Presidential Scholar

University of North Carolina; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Gym access on site

Downtown Raleigh amenities

Job summary

The University of North Carolina System is seeking a Presidential Scholar for a one-year, full-time rotational fellowship. You will gain experience across communications, policy, data and analytics, government relations, budgeting, system governance, and academic and student affairs, supporting diverse system-wide initiatives.

This on-site role in Raleigh offers exposure to multiple divisions and a chance to contribute meaningful insights into policy and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Presidential Scholars must be a recipient of a December 2026 or May 2027 baccalaureate degree from a UNC system constituent institution.

Responsibilities

• Support operational functions across UNC System offices.
• Research higher education topics to inform policy and practice.
• Serve as support staff to multiple divisions and project teams.
• Provide valuable input to System Office policy initiatives and strategic activities.

Skills

Self-starter

Team player

Time management

Cross-functional collaboration

Professionalism

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Presidential Scholar program is a one-year, full-time rotational fellowship awarded to four recent graduates of UNC System baccalaureate programs. Scholars gain experience across the UNC System in areas such as communications, policy, data and analytics, government relations, budgeting, system governance, and academic and student affairs. This position is ideal for emerging professionals who are passionate about exploring careers in public service and higher education. Scholars support operational functions, research higher education topics, serve as support staff to a variety of divisions, and provide valuable insight into System Office policy and initiatives.

This position will work primarily on site. The UNC System Office is located in a state-of-the-art high-rise office space in the Dillon Building, located in Raleigh's vibrant Warehouse District. On-site downtown parking is free for employees. Employees also have free access to a gym on site and enjoy proximity to Morgan Street Food Hall & Market, as well as other local dining, arts, and shopping amenities.

This position is eligible for up to $500 to cover post-graduate applications or testing expenses.

To be considered for this position, please provide a resume (no more than two pages), a transcript (unofficial accepted), and a short-answer response (no more than 500 words) to each of the prompts below.

Short Answer Prompts:

The UNC System Strategic Plan focuses on five pillars: Access, Affordability and Efficiency, Student Success, Economic Impact and Community Engagement, and Excellence and Diverse Institutions.

1. Which of the pillars of the UNC System Strategic Plan most interests you, and how would you hope to contribute to advancing that priority as a Presidential Scholar?

2. How would serving as a Presidential Scholar support your personal and professional goals? You may also submit up to two letters of recommendation. If you choose to do so, please have each recommender email their letter directly to [e-mail]. Both the email subject line and the file name should follow this format: “Recommendation – [Applicant First Name] [Applicant Last Name] [Institution Name]” (e.g., Recommendation – John Smith UNCP).

This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

About the UNC System Office

The UNC System Office includes the offices of the President and other senior administrators of the multi-campus University of North Carolina System. The UNC System is a treasured public institution dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina through world-class teaching, research, and community engagement. Today, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in our 16 universities across the state and at the NC School of Science and Mathematics. System Office staff is responsible for executing the policies of the UNC Board of Governors and providing University-wide leadership in the areas of academic affairs, business and financial management, long-range planning, student affairs, research, legal affairs, and government relations. The UNC System Office also has administrative oversight of a number of University affiliates, including PBS North Carolina, the North Carolina Arboretum, the NC State Education Assistance Authority, and University of North Carolina Press.

About the Team

The President is the UNC System's chief administrative and executive officer, with complete authority to manage the affairs and execute the policies of the University, subject to the direction of the Board of Governors. The work of the President and Board of Governors is supported by a staff within the UNC System office. The Office of the Chief of Staff falls within the immediate Office of the President and coordinates the operations of the president's office and provides direct support to the president in carrying out the day-to-day responsibilities in managing the affairs of the University.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills

Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Competencies

Presidential Scholars must be a recipient of a December 2026 or May 2027 baccalaureate degree from a constituent institution within the University of North Carolina system.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

• Highly motivated self-starter
• Professional & conscientious team player
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple time sensitive, unique projects
• Ability to provide valuable input to high level, cross-functional teams
• Embody professionalism and leadership skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills

• Classification: University Program Associate
• Position Number: G0990029
• Employment Type: SHRA
• Appointment Type: Temporary
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Recruitment Salary Range:
• Location: USA
• Posting Open Date: 11/2/2026
• Posting Close Date: 12/4/2026 7:00 p.m. EST

Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) 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.

Human Resources Contact Information

Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: [e-mail].