Director of Local Elected Official Programming

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The School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill works to improve the lives of North Carolinians by engaging in practical scholarship that helps public officials and citizens understand and improve state and local government. As the largest university-based local government training, advisory, and research organization in the United States, the School of Government offers up to 300 courses, webinars, and specialized conferences for more than 14,000 public officials each year. In addition, faculty members annually publish approximately 50 books, manuals, reports, articles, bulletins, and other print and online content related to state and local government. The School is also home to a nationally ranked graduate program in public administration. For more information about the School, visit sog.unc.edu.

The Division of Public Leadership and Governance at the School of Government equips public officials with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to lead effectively in complex and evolving governmental environments. We serve local government managers and supervisors, elected officials, state agencies, and other public organizations through high-quality education, research, publications, consulting, coaching, and leadership development programs. Our work fosters thoughtful, ethical, and effective public leadership that strengthens organizations, communities, and public trust.

The Director of Local Elected Official Programming coordinates the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of educational programs, resources, and support services for local government elected officials through the School of Government. Working collaboratively with School faculty, staff, and external partners, the Director ensures that programming is relevant, accessible, timely, and responsive to the evolving needs of elected officials across North Carolina.

The Director provides operational leadership for the Local Elected Leaders Academy ( LELA), overseeing program planning, scheduling, implementation, evaluation, participant engagement, and program administration. In partnership with School faculty and staff, the Director coordinates the delivery of courses, webinars, and other learning opportunities and maintains a comprehensive programming calendar to support consistent and effective program delivery. While curriculum content and instructional design remain the responsibility of School faculty, the Director works closely with faculty to ensure programs address emerging issues and respond to participant needs.

The Director also administers the LELA recognition program; develops and disseminates practical resources for elected officials; cultivates relationships with elected leaders throughout the state; and strengthens partnerships with organizations that support local governance, including the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, the North Carolina League of Municipalities, and the North Carolina City/County Management Association. In addition, the Director collaborates with School leadership, faculty, staff, and development personnel to identify funding opportunities and support the continued growth and sustainability of programming for local elected officials.

Relevant post-baccalaureate degree: relevant undergraduate degree with 5 -7 years of related professional experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.

-Demonstrated experience in local government, public administration, governance, leadership development, or a closely related area.
-Strong facilitation, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
-Experience developing and delivering educational, training, or professional development programs.
-Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities simultaneously.
-Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across organizational boundaries and with diverse stakeholders.
-Strategic thinker with the ability to identify emerging needs and develop responsive programming.
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
-Occasional travel is required, including travel to off-site programs across North Carolina. A valid driver's license, or the ability to obtain one, is required.

-An understanding of state and local government operations, including roles and responsibilities

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.