Chief of Staff for the Deputy Secretary for Operations

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Cook up 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.

Requirements

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.
• Pioneering 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.

Qualifications

The posting does not specify specific educational requirements or years of experience. However, some state job postings allow qualification through 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.

Skills

The posting does not specify specific skills. However, the KSAs/Management Preferences indicate that candidates should demonstrate:

• Expert-level communication skills.
• Proven success managing multiple high-priority initiatives.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving proficiency.
• Strong record of building effective cross-organizational partnerships.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and organizational effectiveness.

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.

Pay

Salary Grade Range: $89,596.00 - $201,593.00

Schedule

The posting does not specify a specific schedule. However, the position is Exempt Policymaking.

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.

Contact Information

To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers. 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.

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.