Wake Forest Center Aging Director – Town of Wake Forest, NC

Overview

Wake Forest, NC invites applicants for the Center for Active Aging Director. The Director is a visible, communicative, and empathetic leader who will guide the Center through continued transition following the Town’s assumption of operational oversight and leadership restructuring. The ideal candidate is someone who can build trusted relationships, support staff stability, and help align the Center within the Town’s municipal framework while honoring its history and strong community ties.

Experience working in senior centers or older adult services is beneficial, particularly for someone ready to grow the Center, expand access to resources, and build upon existing programs and services to meet the evolving needs of Wake Forest’s senior population.

About The Organization

The six-member Wake Forest Town Board, operating under the Council/Manager form of government, fosters a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community with a high quality of life. The town’s nearly 500 employees work to fulfill its mission and strategic goals, as outlined in its  Strategic Plan. All staff uphold the town’s core values of caring, commitment, character, collaboration, and innovation. Wake Forest holds a AAA bond rating, has received multiple GFOA awards, and maintains a  FY budget of $139.2M.

The town emphasizes community engagement through eight Advisory Boards and Commissions and modern communication tools, including mobile apps, e-newsletters, a TV channel, neighborhood social channels, and a Citizens  Academy.

About The Community

Located in Wake County, just north of Raleigh and part of the Research Triangle region, Wake Forest features a walkable downtown with many local restaurants and shops. It is home to the Southeast Baptist Theological Seminary and Wake Forest Reservoir (50 acres). The community of about 55,000 residents offers parks, greenways, recreational opportunities, and a strong reputation for quality of life.

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is the town’s premier cultural arts venue within the Renaissance District, a 220-acre area that highlights cultural and historical attractions. The town enjoys broad national and regional recognition for its living and working environment.

About The Center And Position

The Wake Forest Center for Active Aging (WFCAA) is a town-operated facility providing programs, services, and social opportunities for adults aged 55 and older. Guided by its mission of enhancing lives through community, connection, and wellness, the Center offers fitness classes, educational workshops, creative programs, support groups, and social events. Formerly known as the Northern Wake Senior Center, the WFCAA was renamed in 2025 to reflect a positive, active approach to aging.

Reporting to an Assistant Town Manager, the WFCAA Director develops, supports, controls, and administers a budget of approximately $650,000 and supervises two direct reports (Community Engagement Manager and Program Manager) while leading a team of five full-time and three part-time staff, as well as 15 volunteers. The Director oversees daily operations to ensure high-quality programs, services, and facility management that support a diverse, growing senior population.

Key responsibilities include planning, organizing, scheduling, and leading educational, recreational, and wellness programs; maintaining records related to demographics and service delivery; conducting long-range planning; supporting development of the WFCAA master plan; and preparing reports for Town leadership and annual reporting requirements. The Director also oversees grant proposals and reporting and administers the department’s financial operations, including expenditures, payroll, fees and charges, purchasing, and maintenance of accurate financial records.

Key Position Priorities

• Enhance relationships across staff, seniors, Town leadership, and community partners by serving as a visible, engaged bridge builder who restores confidence through transparency, presence, and follow-through.
• Champion collaborative communication and engagement by ensuring regular, transparent, clear, and consistent messaging so staff and members feel heard,…