Department Manager

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 47,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Department Manager in the Asian & Middle Eastern Studies department. This senior administrative role translates academic priorities into operational plans and coordinates with Finance, HR, and Sponsored Programs.

The successful candidate will supervise department staff, support the Department Chair, and ensure compliance with college-wide standards while managing calendars, budgets, and daily operations.

Qualifications

• Entry-level with Masters; or Bachelors and 0-2 yrs experience
• Interpersonal skills, ability to write precisely, clearly, and concisely; proofreading
• Analytical and reasoning abilities for evaluating complex requirements and regulations at university, state, and federal levels
• Experience with computerized financial reporting and analysis systems; understanding of business computer technology
• Experience in planning, organizing, and implementing effective management systems
• Extensive financial and other management experience and/or demonstration of a high degree of competence in management of a complex organization

Responsibilities

• The Department Manager serves as the senior administrative leader for the department, coordinating with the Department Chair and faculty and centralized service units to ensure operational execution.
• Supervises department-based staff and maintains accountability for outcomes in a decentralized environment.
• Provides process oversight across administrative functions and aligns with College-wide standards.

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: Asian & Middle Eastern Studies-315500
• Career Area: Administrative/Clerical Support
• Posting Open Date: 09/30/2026
• Application Deadline: 10/14/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
• Working Title: Department Manager
• Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty
• Position Number: 00036115
• Vacancy ID: NF0010084
• Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent
• FTE: 1
• Hours per week: 40
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: $$47,300 to $65,000
• Proposed Start Date: 11/16/2026

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

This position is a Business Officer 1 (BO1).

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 Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (DAMES) is an academic unit in the College of Arts & Sciences. Our mission is to serve the undergraduate populations by offering majors and minors in a range of Asian and Middle Eastern languages and cultures. We also offer an MA program with two tracks: Interdisciplinary Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, and Chinese Studies. In addition, our faculty conduct research in the field of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and contribute to the College, the University, and the state through service and leadership.

Position Summary

The Department Manager serves as the senior administrative leader for the department, responsible for translating academic and strategic priorities into effective operational execution within a decentralized school environment. This role partners closely with the Department Chair and faculty while coordinating extensively with centralized/shared service units (Finance, HR, Sponsored Research, and Accounting). The Department Manager ensures that departmental needs are met through proactive planning, service coordination, and escalation, while maintaining accountability for outcomes despite distributed service delivery. The position supervises department-based staff, including student services and administrative personnel. This role has process oversight responsibility across administrative functions and operates with an implicit dotted-line relationship to College functional leadership, including the Associate Dean for Finance, Accounting, and Sponsored Programs Support and the Associate Dean for Human Resources, to ensure consistency, compliance, and alignment with College-wide standards.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Entry-level with Masters; or Bachelors and 0-2 yrs experience

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively interact with faculty, staff, students, researchers, and other university personnel
• Ability to write precisely, clearly, and concisely and to proofread documents to eliminate all errors and ambiguities
• Analytical and reasoning abilities relevant to evaluation of complex requirements and regulations at the University, State, and Federal levels
• Experience with computerized financial reporting and analysis systems, with a thorough understanding of business computer technology
• Experience in planning, organizing, and implementing effective management systems
• Extensive financial and other management experience and/or demonstration of a high degree of competence in management of a complex organization.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

The selected candidate is preferred to have: Working knowledge of PeopleSoft/ConnectCarolina, Infoporte, or similar systems and Adobe Acrobat XI Pro. Knowledge of UNC policies/procedures is preferred. Experience in grants management, personnel management, and academic administration Four years' experience in management of administrative activities in an academic setting 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.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326191

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Coop Roberts-Cooper, Business Training Manager

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.