Director of Special Projects

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 Secretary of the University department reports to the Chancellor and is responsible for overseeing administrative and operational matters related to strategic initiatives and special projects for the University. This unit serves as the University's liaison between internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to the Board of Trustees, Student Government, Employee Forum, and Faculty Council. The University's State Affairs and Federal Affairs departments report to the Secretary of the University - together the units jointly advocate for the University's priorities affecting higher education, while cultivating and building on relationships with the NC State legislature and U.S. Congress. Overseeing UNC Public Affairs, this unit serves as the primary liaison between the University and policymakers at the federal and state levels. The unit is charged with developing and advancing the University's policy agenda and expanding strong partnerships with our public officials.

The Director of Special Projects works jointly with leadership in the offices of Public Affairs and Finance and Operations, and is responsible for planning, managing, and executing a variety of strategic initiatives and special projects that support the university's mission and administrative operations. This role involves high-level and operational support, financial analysis, excellent communication skills, cross-departmental collaboration, research, data analysis and project management to enhance institutional efficiency and effectiveness. The Director provides comprehensive support to the Chief Strategic Officer ( CSO) and University Secretary in fulfilling responsibilities related to the Board of Trustees ( BOT) by ensuring the Board has timely access to all information, resources and materials required to effectively support the University's mission and strategic objectives. This includes identifying opportunities for engagement and interacting with campus leadership. The Director assists the CSO and University Secretary in engaging campus leaders in preparing for presentations to the BOT at the regularly scheduled meetings; represents the University at special events in the absence of the Chancellor and CSO and University Secretary; works with the Executive Director for Real Estate for Carolina North, the Director of Local Relations, and the Carolina North Working Group to assist in communicating and championing planning and development efforts for Carolina North; represents UNC in the community engagement process for Carolina North, including representation before alumni, elected leaders and other stakeholders, such as businesses, neighborhoods, non-profits and community leaders; facilitates meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagement sessions; provides comprehensive financial and operational support on special projects within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations, including the ability to research and analyze strategic choices and make recommendations; monitors and evaluates project outcomes to ensure alignment with university goals; and develops, implements and oversees special projects as assigned by the CSO and University Secretary or the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations. Special projects will include but not be limited to Athletics, UNC Health, Carolina North, and other pan-university projects. The Director also establishes project timelines, objectives, deliverables, and success metrics for each project; coordinates resources, stakeholders, and project teams to ensure timely completion; and prepares reports, presentations, and documentation for senior leadership.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. This experience may be related to the direction/oversight of programs that focus the academic and research resources of a higher education institution towards community or regional issues.

* Strong communication, presentation and listening abilities and aptitude for effectively navigating internal and external processes.
* Effective interpersonal skills, social and emotional intelligence and political acumen to operate in a highly dynamic environment.
* Financial analysis skills, including ability to prepare and analyze basic financial models and corresponding risks.
* Ability to establish project priorities in an organized manner for successful day-to-day and long-term planning efforts.
* Self-starter who can work independently
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Excel and Word.

* Ability to establish personal priorities in an organized manner for successful day-to-day and long-term planning efforts.

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.