NEW Center for Active Aging Director
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a field related to gerontology, social work, public administration, business administration, community organization, recreational administration, human relations, orarelated field, and three years of work experience in social services or a combination of at least two years of college education and experience in the applicable field
- A working familiarity with the active adults’ community network, resources, and state and local laws, practices, and regulations regarding human service programs.
- Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
- Obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications within six months of hire.
The Wake Forest Center for Active Aging (WFCAA) is a community facility operated by the Town of Wake Forest that provides 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 a variety of fitness classes, creative programs, educational workshops, support groups, and social events designed to keep older adults physically active, socially connected, and mentally engaged. Formerly known as the Northern Wake Senior Center, the WFCAA was renamed in 2025 to reflect a positive, active approach to aging while fostering lifelong learning, independence, and meaningful community involvement. Learn more about the WFCAA here.
Reporting to an Assistant Town Manager, the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging Director develops, supports, controls, and administers a budget (see pages 3-12) of approximately $650,000 and supervises two direct reports—the Community Engagement Manager and Program Manager—while leading a team of five full-time and three part-time staff, as well as 15 volunteer positions. The Director oversees the facility’s daily operations, ensuring high-quality programs, services, and facility management that support a diverse, growing, and evolving senior population. Key responsibilities include planning, organizing, scheduling, and occasionally leading educational, recreational, and wellness programs; maintaining accurate records related to demographics and service delivery; conducting long-range planning; supporting development of the WFCAA’s master plan; and preparing reports for Town leadership and annual reporting requirements. In addition to the budget, the Director oversees grant proposals and reporting and administers the department’s overall financial operations, including expenditures, payroll, fees and charges, purchasing, and maintenance of accurate financial records.
Key Position Priorities:
- Enhance existing and build new relationships across staff, seniors, Town leadership, and community partners by serving as a visible and engaged bridge builder who restores confidence through transparency, presence, and consistent follow-through.
- Champion collaborative communication, active listening, and engagement by optimizing regular, transparent, clear and consistent messaging to ensure staff and members feel heard, informed, and included in decisions that affect them.
- Lead the continued transition to Town governance by guiding the shift from nonprofit operations to municipal oversight; reinforce appropriate governance boundaries, clarify roles and reporting structures, support staff stability, manage community expectations, and help rebuild trust within a highly engaged and vocal membership base.
- Align the Center as one unified team by thoughtfully integrating municipal policies and procedures while providing steady leadership during ongoing transition; stabilize operations, navigate highly engaged stakeholders, and maintain a positive and welcoming member experience.
- Energize the Center’s community spirit and participation through strategic collaborations and an expanded array of dynamic offerings tailored for today’s active senior population
The Successful Candidate:
- Builds a strong sense of community within the Center and strengthens relationships between the Center, community partners, and the broader region and state;
- Demonstrates passion, empathy, and genuine investment in the senior population and all aspects of aging services;
- Brings strong technical and financial management skills to administer the budget, make cost-conscious decisions, and manage programs efficiently and responsibly;
- Serves as a visible presence and spokesperson for the Center, committed to people and relationships, not just the building;
- Listens first before taking action, creating space for staff and members to feel valued and engaged in shaping the future;
- Shows resilience and emotional intelligence, remaining steady under public pressure and comfortable leading when decisions may be unpopular;
- Balances empathy for seniors with adherence to municipal processes, establishing respectful but firm boundaries when needed;
- Demonstrates political awareness and the ability to navigate highly vocal stakeholders, elected officials, and local government dynamics;
- Uses conflict resolution and de-escalation skills to manage strong personalities and support a collaborative team environment;
- Collaborates closely with existing staff, supporting the transition from a nonprofit culture into a municipal system while fostering shared learning and mutual respect;
- Encourages creative and dynamic programming through partnerships, including collaboration with community organizations and regional venues such as the Renaissance Center;
- Maintains an active presence beyond the Center’s walls by participating in regional and state conversations related to aging services and human services;
- Understands the human services landscape and helps connect seniors with the right resources and support; and
- Demonstrates a long-term commitment to stability, trust-building, and sustained growth for the Center and the community it serves.