Director of Social Services

New Hanover County is seeking an experienced and innovative Director of Social Services for the consolidated Health and Human Services agency. Reporting to the Chief Health and Human Services Officer, this executive leader is responsible for the strategic direction, operational oversight, fiscal stewardship, and continuous improvement of social services programs.

About the Role

The Director of Social Services oversees the administration of public assistance and protective services programs, including Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, Work First Cash Assistance and Employment Services, Child Protective Services and Permanency Planning, Adult Protective Services, and Guardianship. This role establishes program standards; monitors and evaluates quality of service delivery systems; and ensures that operations align with federal and state laws, county policies, and the strategic priorities established by the Board of Commissioners and the Human Services Advisory Board. The Director interprets and implements policy decisions, identifies and responds to changes in legislation and funding requirements, and ensures that program operations remain adaptable in a dynamic regulatory environment.

The Director serves as a visible representative of the agency, responding to public inquiries and actively working to maintain and improve upon the relationships with community agencies to accomplish objectives through collaborative processes. The role requires exceptional analytical capacity, including the ability to evaluate workflow, compile and interpret data, conduct trend analysis, and develop projections to provide comprehensive reports and informed recommendations to the Chief Health and Human Services Officer.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and results-driven human services administrator with demonstrated success leading complex service systems and diverse teams. This individual brings the ability to assess multifaceted administrative challenges, make sound recommendations, and implement effective solutions. The successful candidate exercises sound judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions, particularly in an environment shaped by evolving service demands and regulatory requirements. The position requires thorough knowledge of the legal and philosophical basis for public welfare programs; thorough knowledge of management principles, techniques, and practices; and considerable knowledge of the principles and practice of social work. The ideal candidate builds and maintains productive working relationships with elected officials, county leadership, community partners, advocacy organizations, and citizens, recognizing that effective human services delivery depends on trust, collaboration, and transparency. This leader fosters a culture grounded in accountability and professionalism, promotes collaboration across divisions, and ensures employees are supported in delivering high-quality services to vulnerable populations.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing and preparing a budget of approximately $41.5M.
• Establishing broad departmental goals and program standards, and evaluating program and leadership performance.
• Monitoring and evaluating the quality of service delivery systems for public assistance and social services programs.
• Providing overall direction of staff in program development, policy implementation, and resource management.
• Interpreting and executing decisions made by the Board of Commissioners and the Human Services Advisory Board.
• Identifying and responding to changes in policy.
• Professionally representing the agency at meetings and conferences.
• Building community coalitions in support of agency goals, including formulating and articulating agency positions on issues that are subject to public scrutiny.

Work Hours and Availability
Hours are 8:00 AM-5:00 PM weekdays. Must be available for evening meetings, special events, and during emergencies.

Master's Degree in a health and human services field, public administration, or a related field, and seven (7) years of progressively responsible human services experience that includes three (3) years of management level experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must have valid NC Driver's License, good driving record, and own transportation.

Must obtain residency in New Hanover County within 6 months of employment.

None required.

Compensation
The current salary range for the Director of Social Services is $106,258 - $180,637. The hiring range for this position is $106,258 - $160,000 + a competitive benefits package. Salary is negotiable within the hiring range, depending on qualifications.

New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Application Information
This position is open until filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received through March 24, 2026. After the priority consideration date, applications will be reviewed as they are received.

At fewer than 200 square miles, New Hanover County is the second smallest of North Carolina's 100 counties-but one of the most densely populated and vibrant. Home to around 235,000 residents and the coastal city of Wilmington, the county is known for its strong economy, natural beauty, and high quality of life. The County operates under a Board of Commissioners-County Manager form of government and is guided by shared values of Professionalism, Integrity, Innovation, Stewardship, and Accountability.

New Hanover County is committed to progressive public policy, superior service, and sound fiscal management that meet the needs of its citizens today and into the future.

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.