The North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is seeking candidates for the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About the NCSFA:

The North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is a member driven organization that excels in communicating the needs of fire and emergency services in our state, engaging politically, training our members, and being responsible stewards of the financial resources.

The North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, founded in 1887, was incorporated under the laws of the State of North Carolina in 1889 as the North Carolina State Firemen’s Association. The name was changed by the legislature in 2016 to bring the name more in line with the definitive work of the membership. Throughout its long and active history, the Association has been respected and recognized as a major voice of the Fire Service. Its current membership totals approximately 1,246 fire departments and 53,000 fire service personnel. It has served its membership consistently since its founding in 1887.

That focus has never changed and is still a primary purpose for the organization today.  Everything the NCSFA does today is to improve the lives of those served by the Association.

In 1889 the NCSFA held their first convention with the idea of stimulating interest among firefighters and citizens in the fire service. They held competitions and training at conferences, the annual get together of the membership. Raleigh was the location of the first conference and has hosted many since, serving as the location of the first South Atlantic FIRE RESCUE Expo in 2009.

In 1891 the NCSFA helped establish the Disabled Firemen’s Act which became known as the Firemen’s Relief Fund when it was established as Public Law in 1907 by the General Assembly, Chapter 831 of the 1907 Session Laws. The original title was “An Act to Create a Firemen’s Relief Fund; and to Increase the Efficiency of the Fire Departments in the Several Cities and Towns of North Carolina”.  It is interesting to note that this law only applied to cities and towns and exempted any insurance company from the tax that had 50% of its business in North Carolina. The uses allowed in the original act are very similar to some of the clauses today in the Relief Fund Statutes, except that “destitute” was not used, simply referred to as “keeping firemen out of the alm’s houses” (county homes) as inmates, or for them to be dependent upon charity. It is also interesting to note that Chapter 868 of the 1907 Session Laws also created the elected position of Insurance Commissioner by the people, a position that later in the mid-20^th century was given the responsibility of State Fire Marshal.

Over the years the NCSFA created a scholarship program that provides 45 scholarships per year. The NCSFA developed insurance coverage for line-of-duty injuries and deaths and the accidental death and dismemberment program which covers all members 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  The Association works hard to fight for fire service benefits in the General Assembly, and has worked on funding for grants, relief funds, workers compensation, and pension benefits across the years. The Association works with the Office of State Fire Marshal, the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs, and other partners to promote safety in the workplace and training for the membership.

An annual conference of the Association’s membership is held in or around August of each year. During this conference the Association officers are elected, activity reports are given, annual awards are presented and scholarship awards recipients are recognized. Four delegates, who are authorized to vote on any official conference business including the election of officers, represent each member fire department at the annual conference. Current topics of interest to the fire service are presented at the workshops. A Past President’s luncheon is held each year at the conference to honor former association presidents and encourage fellowship. The lunch is a time for sharing of ideas to improve the Association. Members of the group meet to discuss old times and enjoy the fellowship with old and new friends. A 25/50 Year Pin ceremony is conducted during the business session at conference to recognize service accomplishments.

The membership of the Association may consist of any rated and certified fire department or fire marshal’s office upon payment of the required annual dues as required by the Bylaws. In addition to the Fire Department itself, all individual members of the fire departments shall be members of the Association. Also, county fire marshals, on active status, are entitled to be members of the Association upon payment of the required annual dues. The amount of the membership dues is set by the annual conference and are payable annually.

Day to day activities of the Association staff involve receiving and responding to relief fund requests, membership questions, handling of benefits, lobbying and advocating for firefighter issues, and assisting fire chiefs with managing their rosters.

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the seamless administration of the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (NCSFA) and all benefits and programs offered to its membership.

The COO reports directly to the Executive Director and ensures the organization operates effectively and efficiently in alignment with its mission, vision, and statutory responsibilities. This position leads key initiatives in finance, member services, benefits administration, compliance, and organizational development. The COO shall have the ability to serve as the acting director in the absence of the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Administration

• Under the direction of the Executive Director, oversees the daily operations of programs and benefits offered to the membership of the NCSFA and affiliated entities to ensure continuity and compliance.
• Supervises Finance Director and Accounting Specialist, manage corporate documents and leases, insurance policies, scholarships and grants, all legal and administrative records. Manage staff policies, cyber security, IT contracts, vehicle insurance & maintenance, workers compensation, property & casualty insurance, other asset repair and replacement as needed.
• Supervise finance staff performance and evaluate staff annually.

