Director, Office of Associated Entities, Foundations & Endowment

University of North Carolina at Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington seeks a Director for the Office of Associated Entities, Foundations & Endowment to lead financial operations for affiliated entities and endowment resources. The role reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and collaborates with executive leadership to ensure financial integrity, transparency, and strategic resource allocation.

The Director will oversee accounting, investments, and related financial activities, while ensuring compliance with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. Progressive experience in financial management, accounting, or related functions.
• Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or governmental accounting.
• Experience with endowment or investment management.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to the associated entities and the endowment's financial operations.
• Oversee accounting, investments, and related financial activities.
• Develop financial procedures and reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and UNC System policies.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent professional certification

Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or governmental accounting

Experience with endowment or investment management

Job description

Director, Office of Associated Entities, Foundations & Endowment

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is designated as Exempt from the Human Resources Act ( EHRA ).

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.

Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life-creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

As a member of the Seahawk community, you’ll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Hiring Range

Hiring Range Determined based on qualifications and/or experience.

Working Title

Working Title Director, Office of Associated Entities, Foundations & Endowment

The Director provides leadership, guidance, direction, and oversight to the associated entities and the endowment's financial and business operations, including accounting, investments, and related financial activities. Reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance, with a dotted-line relationship to the Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs, and supports the Business Affairs' leadership team to strategically influence the financial infrastructure of the associated entities and enhance the university's ability to support fundraising, financial sustainability, and long-term growth. Works with the campus community to ensure access to accurate and timely financial information, develop efficient and effective financial and business operational procedures, and implement technological advances across processes. Oversees the preparation, maintenance, and interpretation of internal and external financial reports and analyses, including audited financial statements and applicable tax filings. Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including those of the UNC System Office and other governing bodies, and serves as a key advisor to senior leadership while representing the university in interactions with governing boards and external stakeholders.

The position regularly presents financial updates to multiple governing boards of the associated entities, the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees of UNCW , and to the Board of Trustees of the Endowment Fund of UNCW . Advises senior management on endowment investment management, performance metrics, spending policy, and administrative fees, and works closely with the Advancement division to ensure accurate dissemination of information to donors regarding their endowment gifts and proper stewardship of those funds. Collaborates with the Office of General Counsel, the Property Review Committee, and the Facilities department on matters related to property and asset management, including coordination of projects associated with the university’s affiliated entities and alignment with institutional space management planning and utilization. The Director participates in real estate-related matters associated with the Associated Entities and Foundation but does not have primary management responsibility.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. Progressive experience in financial management, accounting, or related functions.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant ( CPA ) or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or governmental accounting.
• Experience with endowment or investment management.

Required Certifications or Licensures

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Office of Associated Entities and Endowment supports the university's mission by providing financial oversight, stewardship, and reporting for affiliated entities and endowment resources. The unit ensures compliance with applicable policies, promotes sound financial management practices, and supports institutional strategic priorities through effective use of financial resources.

College/School Information

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking. A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to- BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation's only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering. The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Number of Openings

Months Per Year

Months Per Year 12 Months

FTE

FTE 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Type of Position

Type of Position Permanent

Anticipated Ending Date if Time-Limited Positions

Job Posting Date

Job Posting Date 07/14/2026

Posting Close Date

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity with UNCW? (2026)
  • UNCW Website
  • UNCW LinkedIn Page
  • UNCW X Account (formerly Twitter)
  • UNCW Employee Referral
  • UNCW Instagram Account (UNCW_jobs)
  • UNCW Job Alert
  • Chronical of Higher Education
  • Glassdoor
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Indeed
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • North Carolina Job Network
  • Craigslist
  • Career Events/Job Fairs
  • Billboards/Marquee
  • Other
• If you selected "Other" to the question above, please explain how you found out about this opportunity. Enter N/A if not applicable.

  (Open Ended Question)