Deputy County Manager

What You'll Be Doing

Wake County is partnering with Poli Hire to recruit their Deputy County Manager. To be considered for this position, please apply directly with Poli Hire through this link HERE

As members of the County Manager’s Executive team, Deputy County Managers (DCMs) serve as key advisors and strategists to County management and the Board of Commissioners. Together, DCMs provide leadership across the county’s wide range of departments and program areas. The County Manager’s office expects the Deputy County Manager currently being recruited will focus on a public safety portfolio. Portfolios are not permanent, and the determined areas may shift over time.

Among the duties required of the position, the Deputy County Manager:

• Leads major initiatives within the determined portfolio area, coordinating activities across multiple departments and with external stakeholders
• Manages and provides strategic leadership and oversight to assigned departments and participates in general management of the County in support of the County Manager
• Mentors selected department directors and assists department directors with implementing strategic plan priorities, operational challenges, and navigating stakeholder relationships
• Works effectively with elected officials to help them understand complex issues, strategic options, and ramifications of their decisions
• Helps elected officials find consensus on policy issues
• Develops high-quality business strategies and plans, ensuring their alignment with short-term and long-term Board of Commissioners’ goals and objectives
• Champions Board goals and initiatives; translates the strategic plan to staff to ensure support and movement in achieving objectives
• Represents the County Manager in local and regional governance and operational partnerships and functions
• Advocates on behalf of County Executives and Commissioners with community stakeholders
• Builds effective partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, including internal and external agencies, groups and organizations

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh.

With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four‑year terms.

In Fall 2026, two at‑large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well‑managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 full‑time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024.

This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best‑Performing Cities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field
• Eight years of experience in public management, including three years of executive leadership experience
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

A master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field is preferred.

• Ability to provide strategic planning assistance to management
• Ability to exercise independent and sound judgment in…