Operations Manager

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Data and Information Sciences seeks an Operations Manager to lead the Finance and Operations team, oversee operational projects, and drive process improvements across the school.

You will coordinate priorities across departments, supervise the Facilities Coordinator, and report to the Associate Dean for Finance and Operations, ensuring efficient, compliant operations and a strong work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or a similarly complex environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency.
• Proficiency in standard office software and familiarity with enterprise systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational projects and continuous process improvements across the school.
• Coordinate priorities and resources across functional areas and departments.
• Provide day-to-day operational leadership and escalation support.
• Supervise the Facilities Coordinator and ensure a safe, functional work environment.
• Prepare and communicate operational plans and progress to leadership.

Skills

Higher education experience

Project management

Communication skills

Data analysis

Office software

PeopleSoft/Banner familiarity

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

PeopleSoft

Banner

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 School of Data and Information Sciences ( SDIS ) was founded in 2026 by joining the School of Information and Library Science (1931) and the School of Data Science and Society (2022). SDIS brings together longstanding excellence in information and library science with leadership in data science, including computational and statistical methods, and societal applications.

Home to a top ranked library and information science program, SDIS is recognized for strong teaching, research and service and is the home to the Carolina Health Informatics Program ( CHIP ) and the Center for Information, Technology and Public Life ( CITAP ). The School teaches and trains undergraduate and graduate students in data science, health informatics, information science and library science, as well as offers certificates for adult learners.

SDIS conducts research and scholarship across the data and information life cycle, with an emphasis on human-centric, ethical and applied approaches. Committed to data, information and AI literacy for all Tar Heels, SDIS faculty are tackling our communities’ most pressing needs and our world’s most intractable challenges.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager serves as a key member of the School of Data and Information Sciences’ Finance and Operations team, providing leadership and oversight for operational projects, business processes, and facilities-related initiatives. This position independently manages a diverse portfolio of projects, develops and implements operational improvements, and ensures the successful execution of strategic and administrative initiatives across the School. The Operations Manager provides day-to-day operational leadership by coordinating priorities across functional areas, resolving complex operational issues, supporting workload management and resource allocation, and promoting consistent, effective business practices. The position leads project planning and implementation efforts, drives continuous process improvement, and helps ensure organizational priorities are executed efficiently and effectively. The Operations Manager also serves as an escalation point for operational matters, oversees School-wide operational communications, and directly supervises the Facilities Coordinator to ensure a safe, functional, and responsive work environment. This position reports to the Associate Dean for Finance and Operations.

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

• Experience in higher education or a similarly complex environment.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to operational challenges.
• Ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency.
• Proficiency in office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), project management tools, and familiarity with academic or enterprise management systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Banner, etc.).
• Proficiency in using relevant software and technology for operations management.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a collaborative work environment.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to handle high-stress conditions and emergency situations.
• Ability to concentrate in active environments.
• Physical requirements may include moving weight, bending, stooping, and climbing, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to move about the office and school facilities to perform job duties and interact with staff and faculty.

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 education / experience that matches your background.
  • Masters degree or higher
  • Bachelors degree and 0-2 years of experience
  • A combination of related education and experience
  • None of the above