Academic Programs Office Manager, Durham

State of North Carolina; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State Health Plan

Tuition waiver benefits

Retirement options

On-site gym and facilities

Job summary

NCSSM is seeking an Office Manager for Academic Programs in Durham. This permanent, 1.0 FTE SHRA role reports to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs and supports the dean, directors, and program staff across departments.

The position oversees program administration, budget, AP testing coordination and events, with flexible/hybrid work options. Bachelor’s degree and 1 year related experience required; NCSSM offers strong benefits and tuition waivers across UNC System.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of program area and trends in academia.
• Ability to coordinate programs/projects, manage resources and budgets.
• Ability to provide advice, counsel, and understanding of client needs across departments.
• Ability to review and analyze program information, data, and financial statements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Office Manager for NCSSM Academic Programs in Durham.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and support to deans, directors and program staff.
• Manage contracts, grants and budgets; monitor activities and risk.
• Act as first point of contact for students, staff, families and vendors.

Skills

Program management

Budget management

Consultation

Data analysis

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 1 year experience

Job description

Agency

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) a constituent of the University of North Carolina System, is a world-class public high school with statewide reach empowering academically talented students from every corner of the state to design their own future. We offer our Residential high school program in Durham and Morganton for juniors and seniors, our Online supplementary honors program, and individual virtual daytime Connect courses in partnership with local high schools, all tuition free. Our wide array of summer offerings for rising fifth- through 12th-graders includes free opportunities for in-state students alongside paid options for students from anywhere in the world. Specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math and embracing the fine arts and humanities, NCSSM has become the model for 18 such specialized schools around the globe since its founding in 1980. For more information visit ncssm.edu. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran or national guard. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Division

VC for Academic Programs

Job Classification Title

University Program Specialist (S)

Position Number

60087936

Grade

31000156

About Us

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) a constituent of the University of North Carolina System, is a world-class public high school with statewide reach empowering academically talented students from every corner of the state to design their own future. We offer our Residential high school program in Durham and Morganton for juniors and seniors, our Online supplementary honors program, and individual virtual daytime Connect courses in partnership with local high schools, all tuition free. Our wide array of summer offerings for rising fifth- through 12th-graders includes free opportunities for in-state students alongside paid options for students from anywhere in the world. Specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math and embracing the fine arts and humanities, NCSSM has become the model for 18 such specialized schools around the globe since its founding in 1980. For more information visit ncssm.edu. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran or national guard. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Description of Work

CLOSING DATE: Thursday, November 5, 2026
**This position will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date listed.

POSITION TYPE: Permanent, 12-months, SHRA, FLSA Non-exempt, 1.0 FTE

NCSSM and the Academic Programs Division foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research.

Description of Duties:

This position is the Office Manager for Academic Programs for NCSSM-Durham, and reports to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs. The position provides program management and analysis for the Academic Programs departments, administrative support to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs, and provides day-to-day leadership, consultation, and support to each dean, director, chair, and program assistant within each discipline. This position serves as the first point of contact for all customers in Durham, including students, staff, faculty, families, and vendors. Major functions of the positions are: Program Support to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs and all entities within Academic Programs, Budget, Advanced Placement Testing Coordination, Special Events Coordination, Administrative Support for Key Faculty Processes, Supervision of Part-time and/or Temporary Academic Programs staff, and other duties as assigned. Flexible/Hybrid work may be available.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $59,311 - $63,730

Hiring salary will be determined based on education, experience, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Professional Knowledge Knowledge of the specific program area(s). Ability to keep current with developments and trends in areas(s) of expertise.
• Program/Project Administration Ability to coordinate and administer program(s)/project(s), activities and protocols. Ability to manage resources and budget. Ability to prepare and manage contracts and grants. Ability to monitor activities, and assess risk and quality control associated with the program.
• Consultation Ability to provide advice and counsel. Knowledge of the client programs, organization and culture. Ability to acknowledge and consider client’s and organization’s range of internal and external priorities in terms of the organization’s mission and goals. Ability to understand the relationships and interrelationships of all the issues across organizational boundaries. Ability to share knowledge and critical thinking processes to achieve mutually agreeable outcomes.
• Information Analysis and Decision-Making Ability to review, summarize, and analyze program information, data, business operations, and/or financial statements. Ability to determine and ensure compliance with program objectives, laws and regulations. Ability to choose an effective course of action or develop appropriate solutions and/or reach conclusions. Ability to take action consistent with available facts, constraints, and anticipated consequences.
• Communication and Marketing Ability to communicate, in written and oral form, detailed and technical program information, guidelines and standards/statutes/codes/regulations to various audiences to ensure that they understand the information and the message, and to seek compliance. Ability to deliver presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience such as negotiating solutions among different parties.
• Leadership Ability to coordinate, facilitate, and participate in a collaborative approach to the completion of tasks or assignments.

Team NCSSM Benefits

NCSSM remains atop list of best public high schools in America

NCSSM has once again been recognized as the best public high school in America in Niche.com’s new2027 ranking of schools in the United States. This marks the fourth time in five years that NCSSM has earned the top spot nationally. More importantly for North Carolina citizens and students, this also marks the seventh year in a row that Niche.com has named NCSSM the top public high school in North Carolina.Read more.

Join our winning team!

NCSSM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and work-life balance of our employees. Highlights include generous vacation and sick leave; 12 annual holidays; paid parental, family medical, and community service leave; and flexible work schedules where applicable. Leave is earned monthly and pro-rated for part-time employees and those working less than 12 months. Employees also enjoy access to the State Health Plan, multiple retirement options (including TSERS and ORP), supplemental retirement savings plans, tuition waiver benefits across the UNC System, and free access to on-site facilities like a gym, library, and cafeteria. Additional perks include life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and membership eligibility with the State Employees Credit Union.

Please visit NCSSM Employee Benefits for more information.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences:

• Administrative Program Management Experience: 3+ years of demonstrated experience managing day-to-day office operations, administrative programs, and supporting executive-level leadership.
• Academic or Higher Education Environment: Experience working within a high school, college, or university setting, with a history of supporting faculty, students, parents, and leadership across multiple departments or campuses.
• Financial & Budget Administration: Proven experience managing program/departmental budgets, monitoring expenditures, performing reconciliations, and utilizing financial management systems or software.
• Event Coordination & Logistical Planning Skills: Experience planning, organizing, and executing large-scale events, ceremonies, or retreats, including managing logistics such as travel, vendor setup, and scheduling.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with experience interacting professionally with internal and external stakeholders.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.