Responsibilities

• Lead the Office of Communications
• Oversee the Office of Communications which is the central press, public relations, marketing, and communications section for DHHS. This team’s efforts are critical in communicating the Department’s initiatives and achievements to the public, and in connecting North Carolinians to essential services and public health information.
• Coordinate across the Department and with the Governor’s Office and other stakeholders to ensure responses to media inquiries, public records requests, and other external communications needs are strategically aligned.
• Closely advise on and manage public communications during emergencies and sensitive events to ensure clarity and trust.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture, establish clear team goals and metrics, and mentor staff for long-term success.
• Lead Communications Strategy
• Serve as the department’s lead strategist on communications and messaging, ensuring consistency and alignment across initiatives and campaigns.
• Build and implement a communications plan aligned with departmental vision, strategy and goals.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities for DHHS leaders to engage with the public, stakeholders, media, and partner organizations to advance the department’s mission and goals.
• Anticipate emerging issues, risks, and shifts in the media and political landscape, helping leadership prepare for challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, media, journalism, English or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution and eight years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work
• OR An equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred

• Experience in government, public sector communications, higher education, or working with executive leadership and elected officials.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing communications programs at an organizational or enterprise level.
• Experience in health care, social services, or public policy-related communications.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for State Benefits