Project Manager-Western NC

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.

As the largest university-based local government training, advisory, and research organization in the United States, the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government offers more than 200 courses, webinars, and specialized conferences for more than 12,000 public officials each year. Established as the Institute of Government in 1931, the School of Government's mission is to improve the lives of North Carolinians by engaging in practical scholarship that helps public officials understand and improve state and local government.

The School offers a nationally ranked Master of Public Administration program - on campus and online - to prepare public service leaders. The School is also home to entrepreneurial and innovative initiatives that research, advise, and train in areas including public leadership, judicial education, technology, environmental finance, and development finance, among others.

For more information about the School, visit sog.unc.edu.

This position is fully remote and requires frequent travel to affected areas in Western North Carolina. The candidate must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel in Western, NC. This is a grant-funded position designed to support implementation of the initiative over a 12-18 month period. There may be an extension depending on future grants and funding.

The UNC School of Government seeks a dynamic, detail-oriented professional to serve as the Project Manager for a multi-organization initiative supporting local governments in Western North Carolina recovering from Helene. The initiative aims to improve coordination among existing technical assistance providers, identify unmet capacity needs, and deploy targeted support to local governments across the region.
The Project Manager will be based in Western North Carolina and will work closely with partner organizations including the Governor's Recovery Office ( GROW NC), the NC Association of County Commissioners ( NCACC), the NC League of Municipalities ( NCLM), the five western Councils of Governments (COGs), and Western Carolina University.

This role involves coordinating partner activities by supporting the regional coordination team's daily operations, facilitating collaboration among organizations, and managing meetings and project documentation. It also includes engaging with local governments by serving as a liaison, connecting them with technical assistance providers, and maintaining relationships with regional stakeholders. The position supports needs assessment by gathering and synthesizing data on local capacity, conducting outreach, and contributing to a regional report on needs and service gaps. Additionally, it involves monitoring project progress, documenting outcomes, and assisting in reporting to funders. The role also includes supporting resource development by organizing training sessions and workshops and helping create tools and materials for both technical assistance providers and local governments.

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.

-Experience in local government, regional planning, nonprofit/public sector project coordination or related experience.
-Strong organizational and communication skills
-Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and coordinate among diverse stakeholders
-Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., shared drives, spreadsheets, task tracking software ).
-Ability to manage projects independently and to work without a high degree of supervision .
-Must possess a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation, and be willing to travel frequently throughout Western North Carolina.
-Residency in Western North Carolina is required.

-Familiarity with disaster recovery funding and local government operations
-Experience working with Councils of Governments, associations, or intergovernmental collaborations
-Knowledge of Western North Carolina communities
-Experience working in or with rural or small local governments
-Experience interpreting and visualizing quantitative and qualitative data

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.