Business Officer 3

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Pre-Award Research Lead to provide technical direction for pre-award operations across multiple departments. This role supervises accounts, ensures compliance with government accounting, and coordinates with departments on grant administration and financial data management.

Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in research administration, and the position reports to the Pre-Award Research Office and Support (PROS).

Qualifications

• Advanced ability to monitor and manage financial accounts for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and laws.
• Ability to develop complex formulas for spreadsheets.
• Strong communication and supervision skills for training and review of staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-award operations across departments within PROS.
• Supervise and assist departments with grant administration and financial/data management.
• Serve as the team lead for escalations and complex issues in pre-award services.

Job description

Job Details

• Working Title: Business Officer 3
• Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
• Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent
• Hours per week: 40
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Proposed Start Date: 10/05/2026

About the University

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

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.

Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We prepare tomorrow`s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.

Position Summary

The Pre-Award Research Lead is an integral part of the Pre-Award Research Office and Support (PROS), serving as the technical expert lead providing overall direction of pre-award operations across assigned departments. The position is responsible for supervising and/or assisting assigned departments with account management, monitoring, and compliance with government accounting methods, procedures, and accounting practices. The position is responsible for developing and maintaining productive, collaborative working relationships and assessing and responding to assigned departments’ needs. The position applies research administration policy and practices and specifically, the position supervises and/or assists departments with grant administration/ management as well as financial and data management. This position serves as the Team Lead for the Pre-Award Research Office and Support (PROS) on all pre-award services, responsible for supervision, training, point of contact for escalations, handling the advanced/complex issues, and other related duties.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Mid- to late-career with Masters and 2- 4 yrs experience; Bachelors and 3-5 yrs experience

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Advanced ability to monitor and manage financial accounts for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and laws. Advanced ability to manage to report complex financial areas or programs, including preparation of financial statements and reports. Ability to develop complex formulas for spreadsheets. Must be able to train, assign, supervise, and review the work of others, and be able to perform/supervise several administrative and financial functions. Must be able to communicate with all levels of management and provide consultation, expertise, and recommend solutions.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Thorough knowledge of government accounting methods, procedures, and accounting practices. Experience in a university and/or medical setting is preferred. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Alyssa Boschetti - HR Consultant

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.