Associate Director of Research Project Management

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Atlassian JIRA, Budgeting, Business Operations, Business Strategy, Childcare, Data Science, Diversity, Federal Government, Funding, Genetics, GitHub, Government, Government Funding, Government Organizations, Hardware Administration, Higher Education, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Multitasking, NSF Audio Formats, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Operations Planning, Operations Processes, Operations Research, Patient Care, People Management, Performing Arts, Problem Solving Skills, Process Development, Project Evaluation, Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Software, Project Planning, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Proposal Development, Recreation, Research & Development (R&D), Resource Management, Retail, Risk Management, Software Administration, Software Development, Staff Development, State Government, Strategic Planning, Sustainability, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Technical Editing, Technical Writing, Training/Teaching
LOCATION
Chapel Hill, NC
POSTED
7 days ago

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department Renaissance Computing Inst-637100 Career Area Research Professionals Posting Open Date 06/09/2026 Application Deadline 07/06/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Associate Director of Research Project Management Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 20024912 Vacancy ID NF0009810 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent upon Qualifications Proposed Start Date 07/20/2026

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Are you ready to go beyond the state of the art?

At the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), we use data, creativity, and inclusive teaming to revitalize how science is done. Fostering data science expertise and creating cyberinfrastructure isn't just about solving known problems - it's about expanding human potential by unlocking data.

We need innovators, builders, strategists, technologists, architects, and creative thinkers across all domains to drive this work forward. When you join our team, you'll:

  • Spend your time solving the interesting and unique problems of research and development.
  • Shape your future through experimentation and unfettered access to premier education and research.
  • Make connections to people and projects that ignite your passion.

We know that diversity of people and ideas is a cornerstone of innovation, and we work to ensure our culture reflects that knowledge. We provide the tools you need to do your job effectively; we offer flexibility so you can be the most productive version of you; and we encourage thoughtful and challenging discourse.

Join our research institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill today and help us spark a scientific renaissance across the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and beyond.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Research Project Management provides integral support to the organization in its research and operational efforts.

This position provides leadership and oversight to the Research Project Management Group, including program management and strategic direction and support for large collaborative projects at RENCI. The role is directly responsible for staffing and overseeing complex research projects funded by NIH, NSF, and other federal and state government organizations, as well as leading collaborative efforts between RENCI and UNC campus units as needed.

The Associate Director is expected to interact with representatives of federal agencies, universities, government, and industry partners to expand RENCI's funding portfolio. Additionally, the Associate Director manages day to day business operations, supervises project resources, and works closely with the Office of the Director in supporting RENCI's overall strategic goals.

The position assumes supervisory duties for 3 - 7 direct reports, including staff development, resource deployment, process creation, and implementation. The incumbent should be highly motivated and detail oriented, a strategic thinker, and a team player, with demonstrated problem solving and decision making skills.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

The incumbent must have the ability to perform the following duties:

Strategic Team Sustainability:

  • Develop growth plans

  • Monitor capacity and capabilities

  • Communicate upcoming needs

  • Maintain operational processes

Events / Communications:

  • Co-lead and advise RENCI workshops, hackathons, trainings, and multi institutional meetings

Budgeting:

  • Maintain group budget and ensure compliance

Group Supervision:

  • Lead and manage direct and indirect reports

Strategic Organizational Support:

  • Participate in RENCI leadership activities

  • Identify internal improvements

  • Develop updated processes

Proposal Support:

  • Contribute to proposal development, collaboration building, and funding growth

  • Monitor federal funding opportunities

Project Planning & Management:

  • Plan and manage large, multi faceted projects

  • Analyze and mitigate project risks

  • Manage day to day project operations

  • Lead complex initiatives and manage multiple projects

Proposal & Communications:

  • Assist in research and proposal development

  • Draft and edit scientific and technical materials

  • Generate routine project reports

Interpersonal:

  • Establish and maintain constructive working relationships

  • Understand internal operations relative to external expectations

Technical:

  • Use hardware and software to support project outcomes

  • Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Monday.com, Jira)

  • Identify and recommend new technologies

Management:

  • Lead staff in alignment with UNC policy

  • Mentor employees and support professional development

  • Develop operational frameworks and standardized approaches

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

  • 3+ years in project or program management
  • PMP certification
  • Experience with federally funded projects
  • Academic or education environment experience

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/320253

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Misty Parrish Human Resources Specialist Department Contact Telephone or Email misty.parrish@unc.edu Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  • Curriculum Vitae / Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

    • Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or mostly closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
  • Bachelor's degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field

  • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline

  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field

  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline

  • None of the above

    • Please describe your experience coordinating government-funded projects and/or large-scale projects in an academic setting. If you do not have direct experience in these areas, please describe how your experience might be relevant to these types of projects.

(Open Ended Question)

    • Provide an example of how you previously used project management tools (such as Jira, GitHub, Monday.com, or others) in your professional experience.

(Open Ended Question)

    • What strategies do you use when managing a project team?

(Open Ended Question)

    • What experience do you have working with software development teams? If you do not have direct experience in this area, please describe how your experience might be relevant to working with highly technical individuals.

(Open Ended Question)

About the Company

U

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Education
WEBSITE
http://www.sph.unc.edu/nutr/