This job posting expires at 11:59PM on November 22, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on November 22, 2026.
Job Title: Strategy & Innovation Director
Department: Strategy and Innovation
External Hiring Range: $114,980.75 - $189,073.76
Compensation Grade: 3014
Posted Internally and Externally
Buncombe County is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking Strategy and Innovation Director. This position is responsible for driving effective policy management and innovation initiatives. The Director is expected to exemplify strong customer experience, accountability through consistent follow up, and execution with excellence when working with internal and external stakeholders. This position is also expected to uphold and model the County’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Honesty, and Equity in all aspects of its work.
Buncombe County’s Strategy and Innovation Department has a total of 9 employees, including this position. This role oversees three (3) Strategic Policy and Analysis Managers.
Key Projects & Oversight for the Strategy & Innovation Director
Strategic Plan oversight, including departmental business plans
Community Survey contract management; data evaluation and interpretation; presentation to BOC, dept heads, etc
Development and implementation of the county-wide innovation program, Mindworks
Data collection and analysis for a wide variety of departmental projects
Synthesis of data into concise communication formats (ie. memos, powerpoint)
Presentation of data and recommendations based on data to all levels of the organization
Onsite interviews are targeted for the week of November 30th, 2026. We anticipate the selected candidate to begin employment in mid-December.
The Strategy and Innovation Director will be required to work on-site during the onboarding and acclimation period. After six (6) months of employment, the position will be evaluated for a hybrid work arrangement. This position must reside or relocate to a residence within a 2-hour drive of the work location (200 College Street, Asheville NC 28801). There is no requirement that candidates reside within Buncombe County limits.
Purpose of the position:
Responsible for directing the activities and productivity of the Strategy and Innovation department to support all County departments by overseeing strategic planning, evaluation, data analysis, program analysis, business planning, process improvement, innovation, facilitation, access to performance data, development of performance metrics, and enterprise level project management to ensure alignment with the County’s vision and strategic plan.
Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Master’s degree in public, business, personnel administration, or a related field and five (5) years of experience in performance/project management, including at least three (3) years of managerial/supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Essential Functions of the position:
Direct and supervise the activity of a department or division including the coordination of fiscal and personnel related activities. Provide supervision, evaluation, and ongoing support of department staff through formal and informal discussion and evaluation; provide guidance and clarity as needed; including, but not limited to: supporting career development and team goals, overseeing objectives and performance standards, and resolving personnel issues.
Analyze workflow, delegate projects to meet departmental goals.
Plans and monitors department operating budget; authorizes purchases and expenditures from budget.
Conduct systematic and methodical evaluation and analysis of data and facts to inform decision making by Department Directors, County Leadership and Elected Officials.
Manages Enterprise-Wide Departmental Business Planning through a process that defines and documents goals, initiatives, actions, and measures that align with the County’s strategic…