Executive Director, Eshelman Innovation

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department SOP-Eshelman Innovation-450300 Career Area Academic Administration Posting Open Date 06/25/2026 Application Deadline 07/27/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Executive Director, Eshelman Innovation Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 20059996 Vacancy ID NF0009854 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent on Qualifications Proposed Start Date 09/01/2026

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

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Public Health, Social Work, and Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School's Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/).

Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world's most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.

Position Summary

The Executive Director leads the Institute charged to create and sustain an innovation engine at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. The Executive Director will lead the Institute team in the effort to make the Eshelman Institute for Innovation (EII) a premier institution nationally and internationally where ideas are seeded, nurtured, and translated into transformative societal outcomes through innovation in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences education, research, and health care.

The Executive Director will be responsible to manage and grow the assets of EII in the form of reputation, revenue, intellectual property, projects and programs with embedded intellectual property and knowhow. The Executive Director will work to develop and foster strategic collaborations and partnerships, attract gifts and investments, and monetize intellectual property assets to sustain the Institute.

The Executive Director will oversee the Institute staff, operations including budget/finance, and the existing programs (e.g. funding innovative ideas, manage the EII-funded large programs, etc.), as well as the creation of new programs.

The Executive Director will be responsible for excellent internal and external communication of the activities and impact of the Institute, and for creating and sustaining a strong brand. By aligning the mission and goals of the Institute with those of the School and the University, the Executive Director will enable the Institute to positively impact the School and University through the development of a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Executive Director will critically evaluate and refine the Institute strategy periodically with the input and advice of the EII Steering Board. The Director will work closely with the Steering Board and develop/manage a process by which new Board members will be added and current members will be rotated out. The position reports to the Dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Master's in professional degree required, with a minimum of 10-15 years experience
• Strategic Planning and Implementation experience required

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

PhD preferred

Ability to work effectively across complex organizations

• Knowledge of academic policies and processes preferred
• Demonstrated leadership skills including the ability to work cross-functionally, manage crisis, and align interests of multiple parties
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Experience in Business Development and Client Relationship Management
• Experience engaging with corporate partners, high level donors and senior management in corporations, building strategic partnerships and alliances

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/321453

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Victoria Fleming, Associate Director of HR and Engagement Department Contact Telephone or Email parnellv@email.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

• • At the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, everything we do begins and ends with a patient in mind. This includes supporting and serving a highly diverse community of students, patients, faculty, and staff. Please describe examples in which you have successfully worked with or supported a diverse group of people.

(Open Ended Question)