Associate Director of Research Project Management

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.