Program Director I - State of North Carolina : Job Details

This position with NCDOT offers full State Benefits , competitive salaries and many career development opportunities.

This position is policy-making exempt.

This is an anticipated vacancy.

A hybrid work arrangement will be considered.

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV) is undergoing a critical operational and cultural transformation to improve public service delivery, modernize systems, and regain public trust. As a key architect of this turnaround, the Chief of Staff (COS) will serve as a highly empowered strategic advisor and problem solver alongside the Commissioner.

The COS will work directly with the Commissioner to align agency operations, policy, and strategy. The COS will play acentral role in organizational alignment, transformation initiatives, and executive coordination. This role requires exceptional leadership, cross-functional coordination, and the authority to drive systemic reform. The ideal candidate brings a blend of public-sector understanding, private-sector agility, and a results-oriented mindset.

Strategic Leadership and Change Management

• Advise the Commissioner on policy, operational priorities, and strategic planning.
• Lead or co-lead high-priority transformation initiatives that cut across multiple units.
• Drive cross-functional alignment around key turnaround goals, including improving service quality, fostering employee engagement, and completing a digital transformation.

Operational Problem-Solving and Systems Improvement

• Identify and remove bottlenecks in DMV processes; develop and implement scalable solutions including repeatable implementation processes across 118 Driver's License Offices and 125 License Plate Agencies.
• Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to improve day-to-day operational efficiency and rigor, ensuring non-duplicative efforts and clear accountability.
• Work closely with the Deputy Commissioner for Modernization to ensure alignment between long-term systems modernization and short-term operational improvements.

Executive Coordination

• Serve as the Commissioner's proxy in interdepartmental and external meetings when needed.
• Ensure clear communication and coordination among executive leaders (COO, Deputy for Modernization, General Counsel, HR, Communications, etc.).
• Track performance metrics tied to the turnaround agenda and report regularly on progress to internal and external stakeholders.

Organizational Development and Culture

• Help shape a positive performance-based culture rooted in accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Support talent development initiatives and internal communications strategies to unify and motivate DMV staff.

Management prefers applicants with the following:

• Experience in strategic leadership
• Experience in operational problem-solving and systems improvement
• Proven experience successfully managing complex organizational change

• Demonstrated ability to lead without formal authority across diverse functions
• Strong analytical, communications, and stakeholder management skills

Additional Expectations:

• Systems thinker with a bias for action.
• Confident decision-maker who thrives in ambiguity.
• Resilient and mission-driven, with a commitment to public service.

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 oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three (3) years of program experience in the area of assignment, including two years of managerial experience in the public or private sectors involving significant decision-making authority in the planning, organizing and directing of operations in the areas of the assigned program(s); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

DMV HR, Jacquline Carney (919) ###-####

It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application.

NCDOT will not accept “See Attached” or “See Resume” in lieu of education and work experience completed on the application. If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the posting date will be accepted.