, and coordinating logistics for events or projects.
  • Familiarity with the NC City & County Management Association and International City/County Management Association.
  • Problem-solving skills and initiative to identify process improvements and support team efficiency.
  • Proven ability to manage budgets and lead strategic initiatives.
  • Strong administrative skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), with demonstrated ability to create, format, and manage documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and email communications.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and program development skills.
 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Ten years of experience as a local government manager, deputy/assistant manager, along with a master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, conference planning, financial management, committee support, membership engagement, and communications.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • High level of organizational and time management skills.
  • Experience working with academic institutions or universities.
  • Commitment to public service and professional development in local government.

Please submit: Resume, Cover Letter, and References

SOG Services is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.