Program Oversight & Member Services

• Serve as a subject matter expert on all member benefits, insurances, and Fire & Rescue Pension.
• Manage the Firefighter Cancer Benefit Program, Line of Duty Death benefits, and supplemental insurance programs.
• Manage Scholarships and Grants
• Prepares reports for benefits partners; OSFM, etc.
• Assists with Roster Management and works with fire chiefs to ensure compliance.

Finance & Compliance

• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure financial integrity across all NCSFA funds.
• Oversee budget planning, audit preparation, and fiscal policy implementation.
• Manage and monitor contracts, requests for proposals, and capital expenditures.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal statutes related to financial reporting and firefighter benefit programs.
• Reviews and reports to the Executive Director all department finance reports, audits, and compliance documents.
• Review finance reports prepared by the CFO and staff for board meetings, etc.
• Maintains personnel handbook and board manuals.
• Oversees payment of association operations invoices
• Responsible for requests for proposals for replacement of office equipment, awarding of contracts, vehicle purchase and maintenance, warranties, other.

Communications & External Relations

• Serve as a liaison to partner organizations including OSFM, NCAFC, VFIS, and other key stakeholders.
• Assist Executive Director with legislative initiatives.
• Deliver presentations to partners, fire departments, and other affiliates as needed.
• Serves on boards and committees to support membership
• Manages office equipment and assets, contracts, etc.
• Serves as Administrator for Advance Firefighter Certification
• Serves as third-party administrator for Fire Officer III program and Fire & Life Safety Educators Conference

Conferences & Events

• Assists with the coordination of the annual SAFRE Conference and other major events.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of an associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Knowledge of the fire service preferred but not required.
• Graduate Degree or Certificate Program in Leadership, Management, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Experience in the governance of State, Local Government, or private organization preferred.
• Combination of education and experience in operations management: City, County, or Fire Department management preferred.

Supervisory Controls

The Executive Director sets overall objectives and provides resources. The COO plans and carries out assignments, resolves conflicts, coordinates with others as needed, and interprets policy within established goals and under direction of the Executive Director. Work is reviewed primarily for effectiveness and alignment with the organization’s strategic direction.

Supervision Given

Requires a broad knowledge of management practices to oversee multiple organizational units and supervise finance staff.

Complexity & Scope

The position involves managing diverse and complex administrative, financial, and operational functions. The COO’s work has significant impact on NCSFA’s strategic goals, compliance, and member services statewide.

Personal Contacts & Purpose

Regular contact with fire chiefs, local and state officials, vendors, professional organizations, and public representatives. The purpose is to build consensus, negotiate agreements, and advance NCSFA’s mission through leadership and collaboration.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Moderate physical activity includes travel, standing, and lifting items under 25 lbs. Work is typically in an office or meeting environment, with occasional travel to conferences and site visits statewide.

Other

This description is intended to outline primary responsibilities and qualifications. It does not restrict the Executive Director’s authority to assign or modify duties as organizational needs evolve.

Additional Information

Salary and Benefits: The salary range for the position is $84,730 -151,904. The starting salary is commensurate with education and experience. The NCSFA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, a 401k retirement savings plan, an annual service bonus based on years of service, paid vacation based on years of service, and sick leave.

TO APPLY:

Please submit the following to Barry A Overman, Executive Director, NCSFA, 323 West Jones Street, Suite 401, Raleigh, NC 27603.

• Resume, including work history, education and training, personal information, and 3 verifiable references.
• Submit a cover letter summarizing education and experience related to this position.
• Resumes and cover letters must be submitted and received at the office by January 15, 2026.
• The Board will invite successful semi-finalists to interview and/or skill evaluations following the completion of the application period, with final interviews as needed.
• Direct inquiries to Barry A Overman, 919-821-2132.

The NCSFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.