What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director - Lake Norman Marine Commission position at Catawba County Government?
Catawba County is conducting recruitment on behalf of the Lake Norman Marine Commission. This position is employed by the Lake Norman Marine Commission and is not a Catawba County Government position. Employment terms, supervision, and oversight are the responsibility of the Lake Norman Marine Commission.
About the Lake Norman Marine Commission
Established under N.C.G.S. Chapter 77, Article 6B (House Bill 23, 2025), the Lake Norman Marine Commission (LNMC) is a regional authority created to ensure safe, sustainable, and equitable recreational use of Lake Norman. The Commission is governed by a nine (9) member board representing Mecklenburg, Iredell, Lincoln, and Catawba Counties.
The Commission’s jurisdiction spans from Cowans Ford Dam to Lookout Shoals Dam and includes the lake waters, a 50-foot shoreline buffer, and associated facilities across the four member counties.
Position Overview
The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative officer of the Lake Norman Marine Commission and reports directly to the 9-member Commission. This is a part-time position working 20 hours per week. The Executive Director is responsible for implementing Commission policies, overseeing daily operations, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and ensuring compliance with all applicable statutory, regulatory, and programmatic requirements.
Position is Open Until Filled.
Leadership & Governance
- Responsible for advising the Commission in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission, as defined by North Carolina state law, serving as the primary staff advisor to the Commission on policy, budget, operations, and legislative matters.
- Implement all directives and regulations enacted by the Commission.
- Conduct annual performance and regulatory audits in line with public oversight standards.
Operations & Personnel
- Oversee the daily administration of Commission activities, including financial management, staff supervision, and contract oversight.
- Develop and manage annual operating budget, oversee budget requests to member counties, prepare financial reports, and ensure compliance with fiscal accountability and fee regulations.
- Develop monthly Commission meeting agendas and supporting materials and administer monthly meetings in concert with Commission Chair and Secretary.
- Coordinate and support the work of standing committees as directed.
- Coordinate management and maintenance of Aids to Navigation (ATONs), including annual ATON inventory and audit
Public Engagement & Education
- Develop and lead education and safety programs, including mandatory boating education enforcement.
- Facilitate stakeholder input meetings twice annually, ensuring broad stakeholder input and transparent documentation of public recommendations.
- Act as spokesperson for LNMC and oversee all communication channels, including the Commission’s website, public notices, social media, and media outreach.
Regulatory & Environmental Oversight
- Support rulemaking, enforcement coordination, and regulatory postings.
- Prepare petitions to agencies such as DEQ and WRC for local regulations, aquatic weed control, or safety rule implementation.
- Ensure uniform boating safety standards and promote expert-backed regulations.
- Ensure implementation of a comprehensive invasive species management plan.
- Coordinate review of various applications (FERC non-project use applications, variance requests, rafting applications, and No-Wake Buoy requests) and submittal of comments to applicants, as appropriate.
Legal Compliance & Records
- Ensure Commission completes an annual financial audit by a qualified accounting firm.
- Ensure all operations are compliant with the North Carolina Public Records Act, Open Meetings Law, and the State Government Ethics Act.
- Maintain official records in accordance with state retention guidelines and ensure public access to non-confidential materials.
- Maintain appropriate insurance policies for Commission activities.
Emergency & Risk Management
- Maintain and regularly update the Commission’s Emergency Operations Plan.
- Lead Commission response during declared emergencies, including streamlined decision-making and continuity of operations.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience in public sector, environmental management, multi-jurisdictional governance, or other relevant experience.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, lead cross-county initiatives, and facilitate public engagement.
- Strong knowledge of North Carolina government statutes, environmental law, and public safety regulations.
- Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Residency in Mecklenburg, Iredell, Lincoln, or Catawba County for at least 9 months per year (as required by Commission governance structure).
Preferences
- Experience in water resource management, boating safety regulation, or emergency response planning.
- Familiarity with regulatory agencies such as NC DEQ, WRC, FERC, and federal waterway authorities.
- Grant writing or nonprofit partnership experience.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation is $25.00 per hour. Travel and direct expense reimbursement provided in accordance with Lake Norman Marine Commission policy and public agency standards.
Application Process
To apply, submit:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Three (3) Professional References
Email application materials to:
Angie Shepherd at AShepherd@CatawbaCountyNC.govPosition will remain open until filled.
Catawba County is conducting recruitment on behalf of the Lake Norman Marine Commission. This position is employed by the Lake Norman Marine Commission and is not a Catawba County Government position. Employment terms, supervision, and oversight are the responsibility of the Lake Norman Marine Commission.