Assistant Department Chair

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Campus discounts for services and arts

Retirement plans and life insurance

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Gillings School of Global Public Health seeks an Assistant Department Chair in Finance. You will oversee the department's budget, planning and reporting, collaborating with the Associate Dean and senior faculty.

You will ensure compliance with federal/state/university policies, supervise administrative staff, coordinate IT and space management, and liaise with other campus units to support research administration and financial operations.

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree and 0–2 years of related education/experience.
• Strong knowledge of academic fiscal administration and grants management.
• Experience with pre- and post-award processes and compliance requirements.
• Experience coordinating administration and compliance of grant-funded projects.
• Supervisory experience and ability to lead a business office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft or similar financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage the department's overall budget, planning and reporting.
• Participate in strategic planning with the Chair and senior faculty.
• Ensure compliance with external and University policies.
• Oversee departmental administrative staff, IT, student services and space management.
• Serve as liaison with School and University business units.

Skills

Academic fiscal administration

Short- and long-term planning

Grants and contracts governance

Pre- and post-award processes

Grant-funded project administration

Contract/Continuing education funding

Supervisory experience

Setting business office priorities

Written and verbal communication

PeopleSoft experience

Education

Master's or Bachelor's degree

Tools

PeopleSoft

Job description

Posting Information

Department: SPH - Finance-460105

Career Area: Accounting/Finance/Auditing

Posting Open Date: 11/02/2026

Application Deadline: 11/16/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Assistant Department Chair

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number: 20006007

Vacancy ID: NF0010159

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Proposed Start Date: 01/04/2027

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

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.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The mission of the Gillings School of Global Public Health's finance office is to oversee budget planning, management and reporting at the School level and to lead financial policy development and implementation on behalf of the School. We serve as an adviser to School personnel on compliance matters and as a liaison between the School and auditors (internal and external). We also serve as the liaison between the School and various offices around campus (Provost's Office, Budget Office, Office of University Counsel, Internal Audit, as well as other UNC-Chapel Hill offices) on finance and compliance-related issues. The finance office directly manages financials for the central School units (CAUs) and the Public Health Foundation.

Position Summary

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Department of Health Policy and Management (HPM) is one of eight departments in the School of Public Health whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the population through the interaction of teaching, research, and service. It has an annual operating budget exceeding $10M and over 50 faculty and staff. HPM offers five graduate degrees (Ph.D., DrPH, MHA, MSPH, MPH), one undergraduate degree (BSPH), and two certificates, with a total of 432 enrolled students in a combination of residential and executive/distance education programs. The department collaborates with a number of units on campus including the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, the Kenan-Flagler School of Business, the Sheps Center for Health Services Research, the Carolina Population Center, and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Assistant Department Chair reports to the Associate Dean for Finance and Business, with a dotted reporting line to the Chair of Health Policy and Management and serves as a key member of the HPM leadership team. This position is responsible for managing the department's overall budget, planning, and reporting on financial issues, and participating in strategic planning activities with the Chair and senior faculty members. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant external and University policies related to business practices, research practices, and human resources. The position is responsible for oversight of departmental administrative staff and services including IT, student services support, and space management. The position also serves as a liaison with School and University business units.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of academic fiscal administration.
• Experience in short- and long-term planning.
• In-depth knowledge of Federal, State, and University regulatory requirements governing grants and contracts.
• Demonstrated proficiency in pre- and post-award processes.
• Experience coordinating and managing administration and compliance of grant-funded projects.
• Experience administering service contracts, technical assistance agreements, or continuing education funding mechanisms with state/local governments, non-profit organizations, or other public health partners.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in setting organizational priorities and goals for the business office.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

The individual must also demonstrate excellent oral communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, flexibility, and a problem-solving attitude. At least three years of experience processing and administering grants and contracts, particularly from the National Institutes of Health, is desired. Experience interfacing with students around research and training grants is desired. Experience with PeopleSoft systems is desired.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Extensive management background in a large organization; solid, demonstrated leadership capability; superior financial management and analytical skills; comprehensive knowledge and understanding of academic research administration and outstanding, effective written and verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Skills and knowledge include: capability to lead a team and produce results; proficiency in setting organizational priorities and goals for the business office; interpersonal skills to be used in working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders; strong focus on customer service and experience with continuous improvement; experience in short- and long-term planning; working knowledge of Federal, State, and University regulatory requirements governing grants; demonstrated proficiency in pre- and post-award processes; strong financial skills with a variety of fund types including state, F&A, trust, and grants; adaptive and effective utilization of information systems; ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion; and experience with effective management and supervision of staff.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA), or Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) preferred.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Danny Cook

Department Contact Telephone or Email: [e-mail]

Office of Human Resources Contact Information: If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]. Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: 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.

Quick Link: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327989