NC Department of Health and Human Services
Deputy Secretary for External Affairs
NC Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Deputy Secretary for External Affairs
Join for the
Deputy Secretary for External Affairs
role at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
About the Role
The Deputy Secretary for External Affairs plays a critical role in shaping how NCDHHS engages with the state’s communities, institutions, and leaders. This position ensures that the Department’s priorities are understood, its partnerships strengthened, and its decisions informed by the voices and needs of the people it serves. Through thoughtful engagement, strategic leadership, and commitment to public service, the Deputy Secretary helps advance statewide improvements in health and opportunity. Reporting directly to the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary leads external strategy, communications, stakeholder relations, and policy alignment efforts that support the Department’s mission to improve the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians.
Key Responsibilities
Lead external affairs strategy and represent the Secretary in high‑level meetings, conferences, and legislative sessions.
Build and sustain partnerships across sectors to support major policy initiatives.
Translate complex policy goals into actionable engagement plans.
Coordinate cross‑agency collaboration with providers, hospitals, payers, universities, and philanthropic institutions.
Oversee communications, media relations, and issue management.
Support legislative strategy and ensure partners are informed of program goals and regulatory updates.
Serve on the Secretary’s Senior Leadership Team.
Align external affairs with internal operations and support high‑stakes decision‑making and crisis response.
Lead external coordination during emergencies and manage communications during sensitive events to ensure clarity and trust.
Provide executive leadership to communications and engagement teams and foster a collaborative, mission‑driven culture, and mentor staff for long‑term success.
Preferred Qualifications (KSAs / Management Preferences)
Extensive leadership experience in government, health/human services policy, strategic communications or public administration/affairs.
Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills.
Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and navigate complex initiatives.
Strong strategic judgment in politically sensitive or high‑pressure environments.
Experience managing large‑scale public initiatives with statewide impact.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or a related program from an appropriately accredited institution and eight years of progressive experience in an agency‑related industry/operations, including three years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Compensation & Benefits
The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program. Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.
Application Process
Complete the application in its entirety; resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application.
Provide information in the appropriate areas: education, work experience, certificates & licenses; supplemental questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the main application.
Only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted; applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check; positions of trust require such a check.
After 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 from accredited institutions; transcripts and evaluations may be uploaded. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services as a referral resource.
Veterans’ and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS) and the state application.
Former members with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22.
ADA Accommodations
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, contact the designated point of contact.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from unlawful discrimination. The State provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities and for other protected conditions.
Contact Information
For questions about this posting, contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov.
Position Details
Position number 60037833, Grade NC27, Salary grade range $109,171—$245,634. The position is exempt from certain provisions of the State Human Resources Act. The position will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date.
Senior level: Executive. Employment type: Full-time. Job function: Other. Industries: Government Administration.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and embrace an Employment First philosophy, complying with all federal and state laws and executive orders. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Deputy Secretary for External Affairs
role at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
About the Role
The Deputy Secretary for External Affairs plays a critical role in shaping how NCDHHS engages with the state’s communities, institutions, and leaders. This position ensures that the Department’s priorities are understood, its partnerships strengthened, and its decisions informed by the voices and needs of the people it serves. Through thoughtful engagement, strategic leadership, and commitment to public service, the Deputy Secretary helps advance statewide improvements in health and opportunity. Reporting directly to the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary leads external strategy, communications, stakeholder relations, and policy alignment efforts that support the Department’s mission to improve the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians.
Key Responsibilities
Lead external affairs strategy and represent the Secretary in high‑level meetings, conferences, and legislative sessions.
Build and sustain partnerships across sectors to support major policy initiatives.
Translate complex policy goals into actionable engagement plans.
Coordinate cross‑agency collaboration with providers, hospitals, payers, universities, and philanthropic institutions.
Oversee communications, media relations, and issue management.
Support legislative strategy and ensure partners are informed of program goals and regulatory updates.
Serve on the Secretary’s Senior Leadership Team.
Align external affairs with internal operations and support high‑stakes decision‑making and crisis response.
Lead external coordination during emergencies and manage communications during sensitive events to ensure clarity and trust.
Provide executive leadership to communications and engagement teams and foster a collaborative, mission‑driven culture, and mentor staff for long‑term success.
Preferred Qualifications (KSAs / Management Preferences)
Extensive leadership experience in government, health/human services policy, strategic communications or public administration/affairs.
Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills.
Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and navigate complex initiatives.
Strong strategic judgment in politically sensitive or high‑pressure environments.
Experience managing large‑scale public initiatives with statewide impact.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or a related program from an appropriately accredited institution and eight years of progressive experience in an agency‑related industry/operations, including three years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Compensation & Benefits
The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program. Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.
Application Process
Complete the application in its entirety; resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application.
Provide information in the appropriate areas: education, work experience, certificates & licenses; supplemental questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the main application.
Only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted; applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check; positions of trust require such a check.
After 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 from accredited institutions; transcripts and evaluations may be uploaded. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services as a referral resource.
Veterans’ and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS) and the state application.
Former members with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22.
ADA Accommodations
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, contact the designated point of contact.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from unlawful discrimination. The State provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities and for other protected conditions.
Contact Information
For questions about this posting, contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov.
Position Details
Position number 60037833, Grade NC27, Salary grade range $109,171—$245,634. The position is exempt from certain provisions of the State Human Resources Act. The position will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date.
Senior level: Executive. Employment type: Full-time. Job function: Other. Industries: Government Administration.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and embrace an Employment First philosophy, complying with all federal and state laws and executive orders. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.
#J-18808-Ljbffr