Implementation Specialist

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.

The mission of the School of Social Work is to advance equity, transform systems, improve lives. The School's curriculum supports the mission and recognizes the uniqueness of the region served, including concerns for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families and communities. Classes provide rigorous and evidence-based content, and give students the opportunity to explore theory, learn intervention skills and engage in challenging dialogue with colleagues.

The position is eligible for remote work with the ability to travel in SC for in-person events. The most competitive candidates will have familiarity with South Carolina communities. We are seeking a person who either lives in South Carolina and/or is very knowledgeable about South Carolina community needs. We desire a candidate who understands the health and human services landscape in South Carolina or someone who is well versed in the needs and the strengths of local South Carolina communities and families who need support. The successful candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of South Carolina non-profits, public health and human service entities, k-12 schools, and/or health providers and other organizations that serve vulnerable families.

Funded by The Duke Endowment, KinCarolina is based in the belief that caregivers - who are the experts on their families - need multiple types of support to thrive. The KinCarolina project team is comprised of experienced practitioners and researchers from across the country who are passionate about kinship care. The project offers support to caregivers in South Carolina and studies the effect of peer, financial, and family support on caregiver well-being.

The Implementation Specialist plays a central role in assisting with the KinCarolina study, leading caregiver recruitment and community outreach efforts to build awareness, foster partnerships, and support participant enrollment. This role co-leads the study intake process, ensuring a welcoming, efficient, and participant-centered onboarding experience including conducting caregiver interviews and assisting with the completion of necessary enrollment forms.

The Implementation Specialist manages the onboarding and implementation of the study's control group in accordance with the randomized controlled trial ( RCT) design. Serving as the primary point of contact for control group participants, they oversee enrollment, maintain consistent communication, and ensure compliance with study protocols for ongoing research participation.

For participants in the treatment group, the Implementation Specialist leads ongoing benefits consultations and coordinates access to community-based resources, helping caregivers navigate systems and meet their individual needs. The role also supports the planning and implementation of therapeutic and peer-based activities designed to strengthen caregiver support networks, such as assisting in organizing semi-annual in-person gatherings for families.

In addition, the Implementation Specialist participates in weekly check-in meetings, monthly full team meetings, and implementation and recruitment team meetings to ensure alignment and effective collaboration. The role is responsible for maintaining accurate documentation and providing internal reporting on participant engagement, program activities, and key deliverables to support continuous improvement and fidelity to the study design. Navigating and updating multiple online systems and programs for project management is a critical aspect of team communication.

The successful candidate will work as a member of a large research team where partners are sited in various states across the U.S. (e.g. North Carolina, Washington, DC, Arizona, Ohio). However, the Implementation Specialist will work daily with the intervention team situated in South Carolina and based in a partnership with the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

This role requires a demonstration of a deep understanding of and connection to South Carolina communities. Candidates who live in, have strong ties to, or are actively engaged in local networks across the state are strongly encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate brings cultural awareness, community connections and credibility, and the ability to build trust with caregivers and partners.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and build trust with a variety of populations
* Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, track data, and maintain accurate and timely documentation
* Familiarity with research or program protocols
* Proficiency with basic data systems (e.g., Excel, project management tools)
* Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally as needed
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team with diverse skill sets

* Demonstrated experience in program implementation, community outreach, or participant engagement
* Experience coordinating services, resources, or benefits for individuals or families
* Strong connection to and understanding of communities across South Carolina, with the ability to engage local networks and build trust with caregivers and partners

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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.