Executive Director, Roanoke Festival Park

• Executive Director, Roanoke Island Festival Park

Listing Expires: 5/8/2026

Organization Name: NC Historic Sites/Roanoke Island Festival Park

As the Executive Director of Roanoke Island Festival Park, you have the unique opportunity to oversee an interactive living history experience celebrating the first English settlement in America that also serves as a cultural and community hub for nearby residents. A public boardwalk borders the site and serves as the walking path for neighbors and their four-legged friends. You will truly be in the center of it all.

The site’s historic attractions draw thousands of visitors annually and include a 16th century replica ship that can sail to ports around the state, an adventure museum, American Indian Town and a settlement village, all staffed by historic interpreters in period clothing.

This position oversees the operations of Roanoke Island Festival Park, a part of the Division of State Historic Sites and Properties. This involves day-to-day management of between 20 and 30 permanent and temporary/seasonal staff as well as responsibility for an operating budget of around $2.5 million, which is approximately 70% receipt and donation funded and 30% appropriations.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute short- and long-term operational plans for Roanoke Island Festival Park including staffing, maintenance, programming and events. This includes plans to maintain the Elizabeth II.
• Ensure adequate staffing to support park operations, including management of full-time personnel and use of temporary or seasonal employees as needed.
• Work with staff to develop and implement ongoing and seasonal programming to draw visitors to the park.
• Work with staff to identify, prioritize and execute maintenance projects at the park, including maintenance of buildings and grounds, using contractors or other licensed professionals as needed.
• Work with staff to develop and execute an ongoing maintenance plan for the Elizabeth II, which includes regular surveys of the ship, contracting with specialists on maintenance and repair and possible collaboration with Dare County to ensure navigability of the waterways so ship can be hauled out annually.
• Work with staff to effectively manage the rental of event space at the park.
• Establish and oversee organizational structure to support operations.
• Ensure that organizational structure aligns to reflect clear accountability and responsibility for key park functions.
• Hire and manage permanent and temporary staff to support operations.
• Develop and manage budget to support operations and comply with state purchasing requirements.
• Develop a budget that accurately reflects park income (including ticket sales and donations) and expenses, including accounting for future maintenance and equipment needs.
• Regularly review financial reports to ensure budget is on track.
• Ensure that purchases and contracts for the park meet with all state purchasing requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with local and state agencies, including but not limited to the Town of Manteo, Dare County, the Friends of the Elizabeth II, N.C. DNCR, N.C. DOT and members of the local business community.
• Attend Friends of the Elizabeth II meetings.
• Communicate regularly with local and state agencies and members of the business community regarding park operations.
• Attend town and county meetings as needed.

Recruitment Range: $90,000.00 - $

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities…