Assistant Department Chair

UNC-Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC-Chapel Hill’s Health Policy and Management department seeks an Assistant Department Chair to oversee budgeting, planning and reporting for the School. The role ensures compliance with grants, contracts and university policies while coordinating with IT, student services and space management.

The position participates in strategic planning with senior faculty and liaises with School and University offices to support research administration and financial operations.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s with 0-2 years’ experience, or related education/experience substitution.
• Comprehensive knowledge of academic fiscal administration and grants management.
• Experience in pre- and post-award processes and compliance with regulations.
• Experience coordinating grant-funded projects and service contracts with government or non-profit partners.
• Experience supervising staff and setting departmental priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to liaise with multiple campus offices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee department budget, planning and reporting for the Health Policy and Management department.
• Ensure compliance with external and University policies on business, research, and HR.
• Manage IT, student services, and space planning; supervise administrative staff.
• Serve as liaison with School and University business units and external partners.

Skills

Academic fiscal administration

Grants and contracts

Pre-award/post-award processes

Grant-funded project management

Service contracts management

Supervisory experience

Budget planning and reporting

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership and strategic planning

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

PeopleSoft

Job description

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.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

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.

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.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or most closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
  • Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
  • None of the above