Chief of Staff for the Deputy Secretary for Operations

Agency & Division

Dept of Health and Human Services

SEC OFFICE - INFO TECH

Position Title

Deputy Secretary/Commissioner I (NS)

Position Number:

Grade: NC25

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Chief of Staff for the Deputy Secretary for Operations supports the operational leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services by coordinating priorities across multiple divisions and ensuring effective administrative and operational systems. The position functions as a strategic advisor who assists with executive decision-making, facilitates cross‑division collaboration, and advances agency‑wide initiatives.

This role operates within a broad operational portfolio that includes Human Resources, Procurement, Contracts and Grants, Information Technology, Property and Construction, Privacy and Security, Internal Audit, the Data Office, and the Central Management Budget Office. The position works closely with senior leaders across DHHS, other state agencies, the Secretary’s Office, and the General Assembly. The role requires strong leadership, analytical skill, and sound judgment to manage complex, cross‑functional initiatives in a dynamic operational environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operational priorities across divisions to support the Deputy Secretary’s strategic direction.
• Facilitate collaboration and communication among senior leaders, internal partners, and external stakeholders.
• Support executive decision‑making by synthesizing information, identifying issues, and recommending solutions.
• Oversee cross‑functional initiatives spanning Human Resources, IT, Procurement, Property and Construction, and other operational units.
• Ensure operational systems and administrative processes function effectively across the Deputy Secretary’s portfolio.
• Monitor progress on agency‑wide initiatives and help drive timely, measurable outcomes aligned with strategic goals.
• Manage and coordinate issue resolution across operational divisions, elevating matters requiring executive attention.
• Analyze organizational data and performance insights to inform operational planning and leadership decisions.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with DHHS leadership, State agencies, and legislative partners.
• Provide structured support to ensure consistency and alignment in the application of departmental policies and operational practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Preferences

• Demonstrated expert‑level communication skill producing clear, concise written materials and presenting complex information across diverse audiences.
• Proven success managing multiple high‑priority initiatives simultaneously within a dynamic operational environment using structured planning and tracking methods.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving proficiency applying data and performance insights to evaluate issues, guide recommendations, and support executive decision‑making.
• Strong record of building effective cross‑organizational partnerships and navigating sensitive or high‑stakes matters with diplomacy and professionalism.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and organizational effectiveness, including leading change management efforts to support implementation of department‑wide initiatives.

Salary Grade Range

$89,596.00 - $201,593.00

Recruitment Range

$89,596.00 - $150,000

Compensation and Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program. Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, community service leave, and paid parental leave for eligible employees.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business or economics or a related program from an appropriately accredited institution and five (5) years of progressive experience in agency‑related industry/operations, including three (3) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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 and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.