Agency
Dept of Health and Human Services
Division
SEC OFFICE - INFO TECH
Job Classification Title
Deputy Secretary/Commissioner I (NS)
Position Number
60055381
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.
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.
Key Duties Include:
- 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/Management Preferences
Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:
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.
About the Office of the Secretary:
The Office of the Secretary serves as the executive leadership arm of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), guiding the Department’s mission to improve the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians. Through strategic oversight and collaborative leadership, the Secretary’s Office supports the effective coordination of over a dozen core divisions, ensuring that agency-wide priorities are aligned, resources are used responsibly, and services are delivered with equity and impact.
Compensation and 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 the website for State Benefits
NC OSHR: Benefits
Supplemental Contact Information:
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/
DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.
Application Process
Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers.
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date.
Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members
Degree/College Credit Verification
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.
Veterans’ and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA Accommodations
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
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; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Tawannah Gail Allen
Email:
talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov
Whether you are interested in the arts, transportation, IT, the environment, public safety, healthcare or countless other areas, the State of North Carolina has an opportunity for you.
North Carolina State Government employs more than 81,000 people across the state in various agencies, branches and universities. Our careers are as diverse as the citizens we serve! We are seeking skilled and dedicated individuals from a wide range of educational and experience backgrounds.
Governor Josh Stein believes in the potential of our great state and its people. He knows that we can build a state and an economy that work for everyone. By investing in our public schools and giving students the tools they need to succeed, creating good jobs and raising incomes for the middle class, and strengthening our communities, North Carolinians can live and work in places they are proud to call home.
Working for the State of North Carolina can offer you the chance to effect positive change for our residents and visitors, take advantage of numerous benefit options and advancement opportunities, and work in an environment that values collaboration, creativity, innovation and diversity. Learn more about state government jobs at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northcarolina.
