Applications Open Until May 15, 2026
Click here to view job description and apply:
https://nc.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NC_Careers/job/Executive-Director---Roanoke-Island-Festival-Park---HS60083689_JR-113613-1?utm_source=work4nc&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=main
Agency
Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources
Division
Historic Sites
Job Classification Title
Executive Dir Roanoke Island Commission (NS)
Position Number
60083689
Grade
FLATRATE
About Us
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!
Description of Work
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.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Recruitment Range: $90,000.00 - $125,000.00
To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.
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 (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:
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Business administration experience
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Strategic planning experience
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Stakeholder engagement
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Management
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Communications
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Museum and/or public history leadership
Position/Physical Requirements
Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.
This position is located at:
1 Festival Park
Manteo, NC 27954
As per N.C.G.S. 126, this Position is designated as Exempt from the State Human Resources Act (EHRA).
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Master's degree in public history, historic preservation, business or public administration, or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution
AND
five years of progressive historical experience in the private or public sector which includes research and history program management;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Section/Unit Description
Roanoke Island Festival Park is a 27-acre site. First opening in 1983 with the “Elizabeth II”, a 16th century replica sailing vessel, a visitor/ticket sales center, offices, and a 50-seat auditorium. In 1998 an expansion project was completed, adding an 8,500 sq. ft. Adventure Museum; a 240-seat film/small performance indoor theatre; 3,0000-sq.ft. meeting room; an outdoor performance pavilion with lawn seating for 3,500; a museum store; administrative offices; maintenance facilities; waterside boardwalks; and a public Kayak Launch.
This iconic historic site is nestled in the quaint town of Manteo, the county seat for Dare County, a top tourist destination that draws visitors by blending rich history with natural coastal beauty. The site’s waterfront pavilion provides the backdrop for concerts by nationally renowned artists through an annual summer concert series and fall bluegrass festival. Numerous couples have said “I do” on the pavilion grounds, which also serves as the site for numerous community events and gatherings.
North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the nation, recognized for its geographic diversity, featuring the highest Appalachian peaks (Mt. Mitchell) and 300+ miles of coastline.”
Division Description
The Division of State Historic Sites was established to coordinate administration of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ State Historic Sites Program, which includes 27 historic sites across North Carolina and Division offices located in Raleigh. We connect people to North Carolina’s history, sharing the power of place to inspire a common future through preservation, education, and transformative engagement. https://historicsites.nc.gov/
Click here to learn about employee perks and benefits.
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Supplemental and Contact Information
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.
We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.
Application Process
Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
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Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
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Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.
Degree/College Credit Verification
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.
Veteran’s and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA Accommodations
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
Employment Eligibility
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).
CONTACT INFORMATION:
N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Division of Human Resources
109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-814-6670
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Mary McClintock
Email:
employment@dncr.nc.gov
