Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation

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

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation to lead strategic initiatives, improve operational effectiveness, and drive organizational change across the Adams School of Dentistry and affiliated units.

The role requires program management, change management, and strong communication with stakeholders at all levels, delivering measurable improvements in service, efficiency, and patient care.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of project management and change management.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking abilities.
• Experience improving organizational performance across cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Advanced Excel and data visualization skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic improvement initiatives for ASOD operations.
• Define project goals, timelines, and success metrics.
• Coordinate with leaders across departments to implement changes.
• Monitor outcomes and sustain improvements.

Skills

Project management

Change management

Organizational improvement

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Posting Information

Department: ASOD Dean's Office-430100

Career Area: Academic Administration

Posting Open Date: 11/04/2026

Application Deadline: 11/18/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number: 20079309

Vacancy ID: NF0010168

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: Dependent on qualifications

Proposed Start Date: 12/14/2026

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 UNC Adams School of Dentistry Dean's Office provides oversight for the Adams School of Dentistry and serves as the liaison to the University, citizens, alumni and friends.

Position Summary

The Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation provides strategic project leadership and organizational improvement expertise to strengthen the operations and services that support the Adams School of Dentistry's education of future oral health professionals, advancement of research and discovery, and delivery of exceptional patient care. The position leads complex, high-priority initiatives designed to transform and improve ASOD operations, organizational effectiveness, service delivery, and the experience of faculty, staff, students, patients, and other stakeholders.

Working collaboratively with ASOD leadership and stakeholders across the School and University, the Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation identifies organizational and operational challenges and opportunities for improvement; defines, scopes, and prioritizes projects; analyzes current-state processes and organizational needs; and facilitates the development of solutions aligned with ASOD priorities. The position serves as a strategic thought partner to leadership and applies project management, change management, analytical, and continuous improvement approaches to complex issues that may cross multiple departments, programs, and functional areas.

The Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation leads initiatives through the full project lifecycle, including project definition and planning, analysis and solution design, implementation, change management, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Responsibilities include establishing project goals, deliverables, measures of success, and implementation strategies; coordinating work among subject matter experts and stakeholders; monitoring progress and outcomes; identifying and resolving barriers; and supporting the adoption and sustainability of improvements.

Projects vary in size, complexity, duration, and organizational impact. Depending on the scope and complexity of assigned initiatives, the position may lead a single large-scale project or manage multiple concurrent projects. The role works across organizational boundaries and relies on collaboration, facilitation, strategic influence, and effective stakeholder engagement to advance initiatives and achieve measurable improvements in support of ASOD priorities.

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

Demonstrated knowledge of project management, change management, organizational improvement, and problem-solving principles, with the ability to apply these concepts to complex, cross-functional initiatives.

Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to assess organizational and operational challenges, evaluate potential solutions, develop actionable recommendations, and use qualitative and quantitative information to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with leaders and stakeholders across multiple functional areas and organizational levels and to facilitate change and influence outcomes without direct supervisory authority.

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to facilitate meetings and discussions, present information and recommendations, and communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, navigate ambiguity, monitor progress and outcomes, and adapt to changing organizational needs.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Experience leading complex, cross-functional or organization-wide projects, strategic initiatives, operational reviews, or organizational improvement efforts.

Demonstrated experience applying project management and change management methodologies to the planning and implementation of complex initiatives.

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred. Formal training or certification in organizational change management methodologies, such as Prosci Change Management Certification or an equivalent program, is highly desirable.

Experience facilitating collaborative problem-solving and solution-design activities with senior leaders, subject matter experts, and stakeholders across multiple functional areas.

Experience developing performance measures, analyzing outcomes, and using data and metrics to evaluate effectiveness and support continuous improvement.

Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and develop clear recommendations, presentations, and other communications for senior leadership and diverse stakeholder groups.

Experience working within a complex organization, preferably in higher education, academic health care, or a similarly decentralized environment.

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint and experience using project management, collaboration, data visualization, or related business tools.

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/328161

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Matt O'Neal, Sr. Associate Dean of Finance & Administration

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.