What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy County Manager position at Wake County Government and Careers?
What You'll Be Doing
Wake County is partnering with POLIHIRE to recruit their Deputy County Manager. To be considered for this position, please apply directly with PoliHire through this link HERE
As members of the County Manager’s Executive team, Deputy County Managers (DCMs) serve as key advisors and strategists to County management and the Board of Commissioners. Together, DCMs provide leadership across the county’s wide range of departments and program areas. The County Manager’s office expects the Deputy County Manager currently being recruited will focus on a public safety portfolio. Portfolios are not permanent, and the determined areas may shift over time.
Among the duties required of the position, the Deputy County Manager:
Leads major initiatives within the determined portfolio area, coordinating activities across multiple departments and with external stakeholders
Manages and provides strategic leadership and oversight to assigned departments and participates in general management of the County in support of the County Manager
Mentors selected department directors and assists department directors with implementing strategic plan priorities, operational challenges, and navigating stakeholder relationships
Works effectively with elected officials to help them understand complex issues, strategic options, and ramifications of their decisions
Helps elected officials find consensus on policy issues
Develops high-quality business strategies and plans, ensuring their alignment with short-term and long-term Board of Commissioners’ goals and objectives
Champions Board goals and initiatives; translates the strategic plan to staff to ensure support and movement in achieving objectives
Represents the County Manager in local and regional governance and operational partnerships and functions
Advocates on behalf of County Executives and Commissioners with community stakeholders
Builds effective partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, including internal and external agencies, groups and organizations
About Our Team
Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. 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. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 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.
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field
Eight years of experience in public management, including three years of executive leadership experience
An equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
A master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field is preferred
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
Ability to provide strategic planning assistance to management
Ability to exercise independent and sound judgment in performing the duties of the position
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and business administration
Supervision skills and the ability to provide guidance and professional support to staff, offer regular feedback, hold staff accountable, and serve as a mentor
Exceptional critical thinking ability with demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Superior customer service skills, integrity, and commitment to collaboration and forward-thinking efficiency
Ability to demonstrate initiative and independent judgment in dealing effectively with ambiguity, recognizing trends, identifying approaches and offering a variety of options and solutions to solve problems
About This Position
Location: Justice Center Raleigh, NC 27601
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:15pm
Hiring Range: 174,850.00 - 314,730.00
Market Range: 174,849.85 - 314,734.13
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: This position will remain open until filled.
Wake County is partnering with POLIHIRE to recruit their Deputy County Manager. To be considered for this position, please apply directly with PoliHire through this link HERE
As members of the County Manager’s Executive team, Deputy County Managers (DCMs) serve as key advisors and strategists to County management and the Board of Commissioners. Together, DCMs provide leadership across the county’s wide range of departments and program areas. The County Manager’s office expects the Deputy County Manager currently being recruited will focus on a public safety portfolio. Portfolios are not permanent, and the determined areas may shift over time.
Among the duties required of the position, the Deputy County Manager:
Leads major initiatives within the determined portfolio area, coordinating activities across multiple departments and with external stakeholders
Manages and provides strategic leadership and oversight to assigned departments and participates in general management of the County in support of the County Manager
Mentors selected department directors and assists department directors with implementing strategic plan priorities, operational challenges, and navigating stakeholder relationships
Works effectively with elected officials to help them understand complex issues, strategic options, and ramifications of their decisions
Helps elected officials find consensus on policy issues
Develops high-quality business strategies and plans, ensuring their alignment with short-term and long-term Board of Commissioners’ goals and objectives
Champions Board goals and initiatives; translates the strategic plan to staff to ensure support and movement in achieving objectives
Represents the County Manager in local and regional governance and operational partnerships and functions
Advocates on behalf of County Executives and Commissioners with community stakeholders
Builds effective partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, including internal and external agencies, groups and organizations
About Our Team
Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. 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. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 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.
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field
Eight years of experience in public management, including three years of executive leadership experience
An equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
A master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field is preferred
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
Ability to provide strategic planning assistance to management
Ability to exercise independent and sound judgment in performing the duties of the position
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and business administration
Supervision skills and the ability to provide guidance and professional support to staff, offer regular feedback, hold staff accountable, and serve as a mentor
Exceptional critical thinking ability with demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Superior customer service skills, integrity, and commitment to collaboration and forward-thinking efficiency
Ability to demonstrate initiative and independent judgment in dealing effectively with ambiguity, recognizing trends, identifying approaches and offering a variety of options and solutions to solve problems
About This Position
Location: Justice Center Raleigh, NC 27601
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:15pm
Hiring Range: 174,850.00 - 314,730.00
Market Range: 174,849.85 - 314,734.13
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: This position will remain open until filled.
Salary : $174,850 - $314,730